Undergraduate studies

• You are keen to find out what makes children grow, thrive and develop
• You are passionate about making a difference in the lives of children
• You are considering a career in the care, education, health, and well-being of children

• You want to understand the challenges faced by vulnerable members of our society
• You are passionate about making a difference in the lives of young people and adults
• You are considering a career in social care, mental health, well-being, counselling, or psychotherapy

• You love thinking about how the societies we live in affect the way we think and feel
• You are passionate about understanding others, tackling social inequalities, and fighting for social justice
• You are considering a career in mental health, psychotherapy, social research, non-for-profit organisations, consultancy, or academia

• You are looking to develop your work in the area of therapeutic support
• You want a rewarding career helping vulnerable or troubled individuals or groups
• You are looking for practical skills to help you make a difference in your workplace and the lives of others

In the Department of Psychosocial and Psychoanalytic Studies, we place the student learning experience at the heart of everything we do.

No matter your background, or academic experience, we will be here to support you every step of the way. Whether you're returning to education after a long break or planning a career in academia, your tutors will be on hand to ensure you receive the encouragement and support you need to achieve your goals.

That's why we've designed several initiatives to ensure you get the most out of your studies. These include:

Personal tutoring system:

When you join the Department of Psychosocial and Psychoanalytic Studies, you will be assigned a personal tutor to help support your learning journey. You will meet with your tutor at least once a term for extra academic support and advice. Your tutor will work with you to oversee and develop your academic progress, offering personalised support tailored to your learning journey.

University support for your studies:

The University has a dedicated collection of online and in-person resources to help bolster your study skills. Whether you need help with your writing, assistance with research skills, or English language support, the Skills for Success team will be on hand to help you.

Exclusive library resources for students of the Department:

Students in the Department of Psychosocial and Psychoanalytic Studies will find several fascinating study resources at the Albert Sloman library at the University of Essex. These include:

• A dedicated Liaison Librarian to help you navigate and access the library resources you need
• A curated subject guide for students to introduce you to a vast range of resources relating to your degree
• The Sigmund Freud special collection - an archive of thousands of documents on permanent loan to the University of Essex

The Department of Psychosocial and Psychoanalytic Studies thrives upon its interaction with the real world and the lived experience of staff and students alike.

Working and teaching in the caring and psychosocial professions isn't purely an academic exercise. Our teaching staff are carefully selected to embody years of social and clinical expertise.

Studying with us enables you to benefit from the depth and breadth of practitioner knowledge and experience housed within the Department.

Previous and current roles held by our staff include:

• Psychoanalytic psychotherapists
• Residential care managers
• Refugee care practitioners
• Child and adolescent psychoanalytic psychotherapists
• Art psychotherapists
• Social care workers
• Therapeutic community practitioners
• Organisational dynamics practitioners

Our staff also hold roles within several leading industry bodies and organisations, including:

• The British Psychotherapy Foundation (BPF)
• The British Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP)
• The British Psychoanalytic Council (BPC)
• The Association of Psychosocial Studies (APS)
• The Consortium of Therapeutic Communities (TCTC)

Our undergraduate degrees can lead to a diverse range of exciting careers. We place employability at the heart of our courses because we want you to graduate with a clear vision for your future.

We have designed several initiatives to help you realise your career goals and provide the support you need to achieve them. They include:

Work placements:

Our full-time undergraduate courses allow you to undertake a work placement in a setting of your choice. Your placement will provide invaluable employment experience and ready you for life after graduation.

You will receive personalised support from your tutors and extra help from the dedicated Placements Team at the University of Essex. We'll be here to provide you with the advice and assistance you need to ensure your placement is successful. We can help you:

• Create a C.V.
• Write a cover letter
• Apply for your placement

Our students have previously completed placements in a range of fascinating settings. These include:

• Nurseries, pre-schools, primary schools, junior schools, and secondary schools

• Residential and non-residential special schools

• Scouts, Beavers, Forest Schools, after school and holiday club organisations

• Children’s residential homes and social care homes

• Adolescent and adult psychiatric services

• Addiction and eating disorder services

• Charities and third sector organisations

Career-focused modules:

Each of our undergraduate courses includes an exciting employability module to help you realise your fullest career potential.

You can meet guest speakers currently working in several fascinating fields. Our speakers will share their insightful career stories and introduce you to the rich and diverse employment opportunities a degree with us can offer. Our previous speakers have included:

• Child psychotherapists
• Psychiatrists
• Social workers
• SEND workers

You will also complete a careers project tailored to your desired career outcome. 

A dedicated careers service:

The University of Essex provides students with many exciting career and employability support services. They include:

• Career mentorship
• Paid employment opportunities to complement your studies
• Assistance and advice for entrepreneurs
• Industry career events and networking opportunities
• Employability and career awards

The Department of Psychosocial and Psychoanalytic Studies is home to a diverse student and staff population.

Our members come from all walks of life and from all over the world. From mature students seeking a career change to international students seeking a change of country, we provide a welcoming home to all.

We recognise the broad needs of our community and provide a wealth of resources to ensure every student feels supported and represented - no matter their background. These include:

A strong community ethos:

We work hard to foster a warm and nurturing environment for all within the Department. We strive to create an intimate atmosphere in which staff and students can get to know each other on a first-name basis. We champion every student and consciously work to promote a sense of belonging for all.

Support for mature students:

Our Department has a vibrant mature student presence. We recognise a return to education can feel daunting, particularly if you missed out on academic experiences earlier in life.

We strongly value the wealth of life experience our mature student network brings to the Department, and we encourage and support them every step of the way.

The University of Essex also provides numerous resources and support tailored to mature students. These include:

• Help with fees and funding
• Assistance with accommodation
• Childcare facilities
• Student and study support

Resources for international students:

Our students come from all over the world to study with us. Our Department currently hosts over 43 student nationalities. We deeply value our international student profile - you help us make the Department the diverse environment it is!

If you are an international student planning to study here, you won't feel out of place. Essex provides a comprehensive range of services to support international applicants. You will also find a range of student union societies to join, which can help you feel at home and find friends.  

Representation for all students:

We recognise the importance of enabling students to express opinions about their learning experience. That is why we engage in a University-led initiative called the Student Voice. Students are encouraged to discuss their views with their elected Student Representatives. Student Representatives act on behalf and voice their fellow students' opinions at the termly Student Voice meeting which is Chaired by the Director of Undergraduate studies.

Students can volunteer to represent their class, year group, or Department. Representatives will receive training from the Student Union and can receive recognition in the form of a degree transcript when completed as part of the Big Essex Award.

This engaging experience facilitates mutual understanding and collaboration approach between staff and students. It also helps students develop life skills and formal recognition suitable for a C.V.

The Department of Psychosocial and Psychoanalytic Studies is a vibrant place to study and socialise.

We understand that a degree isn't just about gaining a degree qualification - we want our students to immerse themselves in the student experience.

That's why we've designed an engaging, fun, and thought-provoking programme of extracurricular events for you to enjoy. These include:

The PA123 club:

The PA123 club is held weekly and open to all within the Department of Psychosocial and Psychoanalytic Studies, from undergraduates to PhD researchers. Everyone is welcome to join our in-person or online events. Previous gatherings have included: discussions on films, art and literature, workshops and seminars, and an art psychotherapy group. This club provides a fun social event for everyone to enjoy.

The Open Seminar Series:

The Open Seminar Series is a regular calendar of talks and book launches hosted by the Department of Psychosocial and Psychoanalytic Studies. These events are open to the public and showcase some of the most exciting work within the field today. You will have the chance to meet speakers from diverse disciplines and discover a range of exciting topics to enhance your learning.

The Psychoanalysis Society:

A weekly society open to all students at the University of Essex. The Psychoanalysis Society meets on campus to host events, such as social gatherings, talks, and workshops.

The University of Essex is also home to numerous societies catering to all interests and communities. Visit the Essex Student Union to view them all.

University organised events:

The University of Essex also hosts a busy calendar of social events, clubs, networks, and organisations to enjoy.

Well-being is taken very seriously within the Department of Psychosocial and Psychoanalytic Studies.

Many of our staff are practitioners of well-being and social care. We are very attuned to the needs of our students and take great care to ensure the Department provides a warm and nurturing environment for all.

We recognise that University can be a testing time for students. Whether you have just left home feeling a little nervous or are a mature student trying to juggle family and work commitments - we recognise the challenges and will be here to support you every step of the way.

The Department provides the following resources to ensure you receive the support you need:

Peer mentoring:

Our peer mentoring programme for first-year students provides advice, support, and information. A mentor can help you access and understand the Department and University Services at your disposal.

A mentor can help you with Departmental resources such as:

• Utilising the Department Office and Administrative support 
• The Student Handbook
• Using the University's virtual learning environment Moodle
• Working with Personal Tutors, Module Directors and Seminar Tutors

A mentor can support you with University resources such as:

• Student Services Hub
• Students’ Union support

University support services:

The University of Essex also provides services to support student emotional well-being and mental health.

Learn more about student support at Essex

Explore the social and emotional worlds of children:

Studying Childhood Studies at Essex allows you to take a deep and fascinating look at the life of children and young people.

You will study the social and emotional development of children, from birth until age 25. This degree ensures you can practically and meaningfully develop your understanding of children and childhood.

This degree gives you the opportunity to complete two placements during your time with us, helping to ensure you graduate with academic skills and real-world experience.
Choosing this degree will prepare you for a future in a wide-range of career paths, from child education to health and well-being.

You will have the chance to explore compelling topics such as:

• Childhood development
• Play and infant observation
• Children's well-being
• A history of childhood

When you choose Childhood Studies at Essex, you will enjoy numerous benefits to help develop your future. These include:

• Dedicated teaching staff with decades of experience working with children. You will benefit from culturally and socially diverse practitioner experience, with substantiated backgrounds working in far-reaching settings and fields.

• An exciting range of theoretical, applied and policy relevant modules to choose from. Our modules ensure you can study topics as diverse as children's literature, teaching, learning and childhood well-being. You will be able to focus on the topics which really interest you and are most suited to your future career goals. 

• The opportunity to complete two placements within a childcare setting, with support from our staff. Finding a suitable placement can be tricky, but we will be on hand to support you every step of the way. Real-life experience will help to boost your future career prospects and give you genuine insight into your prospective career path.

Which country has the highest number of children in the world?

In 2023, Niger in Western Africa had 50.6% of its population under 15. With a current population estimate of 25 million, about 12.5 million people are under 15.

According to UNICEF, where do the happiest children in the world live?

The Netherlands ranks highest in the league table, followed by Denmark and Norway. Outcomes are measured using three dimensions: mental well-being, physical health and skills.

Did you know that a caregivers response to infant distress can help to shape and influence how a child experiences relationships in later life?

This theory is known as attachment theory and was proposed by John Bowlby in the 1950's.

Understand complex psychological issues and learn how to help:

Studying Psychodynamic Practice at Essex will teach you how to understand the problems faced by individuals needing mental health support, care and containment within our society. You will study the underlying causes of poor mental health and learn how you can make a difference.

You will learn about psychodynamic thinking, child, adolescent and adult development, and the dynamics of therapeutic interventions in groups and organisations. You will begin to develop counselling skills and a sense of self-awareness, becoming an astute observer of human behaviour and interpreting it as a meaningful form of communication.

You will discover fascinating topics such as:

• The effects of trauma and how to treat it
• Mental health, mental illness, and contributory factors
• Attachment and family dynamics
• Personality and emotional development
• Race, gender, and inequality
• Understanding difficult behaviour and violence
• Psychoanalysis and psychotherapy

This degree will hone your self-reflective skills and teach you how to make a difference through therapeutic relationships. You will be undertaking a placement in each year of study so you can apply the lessons and theories you learn straight away. You will be guided by expert practitioners and researchers working in the field of psychodynamic practice today.

Choosing this degree will prepare you for a career in numerous fields, from psychotherapy and management, to social work and academic research.

When you choose the BA Psychodynamic Practice at Essex, you will discover a fascinating degree with a range of features to boost your career options:

• A wide range of career possibilities with insight from experienced practitioners and staff. From therapeutic settings to the world of human resources, communications, and leadership, this degree can open many exciting future pathways. Your teaching staff holds a wide range of practitioner experience and can provide the insight you need to understand and shape your future career prospects.

• A placement in each year of study to develop your C.V. and apply your learning. With close links to a wide range of local and national institutions, you can undertake a number of placements throughout your degree, ensuring you can graduate with real-world experience and insight.

Read the entry requirements
• An introduction to the psychodynamic model. This degree is the first degree in the UK to teach psychodynamic ideas and practices to undergraduate students. You will gain an experiential, work-based and theoretical understanding of how a therapeutic approach is used to treat traumatised and troubled people.
View the course structure

Who studied unconscious mechanisms in institutional settings?

Isabel Menzies Lyth. In 1959, Lyth produced a study which proposed that hospital systems could be seen as a defensive response to the anxiety experienced by staff caring for patients in life or death situations. Her study uncovered how working practices in a training hospital were leading trainee nurses to leave training early. Lyth suggested a number of changes which radically improved conditions for nurses and patients alike.

What is the origin of talking therapies?

All the talking therapies today go back to Freud’s original model.  Furthermore, child psychotherapy was developed principally by Melanie Klein and Freud’s own daughter, Anna Freud. This means that Cognitive Behaviour Therapy, Person-Centred Counselling, and Art Therapy, are all derived from psychoanalysis.

What is the relationship between neuroscience and psychoanalysis?

Before Sigmund Freud became a psychoanalyst, he was a neuropathologist. He studied the human brain, especially children’s brains, and wrote many neuroscientific papers. Some of Freud psychoanalytic ideas derive from his research in neuroscience.

Who coined the term 'nameless dread'?

Wilfred Bion. Bion was a tank commander in the first world war and painfully aware of the affects of trauma. He coined the term 'nameless dread' to express the indescribable feelings during and after a traumatic event. Bion is also renowned for developing a new model of treating patients in military war hospitals. Rather than merely treating poor mental health with sedative and bed rest, he engaged patients as equal and competent people, and began running large and small activity groups. Bion’s innovation led to the development of democratic therapeutic communities in the UK.

Explore the interplay between society and our inner world:

Studying Psychosocial and Psychoanalytic Studies at Essex gives you a unique opportunity to understand the relationship between the mind and the social world. You will study psychological and sociological phenomena and examine the complex links between them.

You will learn about hate, violence, conflict and aggression, as well as care, intimacy, love, and relationships. You will explore psychoanalytic approaches to the unconscious mind, imagination, and fantasy, studying foundational thinkers including Sigmund Freud, Melanie Klein, Carl Jung, and Jacques Lacan.

You will discover fascinating topics such as:

• Gender, sexuality, race, racism and colonialism
• Violence, trauma, intimacy and care
• Dreams, the unconscious, archetypes and symbolism
• Childhood, ageing and mental illness
• Therapeutic practice

This degree will give you the opportunity to develop academic skills alongside reflective and therapeutic ways of thinking and communicating. You can partake in reflective groups, undertake observation seminars, and design your research project alongside leaders of psychosocial and psychoanalytic studies.

Choosing this degree will prepare you for a future in numerous fields, from psychotherapy and mental health, to marketing and political advocacy.

When you choose Psychosocial and Psychoanalytic Studies at Essex, you will discover a captivating degree with innovative benefits to boost your future. These include:

• A host of fascinating modules to choose from: You will study a wide range of social and psychoanalytic theories from within the Western tradition and the Global South. From learning about clinical practice to critical social theory, your modules will help you develop essential skills to succeed in increasingly diverse and multicultural work environments.

Visit the course structure

• The opportunity to get hands on experience during a placement year or study abroad: You can undertake a year-long paid placement in environments well-suited to the application of psychosocial and therapeutic thinking - from mental health services to schools and not-for-profit organisations. Your placement experience will help you develop essential work-based skills in preparation for life beyond graduation.

Read the entry requirements

• Develop and hone your observational and reflective skills: This degree encourages you to work collaboratively within a small peer group to develop your listening, observation, and reflective skills. These highly desirable interpersonal skills are valuable in a wide range of careers, particularly in the fields of psychotherapy and mental health, as well as careers that involve vulnerable individuals and groups.

Who famously considered sadness an essential and important aspect of our psychic lives?

Sigmund Freud. Freud's defence of ‘ordinary unhappiness’ is one of the most powerful criticisms of the contemporary happiness industry.

Which psychoanalyst created word experiments and popularised the notion of archetypes? 

Carl Jung. Many of his ideas have gained popularity in mainstream culture and are now the basis of other innovations. For example, his Word Association Experiments anticipated the lie detector test, and his concept of archetypes has influenced popular cultural productions like Star Wars.

Who discovered that children cannot use talking therapies in the same way adults can, but can instead express their worries through playing?

Melanie Klein. The Austrian psychoanalyst developed a ‘play technique’ which is used in psychotherapeutic work with children today. 

Who demonstrated that language can shape our thinking?

Jacques Lacan. The French psychoanalyst demonstrated that the language we acquire from our caregivers shapes our innermost thoughts. Lacan refined Freud’s therapeutic technique by emphasising the importance of the unique words that patients use to describe their suffering, arguing that ‘the unconscious is structured like a language’.

Who explored colonialism and how it shapes sense of self for colonised people?

Frantz Fanon. Frantz showed how colonialism was not just a political phenomenon of exerting power and control over indigenous cultures but that it deeply shaped the personality and sense of self of colonised people.

Who invented the concept of gender performativity?

Judith Butler. The American philosopher proposed the concept which suggests that gender is non-biological and is instead established through ordinary acts and gestures. Her theory exposes the inherent fluidity of gender and has influenced LGBTQ+ identities and activism.

Build your expertise in professional roles that have meaning, purpose and are socially valuable:

Studying Therapeutic Communications and Therapeutic Organisations (TCTO) at Essex can provide a stepping stone for people wishing to:

• Start a new career
• Upskill an existing one
• Take up education later in life

You will learn what makes people tick, why people can sometimes act in curious irrational ways, the emotional and interpersonal factors that can lead to problems and what to do about it.

You will discover fascinating topics such as:

• Psychodynamic theory and practice
• Child and adult development
• Organisational dynamics
• Trauma theory

You will develop the capacity to:

• Use observational skills and reflective practice
• Work with groups
• Understand and implement therapeutic interventions

You will be taught by lecturers with years of experience working as teachers, psychotherapists and therapeutic community workers. Your tutors combine their academic rigour with years of practical knowledge gained from working directly with vulnerable or troubled individuals and groups.

This degree will help you work in a manner that is professional, therapeutically informed, relational and impactful. Whether in the context of education, health, social care or beyond, you will be developing a highly desirable portfolio of practical skills for the next stage of your career.

Discover Therapeutic Communication and Therapeutic Organisations

When you choose Therapeutic Communications and Therapeutic Organisations (TCTO), you will discover a fascinating and practical degree designed to ensure you can access education, no matter your background or current circumstance. You will get:

Flexibility to study alongside your current commitments: We developed this course with mature students in mind. We recognise the realities of busy adult lives, whether they include an existing career, or caring responsibilities. That is why our seminars occur just once a week, supported by additional home and work study.

An easily accessible introduction to higher education: Our foundation course will ease you back into higher education, helping you prepare for the degree-level qualification. Whatever your academic credentials or real-world experience, our foundation to degree pathway will ensure you receive the correct level of academic support.

The choice to study online or face to face: When you choose the Foundation degree in Therapeutic Communication and Therapeutic Organisations (FdA TCTO) you will have the option to study in person or remotely. The ability to choose in person or online learning ensures you can study in a manner which best suits you.

Targeted and tailored support for mature students: We recognise that returning to education after a long gap can be daunting. That is why we take extra care to support with the nuts and bolts of university study. Your lecturers will offer individual guidance, practical and academic support and champion your success every step of the way. The University also provides mature student support classes for skills including; reading and essay construction.

We are committed to ensuring that your time studying with us is fruitful for your personal and professional development.

That is why we designed this course to ensure you receive a fantastic educational experience alongside tangible and actionable outputs. This course can help you:

Start a new career in this area, having previously worked in an unrelated area:

Whether you are transitioning away from one career path to another or returning to education after a career break, this course has helped many people find a more fulfilling way forward.

Build your reputation and profile in existing roles in social work, healthcare, mental health, community work and education:

Many of our students are already in work but are now looking to level up their skillset. This course is perfect for those looking to upskill and improve upon their future career prospects.

Move into leadership roles:

A leadership role involves much more than simply rising to the top of an organisation. This course has helped many students develop their understanding of organisational dynamics, self reflective practice and observational skills - all necessary attributes for effective leadership within today's diverse workforce and complex workplace structures.

Gain promotion within a profession which requires a degree qualification:

Many of our students have a valuable track record of work experience, yet despite their practical experience might have missed out on education opportunities and qualifications they now require to take the next step in their career. This course can help you bridge the gap between career experience and academic credentials.