Psychodynamic Counselling

The course forms part of the Oxford University Master’s Programme in Psychodynamic Studies which is accredited by the UPCA (Universities Psychotherapy and Counselling Association). Students who complete the full programme and the necessary clinical hours will be eligible for professional accreditation via UPCA with UKCP (UK Council for Psychotherapy) as a psychotherapeutic counsellor. In addition, those that wish may apply individually to the BACP (British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy).

The PGCert may be taken as a stand-alone course, though it is not a clinical practitioner status course, or it may equip you to apply for higher level graduate courses in this area.

The course runs one evening a week over three terms at the Department for Continuing Education and consists of:

• term-time weekly theory-and-practice workshops organised around a key dimension of psychodynamic practice - 'The Psychodynamic Approach', 'Therapeutic Processes and Skills' and 'Therapeutic, Practical and Ethical Implications'
• experiential groups
• two tutorials per term with a course tutor
• four written assignments
• two Saturday workshops.

Extensive regular reading and private study of at least 10 hours per week between the taught periods is recommended.

The course tutors will support and guide you in regard to your academic work, and offer a forum for the discussion of personal and professional development. Pastoral tutorials, to assist you in coping with the psychological demands of the course, are optional and confidential except in extreme circumstances. All tutors are professionally qualified and accredited counsellors or psychotherapists.

Please note for your own interest that no applicant currently in therapy/counselling with a course tutor will be admitted to the course.

Due to the psychodynamic and experiential nature of the programme, it is considered inappropriate for students to engage in romantic/sexual relationships with tutors or students whilst on course. Should any such relationship arise during the course of your studies, you must declare its existence to the Course Director as soon as possible, who may, for example, ask that you refrain from continuing your relationship or that you suspend your studies.

The course works using the UPCA and UKCP standards which are based on a number of implicit ethical principles that highlight the important nature of boundaries, professional conduct and, in a psychodynamic course, the power of unconscious processes. Students should at all times act in accordance with the ethical codes issued by the UPCA and UKCP.

The PGCert course runs annually, while the PGDip and master's courses are on a two-year cycle. A post-certificate seminar series is held on alternate years, when there is not an intake for the PGDip directly following the PGCert. The seminar series gives the opportunity for consolidation of certificate learning and facilitates a progression in psychodynamic thinking.

Counselling Introductory Courses are also run, separately to this PGCert - details are available in the Weekly Classes section of the Department for Continuing Education website, or from the Weekly Class Administrator via telephone at 01865 280893.

The allocation of graduate supervision for this course is the responsibility of the Department for Continuing Education and it is not always possible to accommodate the preferences of incoming graduate students to work with a particular member of staff. A supervisor is often found outside the Department for Continuing Education.

Graduates of the PGCert course may apply to progress to the PGDip in Psychodynamic Practice, approximately 50% of students do this. Others may apply to training courses elsewhere, or may use the PGCert course within their current employment.

Changes to this course and your supervision

The University will seek to deliver this course in accordance with the description set out in this course page. However, there may be situations in which it is desirable or necessary for the University to make changes in course provision, either before or after registration. In certain circumstances, for example due to visa difficulties or because the health needs of students cannot be met, it may be necessary to make adjustments to course requirements for international study.

Where possible your academic supervisor will not change for the duration of your course. However, it may be necessary to assign a new academic supervisor during the course of study or before registration for reasons which might include sabbatical leave, parental leave or change in employment.

For further information, please see our page on changes to courses.

Other courses you may wish to consider

If you're thinking about applying for this course, you may also wish to consider the courses listed below. These courses may have been suggested due to their similarity with this course, or because they are offered by the same department or faculty.

Courses suggested by the department

Psychodynamic Practice PGDip
Psychodynamic Practice MSt

The PGDip in Psychodynamic Practice and MSt in Psychodynamic Practice are open for admission every two years. The PGDip is a two-year course and the MSt is a one-year course. There will be no admissions for either course in the year that PGDip students embark on their second year of study.

All graduate courses in medical and health sciences offered by this department

Cognitive Behavioural Studies PGCert

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy MSc

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy PGDip

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy PGCert

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy DPhil

Continuing Education DPhil

Enhanced Cognitive Behavioural Therapy PGCert

Evidence Based Health Care (Medical Statistics) MSc

Evidence Based Health Care (Systematic Reviews) MSc

Evidence-Based Health Care DPhil

Evidence-Based Health Care MSc

Experimental and Translational Therapeutics MSc

Health Research PGDip

Health Research PGCert

Mindfulness Based Cognitive Therapy MSt

Paediatric Infectious Diseases MSc

Paediatric Infectious Diseases PGDip

Patient Safety PGCert

Psychodynamic Counselling PGCert

Psychodynamic Practice MSt

Psychodynamic Practice PGDip

Qualitative Health Research Methods PGCert

Surgical Science and Practice MSc

Teaching Evidence-Based Health Care PGCert

Translational Health Sciences MSc

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Entry requirements