Psychodynamics of Human Development at Birkbeck, University of London - UCAS

Course options

There are other course options available which may have a different vacancy status or entry requirements – view the full list of options

Course summary

Our psychodynamics of human development course provides an understanding of human development through the theoretical and clinical issues raised by infant observation, through work study seminars and through psychoanalytic and Jungian analytic theories. This includes recent research in child development and contemporary issues in psychodynamic or Jungian analytic theory. You will also be taught research methods and complete an empirical or theoretical dissertation. This course is designed to provide professional and personal development for those working in settings such as community care, counselling, social services, primary care, mental health and education. It is a foundation, including accredited infant observation, for those considering psychotherapy training, and it fulfils the entry requirements for a Child and Adolescent Psychotherapy Doctorate. The course is taught jointly by Birkbeck and the British Psychotherapy Foundation (BPF). The first year is taught at the BPF, based in Kilburn (north-west London). We offer this course as a Master’s or Postgraduate Diploma. For the Diploma you study fewer modules and do not complete a dissertation. Highlights

  • A valuable opportunity to combine the knowledge of practising clinicians from a leading psychotherapy training institution with the research expertise of an internationally recognised university department.
  • The infant observation component provides experiential learning that can be accredited for psychotherapy training.
  • Choose between psychoanalytic and Jungian analytic approaches.
Careers and employability Graduates can pursue career paths in psychotherapy, psychology and education. They can also apply for training in child and adolescent psychotherapy, adult psychoanalytic psychotherapy or Jungian analytic psychotherapy. Possible professions include:
  • psychotherapist
  • clinical psychologist
  • further education lecturer
  • educational psychologist
  • careers adviser.
We offer a comprehensive careers service - Careers and Enterprise - your career partner during your time at Birkbeck and beyond. At every stage of your career journey, we empower you to take ownership of your future, helping you to make the connection between your experience, education and future ambitions.

Modules

For information about course structure and the modules you will be studying, please visit Birkbeck’s online prospectus.

Assessment method

Year 1: two essays (2500-3000 words) and a two-week ‘take-away’ examination paper. Year 2: one infant observation essay (5000-8000 words).

Professional bodies

Professionally accredited courses provide industry-wide recognition of the quality of your qualification.

  • British Association of Psychotherapists

How to apply

International applicants

If English is not your first language or you have not previously studied in English, our usual requirement is the equivalent of an International English Language Testing System (IELTS Academic Test) score of 6.5, with not less than 6.0 in each of the sub-tests. If you don't meet the minimum IELTS requirement, we offer pre-sessional English courses and foundation programmes to help you improve your English language skills and get your place at Birkbeck.

Entry requirements

Experience of working with children, adults or families is an advantage. Our standard postgraduate entry requirement is a second-class honours degree (2:2) or above, or an equivalent international qualification.


Fees and funding

Tuition fees

England £8130 Year 1
Northern Ireland £8130 Year 1
Scotland £8130 Year 1
Wales £8130 Year 1
International £12000 Year 1

Additional fee information

Students are charged a tuition fee in each year of their course. Tuition fees for students continuing on their course in following years may be subject to annual inflationary increases. Year 2: Home students: £2,710 per year International students: £4,000 per year
Psychodynamics of Human Development at Birkbeck, University of London - UCAS