Graduate Diploma Psychodynamic Approaches

The Graduate Diploma Psychodynamic Approaches is a postgraduate course offered by the University of Essex.

Overview

This course provides a grounding in psychodynamic theory and its applications, and can be pursued in its own right or as the first year of the MA training in Psychodynamic Counselling and Psychotherapy. The course is ideal for psychology graduates who wish to progress in the field of psychodynamic counselling, as well as professionals such as teachers, social workers, nurses, and care workers who are looking to gain a counselling and psychotherapy qualification.

Course Details

• Start date: October 2026
• Study mode: Full-time
• Duration: 9 months
• Location: Colchester Campus
• Based in: Psychosocial and Psychoanalytic Studies

Entry Requirements

UK Entry Requirements

• A 2:2 degree or international equivalent
• Desirable: relevant experience in a caring or supportive role, and experience of own counselling or therapy
• Required: personal statement, satisfactory enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) Check, and satisfactory Overseas Criminal Record Check/Local Police Certificate (if applicable)
• This course requires an interview

International & EU Entry Requirements

The University accepts a wide range of qualifications from applicants studying in the EU and other countries.

Structure

The course combines compulsory and optional modules, giving students the freedom to pursue their own interests.

Components and Modules

• Component 01: Psychodynamic Concepts (15 credits)
• Component 02: Personality Development (15 credits)
• Component 03: Psychodynamic Observation for Counsellors (15 credits)
• Component 04: Personal Development (15 credits)
• Component 05: The Counselling Relationship and Counselling Techniques (30 credits)
• Component 06: Counselling Contexts: Preparing for Placement (15 credits)
• Component 07: Group and Organisational Dynamics for Counsellors (15 credits)

Teaching

• Postgraduate students in the Department of Psychosocial and Psychoanalytic Studies typically have 2 hours of contact time for each module per week
• Teaching takes place in relatively small seminars and fora, with a focus on group discussion
• Students also have a personal tutor who advises them about their work on an individual basis

Assessment

• For most modules, assessment is by coursework only, typically an essay of between 3,000-5,000 words

Fees and Funding

• Home/UK fee: ｣7,277
• International fee: ｣15,758
• There may be scholarships, bursaries, or discounts available to help with the cost of this course

What's Next

After completing this course, most graduates progress towards qualification with the MA Psychodynamic Counselling and Psychotherapy. Others go on to further study and training in psychoanalysis, Jungian analysis, or psychoanalytic psychotherapy, or take their new understanding back to enrich their related professional work.

University of Essex

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Overview:

The University of Essex is a public research university located in Colchester, Essex, England. It is known for its strong academic reputation, particularly in the fields of social sciences, humanities, and law. The university offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs, as well as short courses and apprenticeships.

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Services Offered:

The university provides a comprehensive range of services to its students, including:

Accommodation:

Guaranteed, affordable accommodation for new undergraduate and postgraduate students.

Student Support:

A variety of support services are available to students, including academic advising, career counseling, and mental health support.

Careers and Employability:

The university offers resources and programs to help students develop their career skills and find employment.

Essex Sport:

A wide range of sports facilities and activities are available to students, including fitness classes, performance sport, and scholarships.

Faith:

The university provides support for students of all faiths.

Cost of Living Support:

The university offers financial assistance to students who are struggling with the cost of living.

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Student Life and Campus Experience:

Students at the University of Essex can expect a vibrant and diverse campus experience. The university has a strong sense of community, with a variety of clubs, societies, and events to get involved in. The university also has a beautiful campus, with green spaces, lakes, and modern facilities.

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Key Reasons to Study There:

Strong Academic Reputation:

The university is consistently ranked highly in national and international rankings.

Excellent Research:

The university is a leading research institution, with a strong focus on innovation and impact.

Diverse and Inclusive Community:

The university is committed to creating a welcoming and inclusive environment for all students.

Excellent Student Support:

The university provides a wide range of support services to help students succeed.

Beautiful Campus:

The university has a beautiful campus, with green spaces, lakes, and modern facilities.

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Academic Programs:

The University of Essex offers a wide range of academic programs, including:

Undergraduate Programs:

The university offers a wide range of undergraduate programs in the arts, humanities, social sciences, law, business, and science.

Postgraduate Programs:

The university offers a wide range of postgraduate programs, including master's degrees, PhDs, and professional qualifications.

Short Courses and CPD:

The university offers a variety of short courses and continuing professional development programs.

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Other:

The university has three campuses: Colchester, Southend, and Loughton. The Colchester campus is the main campus and is located in a beautiful parkland setting. The Southend campus is located on the seafront and offers a more urban experience. The Loughton campus is home to the university's drama school, East 15 Acting School.

The university is also home to a number of research centers and institutes, including the Centre for Research in Entrepreneurship, Innovation and Management (REIMI) and the Human Rights Centre.