ObjectivesThis is a joint scheme delivered by the Centre for Psychoanalytic Studies and the Department of Accounting, Finance and Management (administered by CPS'. Aims To provide an understanding of psychoanalytic theory in the British Object Relations Tradition To provide an understanding of management practice in the UK To provide an understanding of the theory and psychology of business management, from the standpoint of management studies, including organizational styles, alternative discuourses of organization, conceptual frameworks for the analysis of management To apply psychoanalytic group theory and methods to understanding and observing the dynamics of social situations and structures, and including institutions, the unconscious domain of institutional life, the common anxieties and the common psychological defences which characterise the culture of the organization To apply a critical understanding of management theory and practice using psychoanalytic thinking and observational practice To critique the psychoanalytic notion of 'unconscious' aspects of culture, especially feelings in working environments, and the role of management practice in that culture. To facilitate a dual discourse - psychoanalytic group theory and management - for understanding organizations and as a basis for entering the field of organisational consultancy To encourage the conceptualisation of feedback to organisations and institutions in terms of deeper understanding and useful possibilities for change. To facilitate inquiry, including the framing of a topic for research and writing a dissertation that will apply and integrate the learning about both social organisations and applied psychoanalysis To provide an educational element for students who may wish to enter the field of organisational consultancy, and to encourage students to take on such projects if they wish.
Entry requirementsEntry Qualifications Good first degree in a relevant field, unless supported by relevant post-graduate experience, or the equivalent from a non-UK university, approved for the purpose in each case by the Dean of the Graduate School; or persons who either hold other qualifications, such as a relevant professional qualification approved by the Dean of the Graduate School or who can otherwise satisfy the Dean of the Graduate School as to their suitability.
Academic titleMA Management and Psychoanalysis
Course description
Course Description
MA Management and Psychoanalysis offers a deep analysis of the way organisations (mis)function, the nature of leadership and the way organisational structure and dynamics consolidate poorly - or efficiently - functioning systems. It not only introduces students to the theoretical and methodological bases of these forms of analysis but provides a platform for further study in the theory and practice of consultation to organisations.
Modules and Options
The lists of modules below represent the range of options available for each year of study. This may not be a complete list of the options you will study, and may be subject to change, so please contact the department for further details.
Stage 1
Core: JOINT SEMINAR IN PSYCHOANALYSIS AND MANAGEMENT
Core: MA DISSERTATION
Core: MANAGEMENT IN ORGANISATIONS
Core: MANAGEMENT PSYCHOLOGY
Core: PSYCHOANALYSIS OF GROUPS AND ORGANIZATIONS
Core: PSYCHOANALYTIC THEORY
Teaching and Assessment Methods
A: Knowledge and Understanding
Learning Outcomes
A1 : The basic principles of psychoanalytic theory within the 'British School', including the issues involved at points of development of divergent concepts.
A2 : The theory of unconscious psychodynamic processes in individuals, and its extension into their working in groups and institutions, and the legitimacy of applying psychoanalytic ideas to understanding the range of human relationships from the earliest between mother and infant, to those in working organizations and other social settings.
A3 : The importance and legitimacy of psychoanalytic observation of organisations in the study of the human relations and management of working institutions and society and in practice of consulting to organisations.
A4 : The general principles of business management as practiced in the UK, and their psychological aspects, and the critical examination of the main topics in management and organization theory.
A5 : An understanding, and ability critically to explore theories, of the relationships between behaviour and experience in organizations.
A6 : The comparison and debate of issues relevant to organisations and management from both a psychoanalytic and management angle and a critical analysis of the limits of management and psychoanalytic models and practices in understanding organizations and management.
A7 : To frame and pursue an inquiry, including the framing of a topic for a dissertation and carrying out the research and writing of a dissertation of an observational or consultancy kind.
Teaching Methods
A1 will be taught in discussion seminars with target and recommended readings, on basic psychoanalytic theory
A2 will be taught in formal lecture/seminars.
A3 will be taught in theory and small practice seminars that support the setting up of observations fir the critical understanding of organisational cultures
A4 will be taught in lectures and seminars
A5 will be taught in lectures and seminars, using a variety of media, including film, video, novels art and theatre
A6 will be taught in joint seminars, including case studies and learning journal seminars
A7 will be taught through supervision and research fora leading to a dissertation.
Assessment Methods
5000 word essay for PA901 and PA927; two 3000 word essays for AC913; one 3000 word essay and one two-hour exam for AC950; one 4000 word essay for PA910; 12000 word dissertation. Essay and dissertation guidelines make clear the areas of assessment. More specifically,
A1 is assessed in PA901(Psychoanalytic Theory)
A2 is assessed in PA901 and PA927 (Psychoanalysis of Groups and Organizations)
A3 is assessed in PA927
A4 is assessed in AC913 (Management in Organisations)
A5 is assessed in AC950 (Management Psychology)
A6 is assessed in PA910 (Joint Seminar)
A7 is assessed in the Dissertation
B: Intellectual/Cognitive Skills
Learning Outcomes
B1 : The basic principles of psychoanalytic theory within the 'British School', including the issues involved at points of development of divergent concepts.
B2 : Understand and critique management practices and their emotional correlations in working organisations.
B3 : Translate observations into feedback that explains these observations to members of an organization.
B4 : To apply a specifically psychoanalytic method of observing social situations, based on observing transferences (institutional dynamics), demonstrated in the writing of observation reports.
B5 : Recognise the subjective aspects of objective observation outside the psychoanalytic setting and understand their relevance to relational and cultural phenomena in working observations.
B6 : To compare and debate issues relevant to organisations and management from both a psychoanalytic and management angle; and to explore critically the limits of management and psychoanalytic models and practices in understanding organizations and management.
B7 : To frame and pursue an inquiry, including the framing of a topic for a dissertation and carrying out the research and writing of a dissertation of an observational or consultancy kind.
Teaching Methods
B1 skills will come from reading and seminar discussion, using the course reading lists and other guided reading.
B2 skills come from formal lectures and seminars, including a wide range of media, including film, video, novels art and theatre
B3, B4, B5 skills will come from the practice of a 3 month observation of a social organisation, in conjunction with seminars on the psychoanalytic theory of organizations and observation seminars.
B6 skills will comes from debate and discussion hosted by both departments and by keeping, presenting and discussing a learning journal
B7 skills will come from preparing a research proposal, taking part in a research forum and working under supervision on a project.
Assessment Methods
5000 word essay for each of PA901 and PA927; two 3000 word essays for AC913; one 3000 word essay and one two-hour exam for AC950; one 4000 word essay for PA910; 12000 word dissertation.
B1 is assessed in PA901(Psychoanalytic Theory);
B2 is assessed in AC913 and AC950
B3, B4, B5 are assessed in PA927 (Groups and Organizations)
B4 is also assessed in PA927 and in the dissertation
B6 is assessed in PA910
B7 is assessed in the dissertation
C: Practical Skills
Learning Outcomes
C1 : Ability to document and provide evidence for arguments, both orally and in writing.
C2 : Ability to write structured and focused essays, with proper citations and references.
C3 : Learn to set up an observation.
C4 : Write process notes for presentation to a discussion seminar and as material for a report/essay/dissertation.
C5 : Write notes on observations (or consultancy) in order to a seminar group of other students, and to learn from others' feedbacks in a joint reflective process.
C6 : Ability to formulate a research project and implement the research skills necessary to carry it out.
Teaching Methods
Teaching/learning is done in seminars focused on clearly specified topics, supported by texts. Although participation is not formally assessed, it is actively sought, and our teaching style emphasizes drawing students out, inviting coherent argument. Dissertation preparation is supported by individual supervision and by the Research Forum, where students present their proposals and their progress.
C1, C2 skills will be learned in seminars and essay preparation.
C3-C5 skills will be learned in small discussion seminars which discuss and supervise the setting up and conducting of practice observations.
C6 will be learned in the research forum and in supervised preparation of the dissertation.
Assessment Methods
Assessment is by essay and dissertation.
C1 - C2 are assessed in course essays
C3 - C5 are assessed in PA927 and AC 950
C1, C2, C6 are assessed in the dissertation
D: Key Skills
Learning Outcomes
D1 : Ability to write clearly, coherently, and concisely.
D2 : NA
D3 : NA
D4 : Students set up psychodynamic observations, which involve negotiating with staff at their observation sites. Students formulate essay titles and arguments. Students carry out a piece of research.
D5 : NA
D6 : Autonomously work to deadlines and make use of coursework feedback to refine their thinking on a topic.
Teaching Methods
Teaching/learning is by lecture/seminars, in which students are encouraged to express and debate complex ideas clearly. They must also prepare and verbally present research proposals to Research Forums.
D4. Support by observation seminars, supervision and research Forum.
D6. Teachers provide substantive feedback on essays; supervisors and the Research Forum support the refinement of research proposals their implementation. At the end of the first term, students write a commentary on a paper, on which they commented as part of their application to the MA, and receive staff feedback in the same form as on a course essay.
Assessment Methods
D1, D4, D6: assessment by essay
D6: assessment by essay and dissertation, which must be submitted on time.