Psychodynamic Practice

A one year part-time graduate course providing training in advanced clinical work and research methodology in psychodynamic practice, involving the opportunity to undertake supervised original research.

The course forms part of the University of Oxford's master’s programme in psychodynamic studies, which is accredited by the UPCA (Universities Psychotherapy and Counselling Association). At completion of the full programme and the necessary clinical hours you will be eligible for professional accreditation via the UPCA with UKCP (UK Council for Psychotherapy), as a psychotherapeutic counsellor. In addition, if you wish you may apply individually to the BACP (British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy).

The MSt course seeks to consolidate the clinical and academic work of the programme and provides training in advanced clinical work and research methodology, with the undertaking of supervised research. It is primarily orientated towards increasing the understanding and application of counselling/psychotherapy research in practice. The course is designed to bring you to an advanced level of professional competence.

You should have satisfactorily completed the PGDip in Psychodynamic Practice and will continue your clinical placement and personal therapy. Please note that successful completion of the MSt will result in the PGDip award being subsumed by the MSt award.

The course consists of:

• weekly Wednesday evening clinical and research seminars during Michaelmas and Hilary terms
• two Saturday workshops, in September at the start and end of the course
• two tutorials with the senior clinical tutor
• four tutorials with the research tutor
• a minimum of one meeting per term with an off-course research project supervisor
• a 15,000 word research project dissertation
• a viva voce examination
• a minimum of 100 clinical hours with supervision at a minimum 1:6 ratio to clinical hours
• a minimum of 40 hours personal therapy over the year, with a psychodynamically trained and course-approved therapist/counsellor.

The hours of private study are those needed to bring both clinical understanding and the dissertation to the standard required by the MSt both tutors will assist in monitoring this. However, at least 10 hours study per week between the taught periods is envisaged.

The on-course research tutor and off-course research project supervisor will support and guide you with regard to the research project dissertation, which nevertheless must remain an original piece of individually-researched work authored entirely by you. All tutors are professionally qualified and accredited counsellors or psychotherapists.

No applicant currently in therapy/counselling with a course tutor will be admitted to the course.

It is necessary to have successfully completed the PGDip in Psychodynamic Practice, or to be currently studying on the second year of the PGDip, in order to apply to this course.

Applicants are normally expected to be predicted or have achieved a first-class or strong upper second-class undergraduate degree with honours (or equivalent international qualifications), as a minimum, in any subject. For applicants with a degree from the USA, the minimum GPA normally sought is 3.5 out of 4.0.

If you hold non-UK qualifications and wish to check how your qualifications match these requirements, you can contact the National Recognition Information Centre for the United Kingdom (UK NARIC).

No Graduate Record Examination (GRE) or GMAT scores are sought.

• Official transcript(s)
• CV/résumé
• Personal statement:500 words
• References/letters of recommendation:Three overall, generally academic

ENGLISH LANGUAGE REQUIREMENTS

Higher level

The University of Oxford offers various financing options for students enrolled in the Psychodynamic Practice program. Prospective students are encouraged to explore numerous funding avenues to support their studies financially. University scholarships are available based on academic achievement, financial need, or specific criteria related to the field of study. These include both full and partial scholarships, which can significantly reduce the burden of tuition fees and living expenses. Additionally, Oxford provides bursaries and grants for eligible students, often targeted at UK and EU students, to assist with accommodation, study costs, and other fees. International students are advised to seek external funding opportunities, such as government-sponsored loans, private scholarships, or funding from home country organizations. The university also offers loan schemes and payment plans, allowing students to spread the cost of their education over manageable periods. Students should consult the university’s dedicated financing or funding webpages for detailed and up-to-date information, as funding availability and criteria may vary yearly. Furthermore, there are specific opportunities for professional development funding for students involved in clinical training or research components of the program. It is recommended that applicants contact the university’s financial aid office early in their application process to explore all available options and ensure that they meet all eligibility requirements. Overall, the University of Oxford strives to make its programs accessible to a diverse student body by providing comprehensive financial support schemes designed to minimize barriers to higher education in psychodynamic practice.

The University of Oxford offers programmes related to Psychodynamic Practice that are designed to provide students with an in-depth understanding of psychodynamic theories and their application within clinical settings. These programmes typically aim to prepare practitioners for careers in mental health, psychotherapy, and counselling by combining rigorous academic study with practical training. Students engage with a comprehensive curriculum that covers key concepts in psychoanalysis, development of the mind, clinical practice skills, and contemporary issues in mental health. The courses often include a mix of lectures, seminars, and supervised practical work, enabling students to develop diagnostic, therapeutic, and reflective skills essential for effective psychodynamic practice.

Students examining this field at Oxford benefit from access to experienced faculty members who are active researchers and practitioners in psychoanalysis and psychotherapy. The programme encourages critical thinking, self-awareness, and ethical practice, with options to specialize or focus on areas such as child psychodynamics, adult psychotherapy, or specific clinical populations. In addition to theoretical knowledge, the programme emphasizes experiential learning, which may involve clinical placements, case studies, and peer discussion groups.

Graduates of the programme are well-equipped to pursue careers in various mental health settings, contribute to academic research, or engage in further professional training. The University of Oxford’s reputation for academic excellence, combined with its extensive resources and multidisciplinary approach, makes its psychodynamic programmes highly regarded in the field. The programme duration, entry requirements, and specific modules can vary, but they generally aim to cultivate skilled, ethical, and reflective practitioners capable of making meaningful contributions to mental health and psychological well-being.