Graduate Diploma in Psychoanalytic Studies with English for Academic Purposes

Overview

In addition to enhancing your language and study skills, you will develop an understanding of the distinctive character of psychological thinking when the concept of a deep unconscious is introduced. This is an unconscious whose origins, context and processes are not just outside our awareness, but are far removed from those of conscious life. The theories of psychoanalysis introduce a profound, new dimension to the understanding of society, culture and politics. Indeed, Freud and Jung wrote extensively in these areas, as well as on clinical practice. Psychoanalysis provides models of social and cultural phenomena, and methods for studying them. 

Completion of the Graduate Diploma at the required level will normally qualify you for entry to an appropriate Masters level course in the Centre for Psychoanalytic Studies.

The course aims to:

  • develop and acquire the productive and receptive language and study skills needed for successful participation at graduate level in a British university. These include both linguistic and communicative competence, oral skills, academic writing, reading efficiency and the ability to work independently
  • develop an understanding of critical thinking including how to construct coherent arguments and enhance reflexivity skills
  • practise and develop the basic research skills and understanding of research methods, both quantitative and qualitative, by providing students with a theoretical understanding and practical experience of these methods
  • understand both the ethical issues and the nature of objectivity in research
  • develop knowledge and understanding of the major contextual, conceptual and theoretical foundations of, and current issues in, psychoanalytic and Jungian studies
  • explore the significance of psychoanalysis and Jungian psychology in social and cultural analysis
  • explore some of the philosophical issues which psychoanalytic concepts and theories raise
  • provide the knowledge and skills (critical enquiry and argument, imaginative understanding, written, spoken and visual interpretation, communication and presentation) that will not only stand students in good stead for more specialised academic careers, but will also enhance their opportunities for employment in a wide range of other careers
  • develop the necessary levels of skills and knowledge required to progress to Masters degree level

Course structure

English for Academic Purposes

These modules facilitate core English language and study skills development that is required for successful postgraduate study in the context of the UK generally, and at the University of Essex in particular. It aims to enhance your confidence, fluency and competence in the subject. To find out more, please follow these links:

English for Academic Purposes 1
English for Academic Purposes 2
English for Academic Purposes 3

Critical Thinking

This module is intended to teach you essential intellectual skills, in particular how to think critically and how to construct arguments. The process is aimed at enhancing general reflective skills. To find out more, please follow this link.

Research Methods for Psychology and the Social Sciences

This module provides you with an introduction to both quantitative and qualitative research methods, as well as examination of the underlying ethical issues in conducting research, the philosophical grounding on which research methods rely and the problematic nature of objectivity in research. You will be encouraged to reflect on the prevailing research methodologies in your discipline and to relate the course content to your own research interests. To find out more, please follow this link.

Centre for Psychoanalytic Studies Modules

You have the opportunity to study the following modules:

The Unconscious - Psychoanalysis, Culture and Society - Freud
The Unconscious - Analytical Psychology, Culture and Society - Jung
Organisational Dynamics - Theory

Entry criteria

A relevant degree (minimum of lower second classification or equivalent), or three-year higher education qualification from a recognised institution. For applicants whose native language is not English, a minimum of IELTS 5.5 with 5.5 in every component, or recognised equivalent, is required. Decisions on an applicant’s academic qualifications will be made in close consultation with the Department.

Application form

A PDF application form is available online. Please print this off, fill it in and send it to:

International Academy
University of Essex
Wivenhoe Park
Colchester
Essex
CO4 3SQ UK

Please contact us for further information.

In addition, the International Academy offers Graduate Diplomas in  Accounting, Art History, Applied Linguistics, Biotechnology, Computer Science, Economics, Electronic Engineering, Entrepreneurship and Innovation, Finance, History, Management, Politics and Psychological Studies with English for Academic Purposes. These are run in conjunction with departments of Art History and Theory, Biological Sciences, History, Economics, Government, Language and Linguistics, Psychology, Essex Business School and the School of Computer Science and Electronic Engineering.  Further details can be seen by clicking on the links.

Last modified on 23 February 2012