COURSE CURRICULUM

The BA in Psychoanalysis and Psychosocial Studies at Essex provides a comprehensive exploration of human thought, emotion, and behaviour, integrating psychodynamic theory with psychosocial approaches. In the first year, students build foundational knowledge by studying psychodynamic concepts, child, adolescent, and adult development, and the works of Freud and Jung, alongside the application of psychoanalytic ideas to literature, film, and television. Emphasis is placed on developing skills in research and academic writing, as well as cultivating a psychosocial imagination that enables students to critically analyze human experience in cultural and social contexts. In the second year, the course deepens students’ understanding of psychoanalytic theory, including Freud, object relations, Lacanian psychoanalysis, and Jungian approaches, while also examining violence, the psychosocial dimensions of care, intimacy, and vulnerability, and the role of psychoanalysis in literature and child development. Students can also choose optional modules to tailor their learning. In the final year, students consolidate their knowledge through a dissertation, exploring a self-directed research topic, and engage with current debates in psychosocial studies. Additional modules focus on madness and its treatment, organisational dynamics, and reflective practice, preparing students for future careers. The program combines theoretical study with practical application, equipping graduates with critical thinking, research, and analytical skills applicable in psychology, social care, education, and related fields.