MSc in Theoretical Psychoanalytic Studies
Foundation Course Optional Pathway FAQs:
Q. What is the Foundation Course optional pathway for the MSc?
A. Students accepted onto the Foundation Course at the Institute of Psychoanalysis in London can request to be assessed by UCL on the Foundation Course theoretical (lecture) material to count for one module of the MSc Theoretical Psychoanalytical Studies.
Those given approval to take up this option choose the MSc Module 99PSGFC1 - Foundation Course, in place of Module PSYCGT13 - Applications of Psychoanalysis.
Q. If I have applied to UCL for a place on the MSc and want to do the Foundation Course, do I need to apply separately to the Institute of Psychoanalysis?
A. Yes. Acceptance onto the Foundation Course at the Institute is entirely independent from acceptance onto the MSc Theoretical Psychoanalytic Studies at UCL. The application processes for both are different. Any queries about applying to the Foundation Course should be directed to the Institute of Psychoanalysis.
Q. If I am accepted onto both the MSc and onto the Foundation Course, does that mean I can automatically take the optional pathway MSc module?
A. No. Places on the optional pathway MSc module are limited and are allocated on a first come, first served basis. We therefore strongly recommend that anyone wishing to take this route apply as early as possible to both programmes. Places on the optional pathway MSc module can only be allocated once a student has been accepted onto both programmes.
Q. Do the MSc and the Foundation Course have the same start and end dates?
A. No, these are separately organised courses with separate timetables. The MSc course starts in late September and teaching continues over three terms until June, when the exams are held. Students then write the dissertation for submission in August. The Foundation Course will have different term dates to the MSc, which students should be aware of when planning their studies.
Q. If I am taking the optional pathway MSc module, do I still have to complete all the other MSc modules?
A. Students taking the optional pathway take Module 99PSGFC1 – Foundation Course as an alternative to Module PSYCGT13 - Applications of Psychoanalysis. However they take all the other MSc modules in the usual way (PSYCGT10 - Fundamentals of Psychoanalytic Theory/Freud Reading Seminars; PSYCGT11 - Major Schools of Psychoanalysis; PSYCGT12 - Core Psychoanalytic Theory, and PSYCGT98 - the Dissertation). Please note that students taking module 99PSGFC1 – Foundation Course will not need to or be permitted to be assessed on module PSYCGT13 – Applications of Psychoanalysis.
Q. Can I choose the optional pathway MSc module 99PSGFC1 – Foundation Course in place of any of the MSc modules, other than Applications of Psychoanalysis?
A. No, the optional pathway module can only be taken as an alternative to module PSYCGT13 - Applications of Psychoanalysis.
Q. Can I still attend the PSYCGT13 - Applications of Psychoanalysis taught seminars, even if I have chosen to take module 99PSGFC1 – Foundation Course instead?
A.Students who wish to attend Applications of Psychoanalysis seminars can do so. However, they do so as auditors rather than participants. This means that they can observe the class but not ask questions or join in discussions. This is in order that teaching priority goes to those students who will be assessed on the module.
Q. How is my Foundation Course work assessed for the MSc?
A. While all the Foundation Course teaching takes place at the Institute of Psychoanalysis, students will be assessed on the theoretical (lecture) material by UCL for MSc module 99PSGFC1 – Foundation Course (30 credits). The assessment will be by one 2,500 word essay and one examination (2 hours, 2 questions). Specific essay and exam questions are devised for students taking module 99PSGFC1, which are appropriate to their Foundation Course learning.
Q. Will I be charged different tuition fees if I am taking the Foundation Course optional pathway?
A. Students taking the optional pathway pay the full standard UCL tuition fees for the MSc. However, they pay a reduced tuition fee to the Institute for the Foundation Course – as UCL funds a substantial part of their Foundation Course fee directly to the Institute.
Q. If I am studying for the MSc on a flexible rather than full-time basis, can I still take the Foundation Course optional pathway?
A. Yes, but you must be registered at the Institute of Psychoanalysis for the Foundation Course in the same year during which you opt for MSc module 99PSGFC1 – Foundation Course at UCL. You should also remember that places on the MSc module 99PSGFC1 – Foundation Course in any given year are limited and are allocated on a first come, first served basis.
Q. If I am already studying the Foundation Course at the Institute, can I take module 99PSGFC1 – Foundation Course as part of the MSc Theoretical Psychoanalytic Studies in the following year?
A. No – you would need to be registered for the Foundation Course at the Institute in the same year during which you take module 99PSGFC1 – Foundation Course as part of the MSc. You cannot be assessed by UCL retrospectively for Foundation Course material studied in a previous year.
