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This MSc gives students a grounding in the nature, history, content and context of psychoanalytic theory, as used by practising psychoanalysts. It provides a comprehensive introduction to current psychoanalytic thinking, rooted in the history and development of ideas and with attention to the application of psychoanalytic ideas to other fields.
Key Information
Programme starts
September 2018
Modes and duration
Tuition Fees (2018/19)
- UK/EU:
- £10,140 (FT) £5,060 (PT)
- Overseas:
- £24,860 (FT) £12,380 (PT)
Application deadlines
Note on fees: The tuition fees shown are for the year indicated above. Fees for subsequent years may increase or otherwise vary. Further information on fee status, fee increases and the fee schedule can be viewed on the UCL Current Students website. Fees for flexible, modular study are charged pro-rata to the appropriate full-time Master's fee taken in an academic session.
Entry requirements
Normally a minimum of a second-class Bachelor's degree in any subject from a UK university or an overseas qualification of an equivalent standard.
English Language Requirements
If your education has not been conducted in the English language, you will be expected to demonstrate evidence of an adequate level of English proficiency.
The English language level for this programme is: Good
Further information can be found on our English language requirements page.
International students
Country-specific information, including details of when UCL representatives are visiting your part of the world, can be obtained from the International Students website.
- Content
The MSc in Theoretical Psychoanalytic Studies provides a comprehensive introduction to current psychoanalytic thinking, rooted in the history and development of ideas and with attention to the application of psychoanalytic ideas to other fields. While maintaining a clinically informed perspective, the degree programme is academic, concerning itself with theoretical issues as these emerge from the clinical context.
- Structure
Key Information
Programme starts
September 2018
Location: London, BloomsburyDegree Information
Students learn about the medical and cultural context in which psychoanalysis began, through to contemporary clinical and theoretical perspectives. The teaching programme has a firm basis in the works of Sigmund Freud, but represents the breadth of the British psychoanalytic traditions, as well as major international contributions, the interface with the arts, and how psychoanalysis fits in with modern science.
Students undertake modules to the value of 180 credits.
The programme consists of four core taught modules (120 credits) and a conceptual research dissertation (60 credits).
Core modules
- Fundamentals of Psychoanalytic Theory
- Major Schools of Psychoanalysis
- Core Psychoanalytic Theory
- Applications of Psychoanalysis
Students accepted on to the Foundation Course at the Institute of Psychoanalysis in London can request to be assessed on the Foundation Course by UCL as part of the Foundation Course Optional Pathway. This assessment will count as one module of the MSc Theoretical Psychoanalytical Studies programme.
Those given approval can choose to register for the 99PSGFC1 Foundation Course MSc module in place of the Applications of Psychoanalysis module.
Dissertation/report
All students undertake an independent research project which culminates in a dissertation of 10,000–12,000 words.
Teaching and Learning
The programme is delivered through a combination of lectures, seminars and tutorials. The various seminar series are organised by experienced psychoanalysts or academics who are experts in the field concerned. Student performance is assessed through unseen written examination, coursework in the form of essays, and the dissertation.
Further information on modules and degree structure is available on the department website: Theoretical Psychoanalytic Studies (Non-Clinical) MSc
- Staff
- Application
Key Information
Programme starts
September 2018
Location: London, BloomsburyApplication and next steps
Applications
Students are advised to apply as early as possible due to competition for places. Those applying for scholarship funding (particularly overseas applicants) should take note of application deadlines.
Who can apply?
This MSc welcomes students from very diverse backgrounds. We accept good degrees in any subject, and many students come from overseas. Some come after psychotherapy clinical training to deepen their psychoanalytic knowledge. Many have little background in psychoanalysis, but are perhaps considering clinical training in the future, or a related PhD.
Application deadlines
- All applicants
- 27 July 2018
For more information see our Applications page.
Apply nowWhat are we looking for?
When we assess your application we would like to learn:
- why you want to study Theoretical Psychoanalytic Studies at graduate level
- why you want to study Theoretical Psychoanalytic Studies at UCL
- how your academic and professional background meets the demands of this rigorous programme
- where you would like to go professionally with your degree
Together with essential academic requirements, the personal statement is your opportunity to illustrate whether your reasons for applying to this programme match what the programme will deliver.
Students are advised to apply as early as possible due to competition for places. Those applying for scholarship funding (particularly overseas applicants) should take note of application deadlines. Interviews are held throughout the year starting in November.
- Careers
Whilst this MSc is not a clinical programme, it provides an interesting background to formal clinical training and some graduates pursue this option. Many students continue with their academic studies either at UCL or elsewhere, often registering for a PhD or applying for the Doctorate in Clinical Psychology, while others go on to train in Psychotherapy, Child Psychotherapy or Counselling.
Some career advice can be offered to students in individual discussion with the Programme Director and Programme Tutor, who may be able to arrange for the student to have further discussion with colleagues, or to obtain fuller information about options (e.g. professional training or study for a PhD) from relevant sources.
- Contact
Key Information
Programme starts
September 2018
Location: London, BloomsburyApplication and next steps
Contact Information
- Ms Daniela Tanner, Programme Administrator
- d.tanner@ucl.ac.uk
- +44 (0)20 7679 1899
Register your interest
Register interest in your chosen subjects.
Receive notice of graduate open days, events and more.- FAQs