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Module Descriptions

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.

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. 

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

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.

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

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.