Psychodynamic Counselling and Psychotherapy (Graduate Diploma/MSc, 3 years)
ObjectivesThis programme will teach you the essential knowledge and skills of psychodynamic counselling. It will help you establish an understanding of psychoanalytic theory, covering the technical processes of counselling, while also developing personal and professional awareness required for effective practice as defined by the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy. Years 1 and 2 are classroom-based and incorporate individual work experience. A supervised placement in a counselling agency in Year 2 continues into Year 3 with more intensive supervision (MSc level). These qualifications attract people from a wide range of professional backgrounds, including pastoral, educational, medical, social and youth work, residential care, specialist agencies, management and legal settings. On completion, many graduates go on to counselling posts, whereas others remain in their current posts with enhanced competence.
Entry requirementsEntry requirements Second-class honours degree in any subject or an equivalent professional qualification; non-graduates with academic and professional experience may be considered. Work that includes a counselling component. Prior completion of a basic counselling course at Certificate level.
Introduction to psychoanalytic theory and practice; psychodynamic approach to problems in contemporary society; observation seminars; basic counselling skills and processes; experiential groups and individual tutorials.
Year 2
The contributions of Freud, Klein and Winnicott; forms of emotional disturbance; assessment and diagnosis; case study seminars; counselling processes, themes and professional issues; residential group relations conference; organisational dynamics; experiential groups and individual tutorials.
Year 3 (MSc only)
Advanced psychoanalytic and organisational theory; placement practice under supervision; residential group relations conference; organisational dynamics; experiential groups and individual tutorials.
Teaching
Seminars, work and case discussion groups, practical exercises and experimental groups. In Years 2 and 3, week-long residential studies of how organisations function.
Assessment
Year 1: essays, written examination, student review.
Year 2: essays, case study, student review.
Year 3 (MSc only): essays, longer case study, student review.