1. Graduate’s outlook (professional expectations)
Professional focus: Sexology
To become an expert assisting people experiencing problems in their sex lives, or whose dysfunctional sexual behaviour causes suffering to others, and restores their sexual health: such is the challenge facing graduates of the Master in Family and Sexuality Studies: Professional focus “Sexology” programme. The School of Family and Sexuality Studies (ESFA) at UCL aims to train university clinical sexologists who promote the well-being of people in their sex lives, with respect for others, while interacting with other healthcare professionals.
The students who enrol on this course already hold a Master’s in Psychology or Medicine … (cf. admission requirements), and most of them are already working professionals. They wish to acquire a strong background in the field of sexology. They will utilise their acquired knowledge and experience throughout the programme.
On completion of the Master’s, the graduates will have acquired a broad specialist theoretical foundation in the disciplines related to sexology (in particular, psychology, sociology, biomedicine and law). Using the knowledge and skills acquired during their initial university training, they are capable of understanding and analysing, in accordance with a scientific and multidisciplinary approach, situations related to sexuality in all its complexity, bearing in mind the context. They are able to communicate and interact relevantly and appropriately with the various parties involved in any given situation.
In practical intervention situations, they apply their knowledge and skills in combination with a rigorous interdisciplinary approach to devise and execute a theoretically and empirically justified sexological intervention to assist the individual or couple using the clinical sexology services.
In recognition of their professional responsibility, sexology graduates adopt a critical approach while complying with and applying the deontological and ethical principles related to the practice of clinical sexology.
They question, enhance and consolidate their professional practice by critically reviewing their own work and the theoretical and practical innovations resulting from research that are likely to enlighten the field of clinical sexology and by conversing with other sexologists and healthcare professionals. They will be committed to continuous development, which will allow them to exercise their profession demonstrating expertise, flexibility and an ability to adapt and to evolve in their role.
Professional focus: interdisciplinary approach to the family and the couple
To become an expert in the field of the couple and the family, with an approach which takes account of sexuality and gender, is the challenge faced by the graduate of the Master in Family and Sexuality Studies, Professional focus “interdisciplinary approach to the family and the couple”. The School of Family and Sexuality Studies (ESFA) at UCL aims to train graduates who promote the well-being of people in their lives as a family or couple; while interacting with professionals from many disciplines at micro, meso and/or macro levels, depending on the situation.
Students who enrol on this course already hold a Bachelor’s degree or a degree from a “Haute Ecole” (as a nurse, social worker, etc.; cf. admission requirements) and are undoubtedly already working professionals. They wish to acquire a university Master’s degree centred around issues related to the couple and the family. They will utilise their acquired knowledge and experience throughout the programme.
On completion of the Master’s, the graduates will have acquired a broad base of knowledge, theories, tools and methods in the different disciplines required to understand the issues related to the field of the couple and the family.
They will use their knowledge and skills to understand, analyse and respond to situations and issues in the field of the couple and the family, in all its complexity:
- using an academic approach centred on analysis and a strict methodology;
- using a multidisciplinary approach, adopting a critical and discerning attitude with regard to the contributions of other disciplines;
- using questioning that takes account of sexuality and gender;
- communicating and interacting relevantly and appropriately with the different actors involved in a given situation;
- taking account of the context;
- complying with deontological and ethical rules;
- proposing courses of action to resolve the situation/problem.
Through their choice of option, the graduates will have directed their training towards either the issue of Gender or the issue of Ethics, or to an additional path to other disciplines.
They question, enhance and consolidate their professional practice by critically reviewing their own work with regard to knowledge resulting from research and by adopting an academic approach. They will be committed to continuous development, which will allow them to exercise their profession demonstrating expertise, flexibility and an ability to adapt and to evolve in their role.
2. The reference framework for learning outcomes
On successful completion of this programme, each student is able to :
If he/she has selected the professional focus “sexology”, the graduate will have acquired and demonstrated the knowledge and skills referred to below.
Se.1 To master, in a critical manner and using an interdisciplinary approach, a body of knowledge relating to the various disciplines concerned with the practice of sexology, which will enable them to treat the individual or couple suffering from sexual dysfunction.
Se.1.2 To have a critical and in-depth understanding of human sexual behaviour and dysfunctions in its interaction with the biological, social, psychological and sexological dimensions.
Se.1.3 To understand and analyse in a critical and in-depth manner scientific literature in the field of clinical sexology in both French and English.
Se.1.4 To identify and critically analyse theoretical and practical innovations resulting from research that are likely to enlighten the field of clinical sexology.
- Se.2.1 To set out and define a professional or research issue in the field of clinical sexology.
- Se.2.2 To produce a review of French and English scientific literature in the field of clinical sexology.
- Se.2.3 To adopt a critical attitude with regard to knowledge that is available and used, questioning its validity and relevance in relation to the issue being studied.
- Se.2.4 To take account of sociocultural factors related to the issue being studied.
- Se.2.5 To construct and implement a rigorous methodology providing a response to the issue being studied.
- Se.2.6 To select and apply in a critical manner the theoretically and empirically validated concepts and models and the relevant tools to examine more closely the issue in the field of clinical sexology.
- Se.2.7 To select, justify, review and apply, using an empirical approach, the techniques used to collate and analyse data in the field of clinical sexology.
- Se.2.8 To design and execute a programme of empirical, quantitative and qualitative research, using the appropriate statistical analysis tools, with regard to the research issue being studied.
- Se.2.9 To analyse and interpret the results and produce a reasoned critique, maintaining an objective approach detached from their own perceptions and prejudices.
- Se.2.10 To demonstrate the ability to summarise, and to form conclusions and practical courses of action.
- Se.2.11 To demonstrate an attitude of critical detachment with regard to research practices.
- Se.2.12 To critically identify the issues related to recent developments in the field of clinical sexology.
- Se.3.1 To successfully conclude the initial interviews (understanding and analysing the request) required to make a sexological diagnosis.
- Se.3.2 Using theoretically, clinically or empirically validated models and an interdisciplinary approach, to critically analyse complex situations related to the field of clinical sexology and to make a specific sexological diagnosis.
- Se.3.3 To analyse and review in a well-reasoned manner the scope and limitations of different types and tools of sexological intervention for the treatment of sexological dysfunction in accordance with their first degree.
- Se.3.4 To select the most appropriate sexological intervention (sex therapy) for the individual or couple using the clinical sexology services, verifying its methodological validity and justifying its relevance in relation to the situation, the diagnosis made and their own specialisation.
- Se.3.5 Review “routine” practices and develop new alternatives in clinical sexology.
- Se.3.6 To use, if necessary, a variety of intervention tools in clinical sexology in accordance with their first degree.
- Se.3.7 To suggest and successfully complete, in line with their own specialisation, a course of sex therapy appropriate for the individual or couple using the clinical sexology services.
- Se.3.8 To refer, when necessary, to another healthcare professional from a different discipline or with specialist expertise.
- Se.3.9 To analyse the quality and effectiveness of a sexological intervention.
- Se.3.10 To remain abreast of recent developments in intervention techniques in the field of clinical sexology.
- Se.3.11 To take part in discussion groups and case discussions and/or to monitor a scheduled supervision to improve their own technique.
- Se.4.1 To communicate verbally and in writing, in French and in English, on complex subjects in the field of clinical sexology (information, ideas, observations, conclusions, proposed interventions, and the underlying knowledge and principles) in a correct, structured, objective and logical manner and in accordance with the standards of communication specific to the context, adapting their communication (content and form) to the target group and to the objectives.
* Level C1 of the Common European Framework of Reference
Practical examples:
- Prepare well-reasoned reports on their observations and interventions, on the evaluation and the questions it raises.
- Produce an article on a clinical experience in sexology.
- Se.4.2 To converse respectfully and constructively with assorted stakeholders (patients, doctors from other disciplines, etc.), demonstrating the capacity to listen, keep an open mind, empathise and be assertive; in particular with the patient, in order to provide appropriate and effective care.
- Se.4.3 To converse with the recipient of the clinical sexology support in an appropriate manner from the first meeting, to communicate the diagnosis and full and explicit information on the planned intervention, and to discuss it in order to ensure effective care.
- Se.4.4 To interact and network effectively with other agencies involved in a given situation.
- Se.4.5 To communicate, converse and interact effectively with decision-makers and target groups in the field of the prevention of sexually transmitted infections, unplanned pregnancies and sexual violence.
- Se.4.6 To share clinical and scientific knowledge with other healthcare professionals and the general public.
- Se.5.1 To be familiar with, comply with and apply the legal frameworks and ethical codes (including professional secrecy and shared secrecy) which govern the practice of clinical sexology (in their work, exams, relations with other professionals and in clinical interventions) taking account of the specific nature of their professional field.
- Se.5.2 To demonstrate ethical sensitivity and respect.
- Se.5.3 To demonstrate the ability to distance themself from their prejudices, points of view and cultural values.
- Se.5.4 To apply the rules relating to ethical research in their work, exams and relationships with fellow professionals.
- Se.5.5 To take a position with regard to the issue of professional secrecy and to refer to the rules of ethics.
- Se.5.6 To analyse ethical dilemmas and to argue for the chosen solutions.
- Se.6.1 To build and embark on a professional practice using a science-based approach (from a theoretical and methodological perspective) characterised by critical objectivity.
- Se.6.2 To develop the attitude of self-assessment, learning and continuous development required to evolve positively in a professional environment.
- Se.6.3 To independently identify and integrate the new knowledge and essential skills required for a rapid understanding of new contexts and/or situations, to identify their limitations and, if necessary, to consult appropriate contacts.
- Se.6.4 To keep informed of clinical and scientific advances in clinical sexology by reading and participating in clinical sexology conventions.
- Se.6.5 To be prepared to join (or create) a network for sharing sexological practices and thoughts and to know how to converse with other healthcare professionals about issues relating to the field of clinical sexology.
- Se.6.6 To be prepared to take part in the activities of professional associations in the field of clinical sexology.
If he/she has selected the professional focus “interdisciplinary approach to the family and the couple”, the graduate will have acquired and demonstrated the knowledge and skills referred to below.
FC.1 To master, in a critical manner and using an interdisciplinary approach, a body of knowledge relating to the various disciplines required for an understanding of the issues related to the field of the couple and the family.
- FC.1.1 To have a critical and in-depth knowledge and understanding, by identifying the assumptions and limits, of the principal theoretical and conceptual models of the different disciplines which are related to the issues in the field of FC.
- FC.1.2 Using an interdisciplinary approach, to put into perspective the principal theoretical and conceptual models of the different disciplines which are related to the issues in the field of FC.
- FC.1.3 To understand and analyse in a critical and in-depth manner scientific literature in the field of FC in both French and English.
- FC.1.4 To identify and critically analyse the knowledge resulting from research that is likely to enlighten a particular issue in the field of FC.
- FC.2.1 To produce a review of the literature concerning a complex issue in the field of FC.
- FC.2.2 To set out and define a research question.
- FC.2.3 To adopt a critical attitude with regard to knowledge that is available and used, questioning its validity and relevance in relation to the research issue/question being studied.
- FC.2.4 To construct and implement a rigorous methodology providing a response to the research question.
- FC.2.5 To reflect on the research issue/question demonstrating conceptual abstraction and scientifically methodising the issue and its psychological, sociological, penal, cultural, economic and political factors, and to create hypotheses.
- FC.2.6 To understand and use data-gathering and analysis tools relevant to the study of the research question.
- FC.2.7 To design and execute a programme of empirical, quantitative and qualitative research, using the appropriate statistical analysis tools with regard to the research question.
- FC.2.8 To analyse and interpret the results and produce a reasoned critique.
- FC.2.9 To demonstrate the ability to summarise and form conclusions.
- FC.2.10 To demonstrate an attitude of critical detachment with regard to research practices.
- FC.2.11 Demonstrate the rigour, accuracy and critical thinking essential for any academic approach.
- FC.3.1 To understand and analyse an FC issue/situation using an academic and interdisciplinary approach.
- To be familiar with, understand, analyse and critically examine different institutions in the field of FC.
- To document an FC issue/situation using any relevant sources of information.
- To analyse the context and characteristics of the public sectors concerned with a view to identifying the FC issue and defining the priority needs and objectives.
- To consider in detail and analyse an FC issue/situation:o pertinently with regard to the context, needs and priority objectives;
o using an interdisciplinary approach, adopting a critical and discerning attitude with regard to the contributions of other disciplines;
o using questioning that takes account of sexuality and gender;
o using an academic approach centred on analysis and a strict methodology,
o selecting and applying in a critical manner the theoretically and empirically validated concepts and models, as well as the relevant tools;
o using French and English academic literature from different disciplines,
o selecting, justifying, reviewing and applying tools for collating and analysing pertinent data, using a rigorous and empirical approach;
o taking account of the sociocultural factors related to the issue.
- FC.3.2 To formulate courses of action/an intervention project in order to act appropriately with regard to the FC issue/situation, justifying its methodological validity and contextual relevance.
- To master the methodological tools related to the development of an intervention project, including the evaluation of its relevance and validity.
- To develop practical courses of action or decision-making in the field of FC (e.g.: health, youth support, family policy, interculturality, gender issues), justifying its relevance in relation to the situation while taking account of the analysis of this situation, the constraints and the resources of those involved, and of social, legal, political, cultural and economic issues.
- Verify the methodological validity and contextual relevance of an intervention project.
- FC.3.3 To coordinate the implementation of an intervention project in order to act appropriately with regard to the FC issue/situation and evaluate its effectiveness.
- To control the methodological tools related to the implementation and evaluation of the effectiveness of an intervention project.
- To implement (advise, coordinate and/or manage) the intervention project in a real situation.
- To assess their own competences with regard to the planned intervention and, if necessary, to consult with contacts or refer to another professional in the field of FC.
- To evaluate intervention and prevention projects in the field of FC in terms of effectiveness:
o identify appropriate evaluation methods and actors;
o implement a method for collecting evaluation data;
o analyse the quality and effectiveness of a plan or intervention.
- FC.3.4 To compare actual practice with theoretical knowledge (alternating between theory and practice) in order to critically examine an issue and/or the functioning of an institution and to improve their own practice.
- FC.3.5 To review routine practices and develop new alternatives in the field of FC.
- FC.4.1 To communicate verbally and in writing, on complex subjects in the field of the couple and the family (information, ideas, observations, conclusions, proposed interventions, and the underlying knowledge and principles) in a correct, structured, objective and logical manner and in accordance with the standards of communication specific to the context, adapting their communication (content and form) to the target group and to the relevant purposes.
- FC.4.2 To converse respectfully and constructively with assorted stakeholders (colleagues, specialists in other disciplines: professionals in law, sociology, health, etc.) about issues related to the field of FC, demonstrating the ability to listen, keep an open mind, empathise and be assertive.
- FC.4.3 To interact and collaborate effectively within a multidisciplinary team and network effectively with other agencies involved in a given situation.
- FC.4.4 To prepare and communicate messages concerning prevention, awareness and education appropriate for FC target groups.
- FC.4.5 To communicate, converse and interact effectively with decision-makers and target groups in the field of FC.
- FC.5.1 To be familiar with, comply with and apply the legal frameworks and ethical codes which govern practices in the field of FC in their relations with other professionals and stakeholders in a given situation.
- FC.5.2 To demonstrate the ability to distance themself from their prejudices, points of view and cultural values.
- FC.5.3 To apply the rules relating to ethical research in their work, exams and relationships with fellow professionals.
- FC.5.4 To take a position with regard to the issue of professional secrecy and to refer to the rules of ethics.
- FC.5.5 To analyse ethical dilemmas and to argue for the chosen solutions.
- FC.6.1 To build and embark on a professional practice using a science-based approach (from a theoretical and methodological perspective) characterised by critical objectivity.
- FC.6.2 To develop the attitude of self-assessment, learning and continuous development required to evolve positively in a professional environment.
- FC.6.3 To identify and use such resources as will be useful for their ongoing training and professional development.
- FC.6.4 To independently identify and integrate the new knowledge and essential skills required for a rapid understanding of new contexts and/or situations, to identify their limitations and, if necessary, to consult appropriate contacts.