Psychoanalytic Studies

The MSc in Psychoanalytic Studies at the University of Essex offers a comprehensive exploration of psychoanalytic theory, practice, and its application to understanding human behavior and mental health. This postgraduate program is designed for students interested in developing a deep theoretical knowledge of psychoanalysis and its relevance in contemporary psychological and clinical contexts. Throughout the course, students engage with a wide range of topics, including the history and development of psychoanalytic thought, key concepts and techniques, and the role of the unconscious in shaping individual experience. The program also emphasizes critical analysis and encourages students to examine the cultural, social, and ethical implications of psychoanalytic approaches.

Designed for those seeking careers in mental health, social work, research, or academic fields, the MSc in Psychoanalytic Studies provides both theoretical grounding and opportunities for practical application. Students are encouraged to undertake independent research, participate in seminars and workshops, and critically engage with current debates within psychoanalysis. The program combines lectures, tutorials, and experiential learning to foster a nuanced understanding of complex psychological phenomena. It is suitable for graduates from disciplines such as psychology, sociology, medicine, or related fields, as well as for professionals seeking to enhance their understanding of psychoanalytic principles.

The course typically covers topics such as developmental psychology, the therapeutic relationship, neurosis, psychosis, and the dynamics of unconscious processes. Students may also explore contemporary issues, including trauma, identity, sexuality, and cultural diversity, through the lens of psychoanalytic theory. The program aims to prepare graduates for further research, clinical practice, or academic positions, offering a robust foundation in both the theoretical and practical aspects of psychoanalysis. With access to the university’s academic resources and expert faculty, students will have the opportunity to deepen their understanding of psychoanalytic ideas and contribute to ongoing scholarly conversations in the field.

Detailed Course Facts

• GBP 9000 Year (EEA)
• GBP 11950 Year (Non-EEA)

• English

Course Content

Our courses are characterised by choice and flexibility. Studying at Essex is about discovering yourself, so your course combines compulsory ('core') and optional modules to ensure you gain key knowledge in the discipline while having as much freedom as possible to explore your own interests. Our modules change from year to year in response to new developments and innovation, but our module directory can show you which modules are available to our current students.

Example structure

Because of our interdisciplinary approach, many of our courses offer a wide selection of available modules, often including options from departments other than your own. Your course content will therefore depend on your own unique interests, but the structure below gives an example of what’s available to you.

Year 1

• The Enlightenment
• Introduction to US - Literature
• Introduction to US – History
• Introduction to US - Politics
• Introduction to US – Sociology
• Death, God and the Meaning of Life

Year 2

• American Studies 2nd year Seminar
• Social Entrepreneurs, Sustainability and Community Action
• Doing Research for a BA Dissertation
• United States Literature since 1850
• The Special Relationship? Anglo-American Relations 1850-2005

Year 3

Year abroad at a university in the United States

Year 4

• American Society: Ethnic Encounters in the Making of the USA
• The Imagined South
• The American Presidency
• Final Year Dissertation

English Language Requirements

IELTS band : 6

To study at this university, you have to speak English. We advice you to

Requirements

A-levels: ABB-BBB, including A-level subjects which require demonstration of essay writing skills
GCSE English: C
IB: 32-30 points (we consider IB certificates at the Higher level on a case-by-case basis)
Achievement of the Access to HE Diploma with a minimum of 6 level three credits at distinction and the remainder at merit (or above) or achievement of the Access to HE Diploma with a minimum of 45 level three credits at merit (or above).
English language requirements for applicants whose first language is not English: IELTS 6.0 overall with minimum 5.5 in each component (or equivalent). Different requirements apply for second year entry.
We accept a wide range of other qualifications from applicants studying in the UK, EU and other countries. For further details about the qualifications that we accept, please e-mail us with information about the high school qualifications you have already completed or are currently taking.
We welcome applications from mature students, students interested in direct entry to the second year and students wishing to defer entry.

Work Experience

No work experience is required.

Want to improve your English level for admission?

Prepare for the program requirements with English Online by the British Council.

• ✔️ Flexible study schedule
• ✔️ Experienced teachers
• ✔️ Certificate upon completion

📘 Recommended for students with an IELTS level of 6.0 or below.

Enroll in the course

Related Scholarships*

• Academic Excellence Scholarship

  "The Academic Excellence Scholarship can provide up to a 50 % reduction in tuition per semester. These scholarships will be renewed if the student maintains superior academic performance during each semester of their 3-year Bachelor programme. The scholarship will be directly applied to the student’s tuition fees."

• Access Bursary

  Bursary for UK students all subjects where the variable tuition fee rate is payable.

• Alumni Bursary

  Alumni Bursary for UK Undergraduate students

* The scholarships shown on this page are suggestions first and foremost. They could be offered by other organisations than University of Essex.

Funding

For up-to-date information on funding opportunities at Essex, please visit: www.essex.ac.uk/funding.