All applicants must show that they have a good level of spoken or written English, and if English is not your first language you’ll need to demonstrate the ability to study in English. Applicants without formal qualifications but with relevant and substantial work experience in an empowering, supporting or listening role will be considered for entry to the programme subject to the interview process and appropriate diagnostic tests. All applicants will be required to attend a formal interview, partake in a group exercise and submit a small piece of reflective writing. The design of this follows ‘best practice guidance’ and ensures that applicants will be able to demonstrate an ability to engage with the core competences of the programme. These are: 1. the ability to engage in productive and respectful discussion with others who may have differing opinions. 2. the ability to reflect on ones’ own performance. This can be undertaken orally if the candidate prefers and 3. the ability to represent oneself in a formal arena when exploring personal rationale and past experiences. This will form part of the interview process for every candidate and involve several members of the teaching team to ensure that the decision to offer a place does not rest with a sole member of staff. A minimum of two staff members will form the interview panel and similarly two (other) staff members will observe the group discussion. The reflective writing task is explained by a staff member who has observed the discussion. The applicant’s written work is then read and considered by all staff members who have met with the group of applicants in either capacity. Hence there will be a minimum of four staff members involved in the interview