Clinical Training

Applicants should be aware that the MSc Theoretical Psychoanalytic Studies is a non-clinical programme. Although the programme certainly provides a valuable background to clinical training in psychoanalysis or psychotherapy, and we are in a good position to offer advice on this progression, it is a nevertheless a different undertaking.

It must also be emphasised that this is a university programme conforming to the standards and customs of University College London, run by the Research Department of Clinical, Educational and Health Psychology at UCL. Thus, although the programme is taught primarily by psychoanalysts belonging to the British Psychoanalytical Society, it is not part of the range of educational courses offered by the Society itself. In particular, it must be understood that this is not a clinical training in psychoanalysis, such as the Society itself offers. The Society does, however, certainly welcome applications for training from students or graduates of this programme, who need not be deterred by being younger or less clinically experienced than many who train to become psychoanalysts. Any applicants who might be interested in exploring this possibility are welcome to contact Dr Liz Allison, Dr Christine English, or the British Psychoanalytical Society directly, to discuss the options.