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MPhil/PhD in Theoretical Psychoanalytic Studies
The Psychoanalysis Unit in collaboration with the Anna Freud Centre is host to a successful PhD programme in Theoretical Psychoanalysis. The Unit is a
thriving academic research group based in UCL's Research Department of Clinical, Educational and Health Psychology. It is currently one of the leading research centres in psychoanalysis in the world, and offers a unique combination of theoretical and empirical approaches. The PhD programme is directed by Professor Juliet Mitchell alongside faculty members, Professors Peter Fonagy, Mary Target, Patrick Luyten (PhD Graduate Tutor) and Linda Mayes (Yale). The Unit has access to the research projects and supervisory skills of psychoanalysts and psychoanalytic child psychotherapists at UCL, the Anna Freud Centre, as well as members of the Yale Faculty.
The main focus of the programme is to conduct original research culminating in the submission of a doctoral thesis in theoretical psychoanalysis. The programme also includes a taught component with fortnightly discussion groups on the subject of theoretical psychoanalysis and workshops for student presentations of research-in-progress.
One aim of the programme is to initiate a doctoral culture in interdisciplinary studies that use psychoanalysis. Students from other UCL faculties, including The Slade Art School, Documentary Film Studies, Medical Anthropology, and the School of Slavonic and East European Studies (SSEES) are presently involved.
Current students have initiated a reading group which, in addition to face to face seminars will include online presentations culminating in a poster conference to be held at the Anna Freud Centre at the end of the academic year. Students also have access to psychoanalytic conferences and seminars organized by the Psychoanalysis Unit at UCL which include inter-faculty seminars which bring together staff at UCL with an interest in psychoanalysis.
Career prospects
The PhD is not a clinical programme, but provides an interesting background to formal clinical training and some students pursue this option. Some career advice can be offered to students in individual discussion with the Programme Director and Graduate Tutor, who may be able to arrange for the student to have further discussion with colleagues, or to obtain fuller information about options (e.g. professional training) from relevant sources.
Testimonials
Michael Berry. Full-time Overseas student.
"A unique opportunity to experience collegiate life and pursue professional development at world class facilities. The program is exceptional."
Patricia Townsend. Part-time UK student.
“An interesting and eclectic group of students and generous facilitation makes for very lively discussions of set texts and individual projects”
Contact
For all enquiries related to this course, please contact sophie.bennett@ucl.ac.uk
