Program Overview

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.