Objectives
This degree is designed to provide an academically challenging programme of studies at advanced level which encompasses cutting edge debates from the world of psychoanalytic sociology, politics and studies of the human psyche. This programme focuses on the intersection between psychoanalysis and the social sciences, particularly Sociology and Politics. This is a truly interdisciplinary degree which will appeal to academics and practitioners in the caring professions as well as Psychology, Sociology and Social Policy graduates. Whilst different schools of Psychoanalysis are the central focus of the degree programme, other non - rationalist views on the human subject are also explored. The programme includes intersubjective perspectives on human development, from individual, group and social view points. There is also a strong emphasis on embodied knowledge and reflexivity, and this is supported by a focus on body and brain involving an exploration of the most recent findings from developmental neuroscience. The programme aims to enable students to: -Develop as psycho-social practitioners whose focus may be therapeutic practice, research or social action. -Acquire a thorough knowledge of several principal strands of contemporary psycho-social theory, and, depending on optional modules, knowledge of at least some of the following: psychoanalytic theory and concepts; affect, emotion and society; theories of modernity and post modernity, therapeutic practice and, interventions in groups, organisations and communities. -Develop the ability to apply these ideas to contemporary cultural, social and political issues such as racism and other hatreds and the politics of identity. -Equips students with the research skills, and methodological, epistemological and theoretical knowledge, needed to carry out research in Psycho-Social Studies and related disciplines. -Engage in the reflexive evaluation of complex theories and to develop alternative theoretical constructs.
Course description
Content
Compulsory core modules
-Psychoanalysis: Theorists and Concepts;
-Affect, Emotion and Society
-(MSc students) Dissertation (15,000 words)
Option modules
-Research Beneath the Surface, Psycho-social Methodology
-Therapeutic Practice and Research
-Engagement and Intervention in Groups and Organisations
-Communities and Conflict, Intervention and Transformation
-Racism and other Hatreds
-Politics, Groups and Emotions
(Not all options are offered every year)
Teaching and learning
There is an emphasis on student centred learning at an advanced level where students will be encouraged to draw on their own life experiences where appropriate.
The degree is taught using a combination of formal lectures, workshops and seminars. The focus for most students will be the seminar in which there will be an opportunity to discuss papers and for students to prepare presentations, share thoughts and ideas. The seminars will all be led by tutors with an advanced expertise in the subject area. The programme has close links with the Centre for Psycho-Social Studies. Students will be encouraged to attend events and seminars organised by the centre as part of their studies. The research centre provides a rich environment in which to develop a sense of collegiality and a sharing of knowledge within a lively academic community.
Assessment
We use a variety of methods of assessment and each module is assessed differently. The most common types of assessment are an extended essay with a viva, a project and/or a portfolio of work. A student will be eligible for the Postgraduate Diploma on passing four taught modules. A student will be eligible for the award of MSc having achieved a pass in the dissertation in addition to having passed the taught modules.
