Bachelor of Arts - Psychosocial and Psychoanalytic Studies (Including Placement Year) (C89A)

Psychoanalysis is an interdisciplinary field of studies and clinical practices, gathering over 100 years of theorization and clinical experience in framing its ideas and concepts about the mind, emotions, social relations, motivation, psychopathology and psychotherapy. Understanding human experience means looking not only at how humans act and relate, but crucially also requires looking inside at what is going on below the surface. In this course students look at the psychological factors that influence human emotions, behaviours and relationships and how they shape everyday lives. To understand these factors students will learn psychodynamic concepts, applying them to individuals, relationships and organizations and of course, they will study the pioneering works of Freud, Jung and Lacan.

Essex's Department of Psychosocial and Psychoanalytic Studies is internationally recognized as one of the leading departments for work on the role of the unconscious mind in mental health, as well as in culture and society more generally. They are top 10 in the UK for research, and consistently receive strong student satisfaction scores.

The staff blend clinical experience and expertise in their field with the academic rigour for which the Department of Psychosocial and Psychoanalytic Studies has such a reputation. Students will be taught by lecturers who have years of experience, both in working directly with troubled individuals and groups and delivering lectures and seminars on specialist topics.

In undertaking this course students study a range of psychoanalytic concepts - applying them to individuals, relationships and organizations, which will provide them with a unique perspective of why humans are the way they are, on understanding others and knowing how to relate to them, which will make students suited for further clinical training, postgraduate study in different fields, or employment.

This course allows students to spend their third year on a placement year with an external organization, where they learn about a particular sector, company or job role, apply their academic knowledge in a practical working environment, and receive inspiration for future career pathways. Students will be responsible for finding their placement, but with support and guidance provided by both the department and the Employability and Careers Centre.

Key areas of employment for people with these skills include marketing, advertising, human resources, management, the media, care work, teaching or health care. Essex's future graduates may go to work in a wide range of careers, including: therapeutic services, psychoanalytic therapy, education, social care, therapeutic consultancy, and management consultancy.