Psychodynamic Practice

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Academic Year of Entry: 2024/25
Course overview
(BA) Bachelor of Arts
Psychodynamic Practice
Current
University of Essex
University of Essex
Psychosocial and Psychoanalytic Studies
Colchester Campus
Honours Degree
Full-time
Health Studies
Psychology
None
BA C847CO
08/05/2024

Details

Professional accreditation

None

Admission criteria

  • A-levels: BBB - BBC or 120 - 112 UCAS tariff points from a minimum of 2 full A-levels.
  • BTEC: DDM - DMM or 120 - 112 UCAS tariff points from a minimum of the equivalent of 2 full A-levels. The acceptability of BTECs is dependent on subject studied and optional units taken - email ugquery@essex.ac.uk for advice.
  • Combined qualifications on the UCAS tariff: 120 - 112 UCAS tariff points from a minimum of 2 full A levels or equivalent. Tariff point offers may be made if you are taking a qualification, or mixture of qualifications, from the list on our undergraduate application information page.
  • IB: 30 - 29 points or three Higher Level certificates with 555-554.
  • IB Career-related Programme: We consider combinations of IB Diploma Programme courses with BTECs or other qualifications. Advice on acceptability can be provided, email Undergraduate Admissions.
  • QAA-approved Access to HE Diploma: 6 level 3 credits at Distinction and 39 level 3 credits at Merit, depending on subject studied - advice on acceptability can be provided, email Undergraduate Admissions.
  • T-levels: We consider T-levels on a case-by-case basis, depending on subject studied. The offer for most courses is Distinction overall. Depending on the course applied for there may be additional requirements, which may include a specific grade in the Core.

Contextual Offers:

We are committed to ensuring that all students with the merit and potential to benefit from an Essex education are supported to do so. For October 2024 entry, if you are a home fee paying student residing in the UK you may be eligible for a Contextual Offer of up to two A-level grades, or equivalent, below our standard conditional offer.
Factors we consider:

  • Applicants from underrepresented groups
  • Applicants progressing from University of Essex Schools Membership schools/colleges
  • Applicants who attend a compulsory admissions interview
  • Applicants who attend an Offer Holder Day at our Colchester or Southend campus

Our contextual offers policy outlines additional circumstances and eligibility criteria.

For further information about what a contextual offer may look like for your specific qualification profile, email ugquery@essex.ac.uk.

If you haven't got the grades you hoped for, have a non-traditional academic background, are a mature student, or have any questions about eligibility for your course, more information can be found on our undergraduate application information page or get in touch with our Undergraduate Admissions Team.

IELTS (International English Language Testing System) code

English language requirements for applicants whose first language is not English: IELTS 6.0 overall, or specified score in another equivalent test that we accept.

Details of English language requirements, including component scores, and the tests we accept for applicants who require a Student visa (excluding Nationals of Majority English Speaking Countries) can be found here

If we accept the English component of an international qualification it will be included in the academic levels listed above for the relevant countries.

English language shelf-life

Most English language qualifications have a validity period of 5 years. The validity period of Pearson Test of English, TOEFL and CBSE or CISCE English is 2 years.

If you require a Student visa to study in the UK please see our immigration webpages for the latest Home Office guidance on English language qualifications.

Pre-sessional English courses

If you do not meet our IELTS requirements then you may be able to complete a pre-sessional English pathway that enables you to start your course without retaking IELTS.

Pending English language qualifications

You don’t need to achieve the required level before making your application, but it will be one of the conditions of your offer.

If you cannot find the qualification that you have achieved or are pending, then please email ugquery@essex.ac.uk .

Requirements for second and final year entry

Different requirements apply for second and final year entry, and specified component grades are also required for applicants who require a visa to study in the UK. Details of English language requirements, including UK Visas and Immigration minimum component scores, and the tests we accept for applicants who require a Student visa (excluding Nationals of Majority English Speaking Countries) can be found here

Additional Notes

If you’re an international student, but do not meet the English language or academic requirements for direct admission to this degree, you could prepare and gain entry through a pathway course. Find out more about opportunities available to you at the University of Essex International College

Course qualifiers

A course qualifier is a bracketed addition to your course title to denote a specialisation or pathway that you have achieved via the completion of specific modules during your course. The specific module requirements for each qualifier title are noted below. Eligibility for any selected qualifier will be determined by the department and confirmed by the final year Board of Examiners. If the required modules are not successfully completed, your course title will remain as described above without any bracketed addition. Selection of a course qualifier is optional and student can register preferences or opt-out via Online Module Enrolment (eNROL).

None

Rules of assessment

Rules of assessment are the rules, principles and frameworks which the University uses to calculate your course progression and final results.

Additional notes

None

External examiners

Staff photo
Dr Anthony John Faramelli

Lecturer in Visual Cultures

Goldsmiths

External Examiners provide an independent overview of our courses, offering their expertise and help towards our continual improvement of course content, teaching, learning, and assessment. External Examiners are normally academics from other higher education institutions, but may be from the industry, business or the profession as appropriate for the course. They comment on how well courses align with national standards, and on how well the teaching, learning and assessment methods allow students to develop and demonstrate the relevant knowledge and skills needed to achieve their awards. External Examiners who are responsible for awards are key members of Boards of Examiners. These boards make decisions about student progression within their course and about whether students can receive their final award.

eNROL, the module enrolment system, is now open until Monday 21 October 2024 8:59AM, for students wishing to make changes to their module options.

Key

Core You must take this module.
You must pass this module. No failure can be permitted.
Core with Options You can choose which module to study.
You must pass this module. No failure can be permitted.
Compulsory You must take this module.
There may be limited opportunities to continue on the course/be eligible for the degree if you fail.
Compulsory with Options You can choose which module to study.
There may be limited opportunities to continue on the course/be eligible for the degree if you fail.
Optional You can choose which module to study.
There may be limited opportunities to continue on the course/be eligible for the degree if you fail.

Year 1 - 2024/25

Component Number Module Code Module Title Status Min Credits Max Credits
01  PA128-4-FY-CO  Introduction to Practice-Based Psychodynamic Observation and Reflective Practice  Core  30  30 
02  PA129-4-SP-CO  Therapeutic Work in Groups  Core  15  15 
03  PA123-4-AU-CO  Understanding Individuals Groups and Organisations : An Introduction to Psychodynamic Concepts  Core  15  15 
04  PA125-4-SP-CO  Child, Adolescent and Adult Development: Loss, Conflict and Growth  Compulsory  15  15 
05  PA126-4-SU-CO  Therapeutic Practice and Responsibility: Statutory Frameworks  Compulsory  15  15 
06  PA130-4-AU-CO  Assignment and Research Writing for Psychosocial and Psychoanalytic Studies  Compulsory  15  15 
07    Option from list  Optional  15  15 

Year 2 - 2025/26

Component Number Module Code Module Title Status Min Credits Max Credits
01  PA239-5-FY-CO  Advanced Practice-Based Psychodynamic Observation and Reflective Practice  Core  30  30 
02  PA223-5-AU-CO  Trauma and Recovery: A Psychodynamic Approach  Core  15  15 
03  PA121-5-SU-CO  Critical Analysis of Psychodynamic Theory and Practice  Compulsory  15  15 
04  PA225-5-SP-CO  Violence  Compulsory  15  15 
05  PA700-5-AU-CO  Non-Psychodynamic Approaches to Practice  Compulsory  15  15 
06    Option(s) from list  Optional  30  30 

Year 3 - 2026/27

Component Number Module Code Module Title Status Min Credits Max Credits
01  PA210-6-AU-CO  Counselling Skills and Therapeutic Work  Core  30  30 
02  PA900-6-FY-CO  Dissertation  Core  30  30 
03  PA250-6-FY-CO  Reflective Practice and Professional Development  Core  15  15 
04  PA211-6-SP-CO  Organisational Dynamics  Compulsory  30  30 
05  PA133-6-SP-CO  Group Relations and Professional Life  Compulsory  15  15 

Exit awards

A module is given one of the following statuses: 'core' – meaning it must be taken and passed; 'compulsory' – meaning it must be taken; or 'optional' – meaning that students can choose the module from a designated list. The rules of assessment may allow for limited condonement of fails in 'compulsory' or 'optional' modules, but 'core' modules cannot be failed. The status of the module may be different in any exit awards which are available for the course. Exam Boards will consider students' eligibility for an exit award if they fail the main award or do not complete their studies.

Programme aims

  • To provide a basic psychoanalytic vocabulary and understanding of the unconscious dimension of relationships, communication and emotional containment
  • To introduce students to the context and experience of employment ready for psychodynamic practice within the therapeutic and caring professions
  • To provide a psychodynamic perspective on child, adolescent and adult development and difficulties
  • To develop an understanding of physical and psychological violence, trauma and recovery, and psychodynamic approaches to addressing these
  • To develop students’ understanding of the principles of psychodynamic observation as a way of understanding individuals, groups and institutions
  • To understand the role of emotions in learning, behaviour, and social development
  • To understand the psychodynamics of working in groups and institutions, including the therapeutic and anti-therapeutic processes
  • To develop a psychodynamic understanding of the effect of disruptive behaviour and psychological disturbance on the institution and the therapeutic potential of psychodynamic management of the institution
  • To recognise concerns around safeguarding of clients
  • To understand and work with emerging factors related to class, race and gender which exclusion, injustice and marginalisation may be in play
  • To provide a space and process by which students can explore and reflect upon the intersection between their academic, personal and professional selves
  • To develop the students' understanding of reflective practice and what is required to become a reflective practitioner
  • To put in practice students’ psychodynamic understanding via placements direct work and to learn counselling skills in therapeutic work. 
  • This programme aims to provide students with an experiential, work-based and theoretical understanding of the problems faced by individuals who find themselves in need of mental health support, care and containment within our society.  It provides a firm foundation for a career in psychodynamic practice and the aligned caring professions, whether education, health or social care (e.g. work with troubled infants in nurseries, children with emotional and behavioural difficulties in schools or children’s homes, adults in social care and mental health settings, the elderly or those with learning difficulties).  It also provides a solid basis in psychodynamic thinking, child, adolescent and adult development, and the dynamics of therapeutic interventions in groups and organisations as well as developing some basic counselling skills and a range of therapeutic skills and interventions.   
  • Overall, the programme offers a 'psycho-social' approach to therapeutic practice and care, underpinned by a long tradition in psychoanalysis, whereby the distorted communication between the clients, between clients and carers, and between carers and other professionals - all of this occurring within a familial and institutional frameworks - can be understood and adapted toward a therapeutic process.


Learning outcomes and learning, teaching and assessment methods

On successful completion of the programme a graduate should demonstrate knowledge and skills as follows:

A: Knowledge and understanding

A1: Knowledge of psychoanalytic vocabulary and capacity to describe the unconscious dimensions of relationships, communication and emotional containment.

A2: Knowledge and understanding of the unconscious factors in group structuring and functioning.

A3: Grasp of the impact of an institution on an individual and of an individual on an instituion.

A4: Psychodynamic understanding of the emotional factors that affect learning, relationships and behaviour.

A5: Knowledge of the psychodynamics of human development and disturbance

A6: Knowledge of the psychodynamic understanding of trauma and its influence on individuals and organisations

Learning methods

The programme makes use of theoretical seminars (A1, A4), lectures, practice orientated seminars (A2, A5, A6), work-based practice (A2, A3, A4, A6), the experience of reflective groups and psychodynamic group observation (A2, A3, A6).

Assessment methods

Essays, presentation, take home test, case study, reflective report, work-based learning report, observation summary

B: Intellectual and cognitive skills

B1: To define and use specific psychoanalytic concepts describing relationships and communication, including transference, counter-transference, projection, introjection, etc

B2: To describe psychoanalytically the unconscious factors in group structuring and functioning, such as anxiety, defences against anxiety, authority and leadership.

B3: To describe in psychoanalytic terms the impact of an institution on an individual and of an individual on an institution.

B4: To describe the emotional factors that affect learning, relationships and behaviour.

B5: To describe psychoanalytically therapeutic and anti-therapeutic factors in relationships and organisations, the family and community.

B6: To discern unconscious dynamics in wider society, politics and culture (e.g. in relation to gender, race, disability, etc.).

Learning methods

The programme makes use of theoretical seminars (B1, B4), lectures, practice orientated seminars (B2, B5, B6), work-based practice (B4, B6), the experience of reflective groups and psychodynamic group observation (B2. B3, B6). In addition, students learn how to carry out psychodynamically informed social observations, and through work-based practice, focus their theoretical understanding on specific settings and situations.

Assessment methods

Formal assessment is by essay, observation summaries and clinical case studies. The formal assessment is aided by formative assessment by work-based supervisors, to guide students’ work and the integration of theory and practice. The case studies assess the students’ work with respect to their knowledge of specific concepts and clinical strategies, and more particularly, a range of skills, which emerge as foci of the theoretical and experiential learning

C: Practical skills

C1: Capacity for psychodynamic observation.

C2: Capacity to recognize and describe situations and interactions in institutions in psychodynamic terms.

C3: Capacity to recognise and describe behaviour, including learning behaviour, in rleation to emotional dynamics.

C4: Capacity to analyse difficulties of individuals in terms of problems of relationships and of institutional factors.

C5: To carry out a piece of sustained work focussed on one individual.

C6: Capacity for use of self in reflective approach to practice.

Learning methods

The programme makes use of theoretical seminars (C1), clinically orientated seminars (C2, C3), work-based clinical practice (C4), the experience of group relations and psychodynamic group observation. In addition, students learn how to carry out psychodynamically informed social observations (C2, C3), and through work-place supervised practice (C1, C2, C3, C4, C5) and performative assessment, focus their theoretical understanding on specific settings and situations. Their supervised practice provides the main setting for the development of specific skills.

Assessment methods

Formal assessment is by essay, observation summaries and clinical case studies. The formal assessment is aided by formative assessment by work-based supervisors, to guide students’ work and the integration of theory and practice. The case studies assess the students’ work with respect to their knowledge of specific concepts and clinical strategies, and more particularly, a range of skills, which emerge as foci of the theoretical and experiential learning

D: Key skills

D1: To communicate effectively with colleagues and with clients.

D2: To use e-mail, Moodle and electronic submission of assessed work.

D3: Knowledge of the range of available research approaches and an understanding of how this knowledge relates to their chosen area of research

D4: To develop a capacity to make a formulation based on psychodynamic understanding and to take a view on appropriate therapeutic interventions; to decide on specific topics for essays.

D5: To work effectively in an institutional setting, in which collaboration is the basic aim as well as therapeutic process.

D6: To work independently, including through e-based learning and to learn through practice and self-reflection, to engage in independent research towards a dissertation.

Learning methods

The programme makes use of theoretical seminars (D1, B4), lectures, practice orientated seminars (D1, D5), work-based practice (D5), the experience of reflective groups and psychodynamic group observation (D1. D5). In addition, students learn how to carry out psychodynamically informed social observations, and through work-based practice, focus their theoretical understanding on specific settings and situations (D4). Students also make presentations linked to an individual research project (D1, D6)

Assessment methods

Formal assessment is by essay, observation summaries and clinical case studies. The formal assessment is aided by formative assessment by work-based supervisors, to guide students’ work and the integration of theory and practice. The case studies assess the students’ work with respect to their knowledge of specific concepts and clinical strategies, and more particularly, a range of skills, which emerge as foci of the theoretical and experiential learning


Note

The University makes every effort to ensure that this information on its programme specification is accurate and up-to-date. Exceptionally it can be necessary to make changes, for example to courses, facilities or fees. Examples of such reasons might include a change of law or regulatory requirements, industrial action, lack of demand, departure of key personnel, change in government policy, or withdrawal/reduction of funding. Changes to courses may for example consist of variations to the content and method of delivery of programmes, courses and other services, to discontinue programmes, courses and other services and to merge or combine programmes or courses. The University will endeavour to keep such changes to a minimum, and will also keep students informed appropriately by updating our programme specifications.

The full Procedures, Rules and Regulations of the University governing how it operates are set out in the Charter, Statutes and Ordinances and in the University Regulations, Policy and Procedures.

Contact

If you are thinking of studying at Essex and have questions about the course, please contact Undergraduate Admissions by emailing admit@essex.ac.uk, or Postgraduate Admissions by emailing pgadmit@essex.ac.uk.

If you're a current student and have questions about your course or specific modules, please contact your department.

If you think there might be an error on this page, please contact the Course Records Team by emailing crt@essex.ac.uk.