Psychodynamic Counselling (Certificate in Higher Education)
Program start date | Application deadline |
2024-10-01 | - |
2025-10-01 | - |
Program Overview
The Psychodynamic Counselling program at Birkbeck provides a foundation for professional and voluntary roles in counselling. It emphasizes self-reflection, psychodynamic theory, and practical experience, preparing students for further training or careers in helping roles. The part-time program is accessible to individuals with no prior training and is taught by experienced clinicians and researchers.
Program Outline
Degree Overview:
- The Psychodynamic Counselling program offers a foundation for developing skills and knowledge for professional and voluntary roles, or as preparation for clinical training.
- The course focuses on self-reflection, the relationship between inner and outer worlds, application of psychodynamic theory in practice, and social and organizational factors influencing the professional counselling context.
- This part-time program is offered over two years, with one weekly class taking place either during the day, evening, or on Saturdays.
- No prior training is required, and hands-on, practical experience is emphasized, covering various counselling and therapeutic approaches.
- Instructors are experienced clinicians and active researchers.
Highlights:
- Birkbeck has a long-standing reputation in counselling training, with the first program established in 1972.
- You will be learning in a prestigious academic department with a recognized track record of excellence among employers.
- The course features practical experience and does not require prior training, covering a range of counselling and therapeutic approaches.
- Your teachers will be senior, experienced clinicians and active researchers.
Outline:
Course structure:
- The program consists of four modules:
- Inner and Outer Worlds: psychoanalytic and psychosocial understandings
- Listening, self-reflection and the counselling framework
- Psychoanalytic theory and practice
- Psychodynamic Counselling in a Psychosocial Framework
- The course is designed for part-time study over two years, with one weekly class held during the day, evening, or on Saturdays.
- Completion of all four modules (totaling 120 credits) is required to receive the Certificate in Higher Education (CertHE).
Year 1 Modules:
- Inner and Outer Worlds: Explores psychoanalytic and psychosocial understandings.
- Listening, self-reflection and the counselling framework: Develops essential skills in listening and self-reflection within the counselling framework.
Year 2 Modules:
- Psychoanalytic theory and practice: Delves into the theoretical foundation and practical applications of psychoanalytic psychotherapy.
- Psychodynamic Counselling in a Psychosocial Framework: Examines the interaction of psychodynamic principles within the broader context of social and cultural influences on counselling.
Assessment:
- Assessments are 100% coursework-based, including evaluations of counselling skills development and theoretical understanding.
- Coursework will likely consist of essays, written assignments, case studies, presentations, and practical demonstrations of counselling skills.
Teaching:
- Teaching methods in the program are likely to involve lectures, seminars, and practical classes.
- Lectures will present an overview of essential topics while seminars will provide opportunities for in-depth exploration and discussion with fellow students.
- Practical sessions will involve role-playing, simulations, and other activities to develop counselling skills.
- Students will have access to support from a named personal tutor.
- Teaching hours are typically between 6pm and 9pm, with day-time teaching available on some programs.
- Independent study and preparation are crucial elements of the learning process, requiring significant self-directed learning outside of class.
Careers:
- This certificate program lays a strong foundation for pursuing further training in counselling and psychotherapy, but it is not in itself a complete accreditation for professional practice.
- Graduates can explore career options in various helping roles within organizations and communities.
- The Birkbeck Careers and Enterprise service provides support and guidance throughout your career journey.
Other:
- No prior entry qualifications are required, although work experience is highly valued, particularly for applicants without formal academic backgrounds.
- Strong communication, interpersonal, and self-reflection skills are essential for success in the program.
- Birkbeck offers various learning and development support services, including academic skills training, writing guidance, and disability and dyslexia support.
- Mental health and counselling support services are also available to students who require assistance during their studies.
- The program offers an excellent introduction to psychodynamic principles, therapeutic skills, and the theoretical foundations of counselling practice, while also preparing graduates for further training in the field.
- The course has a strong reputation and is delivered by experienced and respected professionals in the field of counselling and psychotherapy.
- Part-time home students: £4,025 per year
- Part-time international students: £4,025 per year
Birkbeck University of London
Overview:
Birkbeck University of London is a public research university located in central London. It is known for its evening and weekend classes, catering to students who are working or have other commitments. Birkbeck is a member of the prestigious University of London and is recognized for its high-quality teaching and research.
Services Offered:
Birkbeck offers a wide range of services to its students, including:
Admissions:
Guidance on entry requirements, financial support, and application procedures.Student Services:
Support with academic and personal matters, including careers advice, financial aid, and disability services.Library:
Access to a comprehensive library with extensive resources and study spaces.Business Services:
Support for businesses and entrepreneurs, including training, consultancy, and networking opportunities.International Students:
Dedicated support for international students, including visa guidance and cultural integration programs.Student Life and Campus Experience:
Birkbeck provides a vibrant and diverse student community with a strong focus on evening and weekend study. Students can expect:
Central London Location:
Access to the city's cultural and social attractions.Flexible Study Options:
Evening and weekend classes to accommodate working students.Supportive Environment:
Dedicated student support services and a welcoming community.Career Development:
Opportunities for career advancement through internships, networking events, and career advice.Key Reasons to Study There:
Prestigious University:
Part of the University of London, renowned for its academic excellence.Flexible Study Options:
Evening and weekend classes for working professionals.Central London Location:
Access to the city's cultural and social attractions.Research-Led Teaching:
High-quality teaching informed by cutting-edge research.Strong Career Support:
Dedicated career services to help students achieve their career goals.Academic Programs:
Birkbeck offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs across various disciplines, including:
Arts:
History, English, Philosophy, Languages, and more.Sciences:
Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Psychology, and more.Social Sciences:
Economics, Sociology, Politics, Law, and more.Business:
Management, Finance, Marketing, and more.Humanities:
History of Art, Music, Theatre, and more.Other:
Birkbeck is committed to public engagement and research with impact. The university actively promotes its research findings and engages with the public through events, lectures, and publications.
Language Proficiency Requirements:
English Language Proficiency:
For applicants whose native language is not English or who have not completed their education in an English-speaking environment, the following English language proficiency requirements must be met:
- IELTS Academic Test: Minimum score of 6.5 overall, with no score below 6.0 in any sub-test.
- Other English Language Tests: See the Birkbeck website for other accepted English language tests and their equivalent IELTS scores.
Visa and Funding Requirements:
- Non-UK students without residency may require a Student visa for courses exceeding six months' duration or a Standard Visitor visa for programs under six months.