Qualifications and experience

Our Foundation Course is open to people who have a university degree or who are working in fields related to mental health. It is important to be able to demonstrate a genuine interest in psychoanalysis and in its clinical application. Although some life experience may be helpful, we also welcome more recently qualified graduates who are thinking about a future career in psychoanalysis.

While our Introductory Lectures and Seminars precede the Foundation Course in terms of equivalent level and content, it is not necessary to have attended them before participating in this course. However, for those who are applying from outside the mental health professions we do look for some introductory level of understanding of psychoanalytic theory.

Optional pathway

MA Psychoanalytic Studies at Birkbeck College or the MSc Theoretical Psychoanalytical Studies at UCL who are accepted onto the Foundation Course can have their Foundation Course work accredited as part of their degree programme.

Clinical experience

It’s important to understand that you are applying for a clinical course, that all students are expected to present appropriate clinical or observational material and that if you are not already involved in clinical work you are expected to find a suitable placement. We require applicants who do not work in a clinical setting to arrange a formal clinical or observational placement and this can be discussed further at the interview. This doesn't need to be in a mental health clinical setting and whilst we can help with some suggestions, it remains the student’s responsibility to arrange their own placement.