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.
- psychotherapist
- clinical psychologist
- further education lecturer
- educational psychologist
- careers adviser.
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
Provider information
Birkbeck, University of London
Malet Street
Bloomsbury
London
WC1E 7HX
Course contact details
Visit our course pageBirkbeck Student Advice Service
0203 907 0700