Course Structure

The MSc currently offers three different modes of attendance: Full-time, Part-time and Modular/Flexible attendance. All students must complete and pass all modules in order to gain the degree, regardless of the mode of attendance, but the order and pace at which modules must be completed varies, as explained further down.

Students should aware that the mode of attendance in many cases determines eligibility for funding and/or loan options, so students wishing to apply for funding or a student loan should consult with the relevant funding/loan entity prior to making a decision.

Overseas students should note that, in accordance to UK Immigration Regulations, Tier 4 visa students can only attend the programme on a Full-time basis. For further information concerning visa regulations and procedures please consult the UCL Prospective Students Immigration Information website. 

Full-time attendance

Students in Full-time attendance register for and complete all five modules in one year.

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Part-time attendance

Students in Part-time attendance complete all five modules in two years, as per the following schedule:

Year 1

• PSYCGT10: Fundamentals of Psychoanalytic Theory/Freud reading Seminars (30 Credits)
• PSYCGT11 Major Schools of Psychoanalysis (30 Credits)
• PSYCGT12 Core Psychoanalytic Theory (30 credits)

Year 2

• PSYCGT13 Applications of Psychoanalysis (30 credits) OR, for students in the Foundation Course Pathway, 99PSGFC1 - Institute of Psychoanalysis Foundation Course (30 credits)
• PSYCGT98 Dissertation (60 Credits)

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Modular/Flexible attendance

Students complete all five modules in up to five years from enrolment. Modular/Flexible students select their module choices and module load year on year, in consultation with the Programme Tutor. Different module loads can be chosen in different years, and modules can be completed in any order, with the following constraints:

• PSYCGT10 must be taken in the first year
• PSYCGT98 must be taken in the final year

In addition, Modular/Flexible students in the Foundation Course Pathway will need to discuss and agree with the Programme Tutor when best to undertake 99PSGFC1. Typically students will not be permitted to take 99PSGFC1 unless in conjunction with PSYCGT11 and/or PSYCGT12, or until at least one of these modules has been completed.

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Virtual / Distance Learning

All teaching is structured as small-group seminars and attendance is compulsory. It is therefore regretfully not possible to complete the programme through virtual/distance learning. It is also regretfully not possible to consider transfer of credits from any programme and/or institution at this time.

All teaching and programme activities are timetabled on Friday afternoons and Saturdays during term time, with typically three 1.5 hour seminars each day. Full-time students attend all seminars, while part-time and modular/flexible students attend only the seminars for the module(s) they are registered for in any particular year.

Although a part-time or flexible/modular student's workload is lighter and attendance is less than that of full-time students, it is essential that students keep all Friday afternoons (noon to early evening) and Saturdays (morning to mid-afternoon) free during the academic year as module seminars are not scheduled at set times every week, but are rather scheduled at any time(s) convenient to the teachers during those periods. This is especially important to note for those students who may be negotiating time off from their employment to attend the MSc on a part-time basis.

In addition to attending seminars during term-time, students will be required to sit exams (typically scheduled in May/June), and also work on the dissertation during the summer period.

Students accepted onto the Foundation Course at the Institute of Psychoanalysis in London can request to access the MSc in its Foundation Course Pathway, which allows students to be assessed by UCL on the Foundation Course material to count for one module of the MSc Theoretical Psychoanalytical Studies.

Students undertaking the Foundation Course Pathway must complete all credits as per the regular pathway, but register for 99PSGFC1 (Institute of Psychoanalysis Foundation Course) instead of PSYCGT13 (Applications of Psychoanalysis). Students attend the Foundation Course lectures and seminars at the Institute of Psychoanalysis, but are then assessed on the theoretical material by UCL, following the same assessment scheme as the rest of taught modules in the MSc.

In order to pass the MSc programme (180 credits) students need to pass all of the following elements of assessment: 

Module: PSYCGT10 Fundamentals of Psychoanalytic Theory/Freud Reading Seminars	30 credits	Exam 50% (2 questions/2 Hours) Essay 50% (2,500 words)
Module: PSYCGT11  Major Schools of Psychoanalysis	30 credits	Exam 50% (2 questions/2 Hours) Essay 50% (2,500 words)
Module: PSYCGT12  Core Psychoanalytic Theory	30 credits	Exam 50% (2 questions/2 Hours) Essay 50% (2,500 words)
Module: PSYCGT13  Applications of Psychoanalysis	30 credits	Exam 50% (2 questions/2 Hours) Essay 50% (2,500 words)
Module: PSYCGT98 Dissertation	60 credits	10,000 and 12,000 words

Module: 99PSGFC1 Foundation Course Optional Pathway  (Alternative to Module PSYCGT13)

30 credits

Exam 50% (2 questions/2 Hours) Essay 50% (2,500 words)

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PSYCGT10: Fundamentals of Psychoanalytic Theory/Freud reading Seminars (30 Credits)

This module aims to develop a critical understanding of the main psychoanalytic theories and models of the mind as these developed in the work of Sigmund Freud. The module introduces an understanding of how the theories developed in conjunction with understanding particular pathologies, such as hysteria, which is at the heart of psychoanalytic theory as originally formulated by Freud. It also introduces students to the significance of the clinical case report from Freud through to the present day.

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PSYCGT11 Major Schools of Psychoanalysis (30 Credits)

This module traces the development of psychoanalysis in France, Britain and North America since Freud's death. It covers the work of Melanie Klein, Anna Freud, DW Winnicott, and Jacques Lacan, amongst others. The work of more contemporary psychoanalytic theorists is covered further in module PSYCGT12.

• Klein. This seminar series reviews the work of Melanie Klein, highlighting her contributions to the development of psychoanalytic theory, models of pathology and technique. It also covers the contributions of later Kleinian analysts.
• Classical and Contemporary Freudian Traditions. This seminar series introduces the work of Anna Freud and what is now known as Classical Theory and Technique, which combines both Freudian and Anna Freudian concepts. Students will read some of the major works of Anna Freud and develop a critical understanding of the major conceptual developments which distinguish her work from those from other psychoanalytic traditions.
• Winnicott. This seminar series aims to provide an introduction to the ideas of D.W Winicott. Students will read some of the major works of D.W Winnicott, and develop a critical understanding of the major conceptual developments which distinguish Winnicott and his followers from those in other psychoanalytic traditions.
• Lacan and the Modern French. This series of seminars introduce students to the complex and highly influential ideas of French psychoanalysts, including Jacques Lacan and Andre Green.
• North American Psychoanalysis. This seminar series is focused on the development of psychoanalysis in North America following Freud's death. It takes a preliminary look at the work of Hartmann, Kohut, Ogden and Stern, amongst others. 

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PSYCGT12 Core Psychoanalytic Theory (30 credits)

This module traces the development of psychoanalytic theory and technique. It is organised largely thematically, and covers areas such as trauma, sexuality and contemporary psychoanalytic technique. A further seminar series within the module explores the work of Wilfred Bion.

• Contemporary Clinical Theory. A series of seminars which explores technique in psychoanalysis and considers how technique interacts with theory.

• Bion. A seminar series dedicated to exploring the work of Bion, focusing on some of his most important theoretical developments.
• Trauma. This seminar series aims to introduce a psychoanalytic model of trauma. Students will gain insight into the development of thinking about trauma from Freud to the present day, and an understanding of how trauma impacts the mind and an awareness of how the impact of trauma is understood in the various psychoanalytic traditions.
• Essential Issues in Psychoanalysis. This seminar series aims to give students a clear sense of what psychoanalysis is. It look at the setting and process of psychoanalysis, and considers its aims and techniques. It considers the evidence that exists in support of psychoanalytic theories, coming from developmental studies, attachment research and neuroscience. Taking into account research into the process and outcome of psychoanalysis and psychotherapy, we will consider whether these treatments are valuable and/or effective, and we will look at some derivative treatments that may be more accessible.
• Sexuality

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PSYCGT13 Applications of Psychoanalysis (30 credits)

Seminar series are offered to demonstrate the application of psychoanalytic ideas to understanding the wider culture and their contribution to other disciplines such as Philosophy, Psychopathology, Diversity and Technical Innovations of Psychoanalysis, Psychoanalysis and Other Disciplines (Literature, Music and Cinema).

• Philosophy and Psychoanalysis. The aim of this course is to study how theory and data are related in psychoanalytic
• Psychoanalysis and other Disciplines (Cinema, Literature, Music). A series of seminars examining the relationship between Cinema, Literature, Music and Psychoanalysis.
• Psychopathology in Psychoanalysis. This series will introduce students to psychoanalytic views on some central psychopathologies: addiction, narcissism, borderline phenomena and body modification/self-harm. It will also look at forensic issues in psychoanalysis.
• Diversity and Technical Innovations of Psychoanalysis. This brief series aims to encourage students' thinking about how psychoanalysis has been or may need to be adapted to meet the needs of society, individual patients with minority needs and the widening scope of mental health disorders e.g. personality disorders.

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PSYCGT98 Dissertation (60 Credits)
10,000-12,000 words.

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99PSGFC1 - Foundation Course Optional Pathway (Alternative to Module PSYCGT13) (30 credits)

Only students on the Foundation Course MSc Pathway can enrol in 99PSGFC1. Students on this Pathway attend the Foundation Course at the Institute in Psychoanalysis and have their work accredited as part of the MSc Theoretical Psychoanalytical Studies.

For further information about this option, please see Foundation Course Optional Pathway section above, our consult our Foundation Course FAQ page.