Higher Diploma in Arts in Psychoanalytic Studies

Course details

Available to all graduates with a primary degree in any area of study, the Higher Diploma in Arts in Psychoanalytic Studies is designed to offer a rigorous theoretical introduction to psychoanalysis. With its fundamental premise of the existence of unconscious mental life psychoanalysis differs, radically, from the traditions of psychotherapy and psychology. In recognition of the fact that psychoanalysis is a field where the basis of clinical practice is the practitioner’s own undergoing of analysis the Higher Diploma in Arts in Psychoanalytic Studies grounds students in the theory of psychoanalysis and thereby serves as a very strong foundation for successful graduates to pursue a qualification at Master’s level in psychoanalytic psychotherapy. Students are introduced to the authors who have contributed most significantly to the development of psychoanalysis, in particular Sigmund Freud and Jacques Lacan.

This course is also of interest to graduates who wish to explore how psychoanalytic insights can be applied to such diverse fields as psychology, literary criticism, philosophy, gender studies, film theory, and business. Students are made aware of the wide range of applications of psychoanalysis in individual, family, social life and modern culture.

Entry Requirements

To be considered for admission, applicants must hold:

• A primary honours degree award of at least pass level in a non-cognate discipline from a recognised third level institution or equivalent qualification
• In the event that a student does not meet the minimum entry requirements as stated above, they may be considered under APL. Learners may also access this programme on the basis of recognition of prior learning or by assessment of prior experiential learning/informal learning. Such applicants are considered on a case-by-case basis. For this particular programme applicants will be considered on a case by case basis based upon their educational record, work experience and a capacity to successfully participate in the programme.
• An IELTS score of a minimum 6.0 or equivalent, where full-time study has been conducted in a language other than English or applicants whose first language is not English.

Programme Content

Module

• Formations of the Unconscious I
• Hysteria
• Sexuality I
• Traditions of Psychotherapy
• Psychoanalysis & Language I
• The History of Psychoanalysis
• Formations of the Unconscious II
• Psychoanalysis & Language II
• Sexuality II
• Applications of Psychoanalysis
• Dissertation/Research Project

Assessment Methods

The Postgraduate Higher Diploma in Arts in Psychoanalytic Studies is an academic programme directed by the clinical experiences of the practitioners who deliver the lectures. Assessment is approached creatively with a range of assessment strategies including essay writing, in-class presentation, graded group discussion, and examination. Instructions and guidelines for all assessment are clearly communicated to students.