BA (Hons) Psychosocial Studies

In the first year you undertake:

• 1 core module
• 2 compulsory modules, each to the value of 30 credits
• 2 compulsory modules each to the value of 15 credits

This consists of:

Year 1 modules Module title Credits. Theories of Individual Development Theories of Individual Development 30 credits

This compulsory module addresses human development across the life-span The individual is not a static entity but subject to changes which occur from infancy to old age and experiences which affect later development. These changes apply to different domains of human development that will be explored, for example biological, cognitive, emotional, moral, psychoanalytic and social. Growing older is a process marked by important transitions, transformations and milestones in the individual's life, while different phases of the lifespan make different psychological demands on the individual. This module investigates the nature of those psychological demands and the way individuals respond to them, taking into consideration research conducted in the field.

30 credits. The Individual in Society and Culture The Individual in Society and Culture 30 credits

This compulsory module involves an interdisciplinary exploration of sociological, anthropological and psychological approaches to issues impacting the individual in society. Beyond a familiarity with basic approaches in sociology and anthropology, key concepts such as family, relationships, the self, conformity, race, gender and identity, will be explored through the three disciplines.

30 credits. Independent Learning Strategies and Skills Independent Learning Strategies and Skills 15 credits

This compulsory module develops the fundamental study skills required for undergraduate level study in social sciences in the context of multidisciplinarity, plurality and critical thinking. Through interactive teaching methods the module is specifically aimed to improve:

1. Written and verbal communication skills, including presentation skills

2. The ability to conduct independent learning

3. Academic writing and referencing

4. Literature searching skills and familiarity with relevant academic databases as well as the use of appropriate academic resources

5. Critical reflection and self-reflection

15 credits. Professional Frameworks in Therapeutic Practice Professional Frameworks in Therapeutic Practice 15 credits

This compulsory module focuses on wide-ranging concerns and controversies informing therapeutic culture(s) today, including state regulation of the ‘psychological therapies’ and issues associated with the concept of the ‘therapeutic relationship’. In addition, codes of ethics governing therapeutic cultures and issues of difference and diversity are also considered.

15 credits. Contemporary Approaches to the Theory and Practice of Psychotherapy and Counselling Contemporary Approaches to the Theory and Practice of Psychotherapy and Counselling 30 credits

This module introduces the core theoretical principles of contemporary theory and practice of psychotherapy and counselling have changed markedly in the past thirty years. During this time, many forces have converged, leading to major alterations in the therapeutic landscape. The scope of the module encompasses history, theory, practice, trends and research in psychotherapy and counselling at the beginning of the twenty-first century. Like every human practice or set of beliefs, psychotherapy has its own particular historical context forged by major traditions in the field such as psychoanalytic, cognitive-behavioural, humanistic and existential. At the same time, therapeutic cultures will be placed within a critical socio-political and philosophical context, considering Foucault, Feminist and intercultural critiques.

30 credits. or. Contemporary Approaches to the Theory and Practice of Psychotherapy and Counselling Contemporary Approaches to the Theory and Practice of Psychotherapy and Counselling 30 credits

This core module introduces the central theoretical principles of contemporary theory and the practice of psychotherapy and counselling which have changed markedly in the past thirty years. During this time, many forces have converged, leading to major alterations in the therapeutic landscape. The scope of the module encompasses history, theory, practice, trends and research in psychotherapy and counselling at the beginning of the twenty-first century. Like every human practice or set of beliefs, psychotherapy has its own particular historical context forged by major traditions in the field such as psychoanalytic, cognitive-behavioural, humanistic and existential. At the same time, therapeutic cultures will be placed within a critical socio-political and philosophical context, considering Foucault, Feminist and intercultural critiques.

30 credits. Year 2 (credit level 5)

In the second year of study you will study the following compulsory modules:

Module title Credits. Pathologies of the Modern Self Pathologies of the Modern Self 30 credits

This compulsory module addresses notions of the ‘abnormal’ and ‘pathological’ and introduces you to a range of diagnostic categories. Of concern is a range of questions: How has the notion of the ‘normal’ arisen? How are we to understand the changes in diagnostic classification which have occurred over the last 40 years or so? What kinds of ‘selves’ do counselling and therapy promote?

30 credits. Research Methods Research Methods 30 credits

This core module addresses the issue of research within the therapeutic context. It mainly focuses on practical aspects of conducting a research project in the field, such as planning a project and gathering and analysing data, but also touches upon issues such as epistemology, ethics in research, and critical evaluation. Teaching relates to both quantitive and qualitative methodologies and includes quantitive and qualitative data analysis tools and methods.

30 credits.

You will also take modules to the value of 60 credits from the following list:

Year 2 option modules Module title Credits. Mind Projections: Psychopathology & Cinema Mind Projections: Psychopathology & Cinema 15 credits

Cinema has the unique visual capacity and power to communicate something about the complexity of human emotions and offers a different insight into the human psyche and the workings of the unconscious. Far from merely representing reality, film questions reality and common perception and produces through visual means a new thinking and understanding of the subjective experience of mental distress, emotional suffering and symptoms. The art of cinema can thus offer a new language to think and talk about madness, insanity and psychopathology. In this module students will explore the links between films and psychoanalysis and will study a series of films that portray different forms of mental distress.

15 credits. Religion, Belief and Spirituality in Professional Practice Religion, Belief and Spirituality in Professional Practice 15 credits

This is an interdisciplinary module which explores the links between religion, belief, and spirituality and professional practice. Western societies are increasingly religiously diverse, and law and guidance require engagement with the religion and belief identities of service users. Yet public discourse and professional training has been dominated by post-religious assumptions which impede a good quality of conversation and debate. Instead discourse has revolved around risks, controversies and crises poses by religion and belief, usually associated with sex, gender, money and violence. This module explores these discourses as starting points for practice with religiously diverse publics.

15 credits. Introduction to Art, Play and Dramatheraphy Introduction to Art, Play and Dramatheraphy 15 credits

This module will enable students to develop an introductory understanding of Art Therapy, Dramatherapy and Play Therapy and their application in the mental health field. Students will be encouraged to learn and reflect on the group experience and the experiential and therapeutic aspects of play and dynamic communication in group settings (e.g. group therapy, experiential groups, organisational work groups).

15 credits. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) 15 credits

This optional module addresses the claims and methods of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy in relation to resolving issues of personal distress. This will enable you to understand the theories that underpin the practice of CBT; how CBT has developed; how research and practice articulates with the current social, political and economic contexts of mental health care.

15 credits. Counselling Skills Counselling Skills 15 credits

This optional module is designed to provide an intensive practice-based training in counselling skills, building on the theoretical knowledge that was acquired throughout year 1 and year 2 on the programmes. Students will study key theoretical concepts which inform counselling practice, and through structured exercises will develop core listening and other basic skills required for the counselling and therapies professions.

The skills acquired will enhance student’s employability in disciplines allied to counselling as well as opening the door to those wishing to continue to a postgraduate counselling training, in particular Goldsmiths' Postgraduate Diploma and MA in Counselling.

15 credits. Year 3 (credit level 6)

In the third year of the degree you will undertake:

• 2 compulsory modules
• optional modules to a total value of 60 credits
Compulsory Modules
Module title Credits. Dissertation in the Professional Context Dissertation in the Professional Context 30 credits

This compulsory module builds on the knowledge and skills developed in years 1 and 2, but emphasises research and independent learning. It allows you to develop your particular interests through a research-based investigation of a topic. This will include an empirical study which can be linked to a health, social or third sector organisation and/or may relate to your third year option.

Assessment:

A dissertation of 6000-8000 words

30 credits. The Political Significance of Freud's Legacy The Political Significance of Freud's Legacy 30 credits

This compulsory module addresses recent writing from the psychoanalytic orientation to counselling and psychotherapy. The turn to a ‘relational’ understanding of therapeutic practice forms one focus of your study; debates concerning the psychic processes of transference, counter-transference and projective identification, another. How this has been developed by Freud’s followers, specifically in relation to social, cultural and political discourses, is also explored.

30 credits. Year 3 Option Modules
Year 3 option modules Module title Credits. Trauma: Critical and Clinical Explorations Trauma: Critical and Clinical Explorations 15 credits

This module aims to introduce students to some key clinical and theoretical literature on psychic trauma as well as offering a critical look at what existing literature and the new approaches of a variety of clinical and theoretical disciplines bring to the understanding of traumatic experience.

More specifically, in this module students will familiarise themselves with: psychoanalytic literature on trauma (Freud, Ferenczi, Lacan); recent theories on PTSD; theories of resilience and post-traumatic growth; literature on transgenerational and across cultures trauma; the politics of memory and cultural healing through story-telling and narratives.

15 credits. Fieldwork Practice I Fieldwork Practice I 30 credits

This module focuses on developing practice competence in a supported setting. Participants will relate their academic studies to the practice context where they will undertake professional tasks in a controlled and developmental way.

30 credits. Multiculturalism, Identity and Difference Multiculturalism, Identity and Difference 15 credits

This module revisits the tensions between identity and difference, individual - community, and introduces students to major theoretical and political debates around citizenship rights, politics of race, sexuality/gender and multiculturalism throughout the 20th century (civil rights movements of the 60s and 70s) and 21st century (Islamophobia and war on terrorism, the veil debate, politics of forgiveness and cultural trauma). The module will depart by reviewing critical reflections on universalist human rights discourses.

15 credits. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) 15 credits

This optional module addresses the claims and methods of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy in relation to resolving issues of personal distress. This will enable you to understand the theories that underpin the practice of CBT; how CBT has developed; how research and practice articulates with the current social, political and economic contexts of mental health care.

15 credits. A Critical Introduction to Art Psychotherapy I: Theories and Practice A Critical Introduction to Art Psychotherapy I: Theories and Practice 15 credits.

This module will offer a comprehensive and critical overview of the main theories and approaches that characterise the diverse field and practice of art psychotherapy. The module will be taught within a critical framework that will incorporate insights from feminist, cultural and gender theory. The module will be of interest to those who wish to learn about the profession and who may be interested in going on to train as art psychotherapists.

15 credits.. A Critical Introduction to Art Psychotherapy II: Experiential Group Learning A Critical Introduction to Art Psychotherapy II: Experiential Group Learning 15 credits

This course will develop an understanding of art psychotherapy through an immersive and reflexive experiential learning process. Students will participate in an experiential art therapy group, where learning is through doing in an ‘as if’ experience of the therapeutic process. This is to facilitate development of insight into the self and others; and the dynamic interaction between art making, communication and group processes within a boundaried frame. Awareness of working with differences related to race, culture, class and gender will be developed and explored.

15 credits. Religion, Belief and Spirituality in Professional Practice Religion, Belief and Spirituality in Professional Practice 15 credits

This is an interdisciplinary module which explores the links between religion, belief, and spirituality and professional practice. Western societies are increasingly religiously diverse, and law and guidance require engagement with the religion and belief identities of service users. Yet public discourse and professional training has been dominated by post-religious assumptions which impede a good quality of conversation and debate. Instead discourse has revolved around risks, controversies and crises poses by religion and belief, usually associated with sex, gender, money and violence. This module explores these discourses as starting points for practice with religiously diverse publics.

15 credits. Dance Movement Psychotherapy Foundation Dance Movement Psychotherapy Foundation 30 credits

This optional module gives a practical and theoretical overview of the theory and practice of Dance Movement Psychotherapy in the UK. It will describe how it developed from the work of dancers and dance/ movement teachers and has now developed into a recognised profession that is regulated by the Health and Care Professions Council.

It will include exploration of clinical practice with a variety of client populations that describe the nature of the profession. It will include a practical element, namely an experiential Dance Movement Psychotherapy group where learning is through doing in an ‘as if’ experience of the DMP process.

30 credits. Teaching style

This programme is mainly taught through scheduled learning - a mixture of lectures, seminars and workshops. You’ll also be expected to undertake a significant amount of independent study. This includes carrying out required and additional reading, preparing topics for discussion, and producing essays or project work.

The following information gives an indication of the typical proportions of learning and teaching for each year of this programme*:

• Year 1 - 14% scheduled learning, 86% independent learning
• Year 2 - 14% scheduled learning, 86% independent learning
• Year 3 - 10% scheduled learning, 83% independent learning, 7% placement
How you’ll be assessed

You’ll