Jungian Studies at the University of Essex

There are two academic degrees in Jungian Studies at Essex:
The MA Programme | The Ph.D. Programme

The MA programme in Jungian and Post-Jungian Studies

This degree fills a gap by offering serious students the opportunity to engage in systematic postgraduate study of Jungian and Post-Jungian Psychology. Hitherto, this has only been available via courses whose principal focus is psycho-analysis in its various forms. This new Master's Degree is an innovative one and, we believe, the only one of its kind in the world. It has been specially designed for a wide range of students from clinical and non-clinical backgrounds, from practising therapists of all orientations to those whose interest stems primarily from academic studies.The course takes an informative, critical and reflective stance in relation to the core concepts of Analytical Psychology as developed by Jung, post-Jungians of all schools and scholars in academic disciplines. This is balanced with an emphasis on clinical theory as well as on applications of Analytical psychology in areas such as cultural and gender studies, social and political theory, philosophy and religion

The course is part-time on Wednesdays and starts at 11am which gives time for people to come from London or even much further afield. We have students from Ireland, Sussex and the West Country on the course at present. The day generally finishes at around 5pm (though sometimes at 4pm and sometimes at 6-30pm). Most students seem to designate Wednesdays as their 'Essex day'. The Colchester Campus is only 45 minutes from London's Liverpool Street station.Applicants must have a good first degree or a professional qualification in a relevant area (such as analysis, psychotherapy or counselling). Other applicants who can demonstrate their capacity to undertake the course will be considered

Aims and Objectives

1) to provide students with an in-depth understanding of the various theoretical approaches to analytical psychology ranging from Jung's original formualtions to more recent post-Jungian positions and debates

2) to assist students to locate Jung and post-Jungian thinking within the contexts of other relevant historical, cultural, philosophical, epistemological (methodological), socio-political and clinical discourses

3) to foster a learning atmosphere in which personal responses to the material studied during the course may be utilized in a systematic manner which is accessible to assessment

4) to provide students with the necessary skills to carry out relevant research

Summary of the Degree:

Course one:
Jung in contexts (Historical, Philosophical and Cultural).

This course (currently taught by Dr Roderick Main) explores Jung's work in relation to a variety of historical, philosophical and cultural contexts, emphasising his contributions as an originative psychologist, as a religious thinker, and as a commentator on modernity.

Course two:
Key concepts in Jungian and Post-Jungian Analytical Psychology

This course, taught by 16 Jungian analysts from a variety of theoreitcal orientations, aims to introduce students to the general field of contemporary post-Jungian psychology and familiarise them with the relevant literature. The interface between analytical psychology and psychoanalysis will be foregrounded. In addition, opportunities will be provided for the theoretical exploration of the connections between these key concepts and their clinical use.

Course three:
Selected applications of Analytical Psychology.

This course (taught by Professors Renos Papadopoulos and Andrew Samuels) is designed to appraise the applicability of Jungian and post-Jungian modes of enquiry in diverse social and cultural fields with special reference to pressing problems in contemporary Western societies. Current controversies and debates will be presented for evaluation from the perspectives of Jungian psychology. The relevance of the epistemological, ethical and clinical positions developed within the Jungian and post-Jungian traditions for those working in other fields will be elucidated. The wide diversity of topics to be covered in this course is deliberate; it is intended to explore the general applicability of these theories whilst at the same time to illustrate the methodology of how general principles are applied to social and cultural issues

Course four:
Learning Journal and Learning Journals Review Seminar.

A Learning Journal is a dcocument written throughout the duration of the scheme by the student in which he/she records personal responses to the issues raised in the seminars and group discussions of the other three courses. The intent is to integrate the course material in a self-reflexive, critical and cumulative manner. Hence a learning journal is not a confesional account of the student's private life, nor an invitation to indulge in pseudo-therapy. Learning Journals are discussed in special review seminars currently conducted by Professors Papadopoulos and Samuels. The Learning Journal is assessed but not graded.

Assessment:

Three 4000 word essays and a dissertation (not more than ten thousand words).

There is also a regular Research Forum currently conducted by Professors Papadopoulos and Samuels. The Centre regularly organises open seminars and students are encouraged to attend any events in the University that are open to them. Students receive one 30 minute one-to-one tutorial per term. This is also intended as a supervision session for the dissertation.

The Ph.D. Programme

Holders of a good Masters degree or equivalent (e.g. psychotherapeutic or analytical training) may apply for a Ph.D. in the field of Analytical Psychology either by full-time or part-time study. Those who reside outside the United Kingdom may undertake a Ph.D. by means of a special 'Distance Learning' scheme.

Course Directors

Renos Papadopoulos is a Training Analyst of the Independent Group of Analytical Psychologists and Consultant Clinical Psychologist at the Tavistock Clinic. Publications include Jung in Modern Perspective; C.G. Jung: Critical Assessments; and Multiple Voices: Narrative in Systemic Family Psychotherapy.

Andrew Samuels is a Training Analyst of the Society of Analytical Psychology and a Scientific Associate of the American Academy of Psychoanalysis. Publications include Jung and the Post-Jungians; A Critical Dictionary of Jungian Analysis; The Father; The Plural Psyche; Psychopathology; and The Political Psyche

The Centre

The Centre for Psychoanalytic Studies promotes a non-sectarian approach to psychoanalysis as well as embracing academic, clinical and community perspectives. It has formal teaching and research relationships with a wide range of disciplines and University Departments. Centre staff include Professors of Psychoanalysis and of Analytical psychology. It has a growing number of Ph.D. students and post-doctoral fellows who, in addition to the staff of the Centre and of supporting Departments, provide a stimulating and congenial environment for in-depth study and research

For application forms and further details please contact:

Gill Watt Graduate Administrator Centre for Psychoanalytic Studies,
University of Essex,
Wivenhoe Park Colchester,
Essex CO4 3SQ
Tel: 01206 873745
Fax: 01206 872746
E-mail: cpsgrad@essex.ac.uk

Please email SAP: office.sap@btconnect.com

The Society of Analytical Psychology,
1 Daleham Gardens,
London NW3 5BY

Telephone (+44) 020 7435 7696
Fax (+44) 020 7431 1495

Top of page

'THE JOURNAL OF ANALYTICAL PSYCHOLOGY'