Psychodynamics of Human Development
Entry requirements
Experience of working with children, adults or families is an advantage.
Our standard postgraduate entry requirement is a second-class honours degree (2:2 or above), or an equivalent international qualification.
Applications are reviewed on their individual merits and your professional qualifications and/or relevant work experience will be taken into consideration positively. We actively support and encourage applications from mature learners.
Months of entry
October
Course content
Our psychodynamics of human development course provides an understanding of human development through the theoretical and clinical issues raised by infant observation, through work study seminars and through psychoanalytic and Jungian analytic theories. This includes recent research in child development and contemporary issues in psychodynamic or Jungian analytic theory. You will also be taught research methods and complete an empirical or theoretical dissertation.
This course is designed to provide professional and personal development for those working in settings such as community care, counselling, social services, primary care, mental health and education. It is a foundation, including accredited infant observation, for those considering psychotherapy training and it fulfils the entry requirements for a Child and Adolescent Psychotherapy Doctorate.
The course is taught jointly by Birkbeck and the British Psychotherapy Foundation (BPF). The first year is taught at the BPF, based in Kilburn (north-west London).
- A valuable opportunity to combine the knowledge of practising clinicians from a leading psychotherapy training institution with the research expertise of an internationally recognised university department.
- The infant observation component provides experiential learning that can be accredited for psychotherapy training.
- Choose between psychoanalytic and Jungian analytic approaches.
Graduates can pursue career paths in psychotherapy, psychology and education. They can also apply for training in child and adolescent psychotherapy, adult psychoanalytic psychotherapy or Jungian analytic psychotherapy. Possible professions include:
- psychotherapist
- clinical psychologist
- further education lecturer
- educational psychologist
- careers adviser.
Read about how you can become a professional counsellor or psychotherapist.
We offer a comprehensive careers service - Careers and Enterprise - your career partner during your time at Birkbeck and beyond. At every stage of your career journey, we empower you to take ownership of your future, helping you to make the connection between your experience, education and future ambitions.
Information for international students
If English is not your first language or you have not previously studied in English, our usual requirement is the equivalent of an International English Language Testing System (IELTS Academic Test) score of 6.5, with no less than 6.0 in each of the sub-tests.
If you don't meet the minimum IELTS requirement, we offer pre-sessional English courses and foundation programmes to help you improve your English language skills and get your place at Birkbeck.
Qualification, course duration and attendance options
- MSc
- part time24 months
- Campus-based learningis available for this qualification
- PGDip
- part time24 months
- Campus-based learningis available for this qualification
Course contact details
- Name
- Student Advice Service
- studentadvice@bbk.ac.uk
- Phone
- +44 (0)20 3907 0700