Postgraduate Certificate in Psychodynamic Counselling

Theory and Practice Workshops

Each term is organised around a key dimension of psychodynamic practice, though a constant feature throughout the course is the inclusion of theoretical, personal and clinical aspects of counselling work. Revision seminars are timetabled to conclude each term.

Michaelmas term: The Psychodynamic Approach

Possible topics include: Beginnings; social and historical developments in psychoanalytic and psychodynamic ideas and approaches; core psychodynamic concepts; personality development; ingredients of healing; and current theoretical developments.

Hilary term: Therapeutic Processes and Skills

Possible topics include: Developing a Therapeutic Alliance; working with the Transference; working with the Countertransference; internal supervision; and therapeutic interventions.

Trinity term: Therapeutic, Practical and Ethical Implications

Possible topics include: The Therapeutic Frame; the setting; assessment and contracting; referrals; dynamic administration; ethical issues; and endings.

The aim of the theory-and-practice workshops is to enable students to develop a broad knowledge of psychodynamic counselling theory, philosophy and techniques.

Experiential Groups

These agenda-less groups are intended to assist students to support one another through the course, to reflect in an unstructured way on their experience of learning, and to increase their capacity for self-awareness in relation to others on the course. Although students may wish to bring personal material to the groups, these are not therapy groups.

The groups are aimed at facilitating the development of students as reflective counsellors and encouraging the self-reflection central to the psychodynamic approach.

This course is suited to those who want to develop a deeper understanding of psychodynamic theory and its application in practice. It provides a strong foundation for further professional training, including progression to the Postgraduate Diploma in Psychodynamic Practice.

Students join the course from a wide range of professional and personal backgrounds. Some are preparing for a future career as psychodynamic therapists, while others are already working in related fields and wish to broaden their perspective. It is also well suited to those looking to bring a psychodynamic understanding into their current workplace or professional context.

The course is designed for applicants with some prior relevant experience or exposure to the field. It is not intended for complete beginners, but for those ready to engage with the subject at a postgraduate level.

Please note that no applicant currently in therapy or counselling with a course tutor will be admitted to the course.

The course runs one evening a week over three terms at Oxford Lifelong Learning and consists of:

• term-time weekly theory-and-practice workshops organised around a key dimension of psychodynamic practice;
• experiential groups;
• two tutorials per term with a course tutor; and
• two Saturday workshops.

Extensive regular reading and private study of at least ten hours per week is recommended.

The course tutors will support and guide you in regard to your academic work, and offer a forum for the discussion of personal and professional development. All tutors are professionally qualified and accredited counsellors or psychotherapists.

The Course Director is Sonja Falck.

The course is assessed by four written assignments and end of year tutor reports. The four assignments will each count for 25% of the final mark and comprise two theoretical essays, one illustration and critique and one reflective journal assignment.

Degree-level qualifications

As a minimum, applicants should hold or be predicted to achieve the following UK qualifications or their equivalent:

• a first-class or strong upper second-class undergraduate degree with honours in any subject.

For applicants with a bachelor’s degree from the USA, the minimum overall GPA that is normally required to meet the undergraduate-level requirement is 3.5 out of 4.0.

If your degree is not from the UK or another country specified above, visit our International Qualifications page for guidance on the qualifications and grades that would usually be considered to meet the University’s minimum entry requirements.

Other qualifications and relevant experience

• Working experience in a helping role may be an advantage. Preference may be given to those who have previously studied counselling at introductory level. Previous experience of personal therapy may be an advantage.
• Publications are not expected.

English language proficiency

This course requires proficiency in English at the University’s higher level. If your first language is not English, you may need to provide evidence that you meet this requirement. Further information on English language requirements can be found here.

Please visit the Postgraduate Certificate in Psychodynamic Counselling page on the University of Oxford Graduate Admissions website for details of course fees and costs.

Please see our funding page for help and information with regard to funding postgraduate studies. We further recommend that applicants search for funding opportunities via the online Fees, Funding and Scholarship search tool.

In order to be considered for many scholarships, applicants are required to apply by the January deadline. However, applicants should note that some scholarships require additional application materials and may have different deadlines, so applicants should make sure they check the application process for each scholarship carefully.

Applications for this course should be made via the University of Oxford Graduate Admissions website. This website provides information on fees and entry requirements, along with help on preparing and submitting your application.

Application deadlines

12:00 midday UK time on:

• Stage 1: Friday 14 November 2025 (Applications more likely to receive earlier decisions)
• Stage 2: Wednesday 28 January 2026 (Latest deadline for most Oxford scholarships)
• Stage 3: Tuesday 3 March 2026

When to apply

Early application for the programme is strongly advised. After the March deadline, the course will only stay open for that year’s entry if places are still available.

Remember that it can take a number of weeks to obtain all of the documents you need and to prepare a competitive application. You should also allow your referees plenty of time to submit your references. We therefore recommend you apply as soon as possible.

Interviews are normally held as part of the admissions process within six weeks of the application deadline.