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University of Essex
Occupational Therapy
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Psychosocial and Psychoanalytic Studies (Including Year Abroad)
- BA (Hons)
- 4 Years
- Full-time with time abroad
- 10/2026
- Undergraduate
- Colchester Campus
Course summary
How do we become who we are? Is emotion as strong a driver as reason? What explains our stranger compulsions and desires? Does all behaviour have meaning - even when it appears to be irrational?
Psychoanalysis is an interdisciplinary field of studies and clinical practices, gathering over 100 years of theorization and clinical experience in framing its ideas and concepts about the mind, emotions, social relations, motivation, psychopathology and psychotherapy.
Understanding human experience means looking not only at how we act and relate, but crucially also requires looking inside at what is going on below the surface. In this course you look at the psychological factors that influence our emotions, behaviours and relationships and shape our everyday lives. To understand these factors you will learn psychodynamic concepts, applying them to individuals, relationships and organisations and of course, you will study the pioneering works of Freud, Jung and Lacan.
Here are some of the questions we might cover. Why do we fall in love with certain kinds of people but struggle to relate to others? Why do we get stuck, or lose direction in life? What explains our stranger compulsions and desires? Why are some people prone to psychological illness while others seem to thrive in adversity?
Topics include:
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Psychoanalytic and psychosocial approaches
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Child, adolescent and adult development
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Trauma and recovery: A psychodynamic approach
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Understanding individuals, groups and organisations
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Popular Film, Literature and Television: A Psychoanalytic Approach (Freud and Jung)
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Freud: Mind, Culture and Society
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Where the Wild Things Are: Literature, Childhood, Psychoanalysis
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Current debates in depth psychology
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Psychoanalysis and the child
Modules
Many of our courses offer a choice of optional modules to tailor your learning experience. More information about these can be found on the University of Essex website.
Ways to study this course
Campuses
- Colchester Campus
Study options
- BA (Hons) • Full-time with time abroad • 4 Years
Start dates
- 10/2026
Apply by
14 January
This is the equal consideration deadline. You can still apply after this date, but your application may not receive guaranteed consideration.
Application codes
- Course code:
- C89B
- Institution code:
- E70
- Campus name:
- Colchester Campus
- Campus Code:
- -
- Points of Entry:
- Year 1
Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF)
University of Essex has participated in the Teaching Excellence Framework. These ratings were awarded in 2023, for four years.
See why these ratings were awarded
What does this TEF outcome mean?
How to apply
Apply by
14 January
This is the deadline for applications to be completed and sent for this course. If the university or college still has places available you can apply after this date, but your application is not guaranteed to be considered.
Application codes
- Course code:
- C89B
- Institution code:
- E70
- Campus name:
- Colchester Campus
- Campus Code:
- -
Points of entry
The following entry points are available for this course:
- Year 1
Chat to student ambassadors
Discover what it's like to study Psychosocial and Psychoanalytic Studies (Including Year Abroad) at University of Essex: insights on the course, making friends, personal statement tips, uni prep, and recommended books, podcasts, and videos.
POWERED BY 
I wasn't always sure of what I wanted to do at university, but my current course is perfect for me. I am happy to advise if you find yourself feeling the same way. Feel free to talk to me about clubs, societies and extracurricular activities. Craig
University of EssexSports TherapyI enjoy stepping out of my comfort zone with adrenaline-inducing activities and going with the flow. I aim to work as a physiotherapist/sports therapist for a professional sports team and travel the world. Charlotte
University of EssexPoliticsHi, I am Charlotte, a third year politics with human rights student. I am also a member of the Student Union trustee board and a student representative alongside my studies, so I am very immersed in the student life here and more than happy to answer any and all questions you may have. I love to go out and I’m always attending the nightlife events on campus (maybe a little too much)! I am currently treasurer for the sustainable students society so if there’s anything you would be interested to know about societies, I can always let you know. I’m very friendly and bubbly so don’t be afraid to ask anything, no questions are silly. Anastasiia
University of EssexArt HistoryI am a 29 y.o. PhD student in Art History & Theory with a background in Museum Studies (St Petersburg State University of Culture) and Curatorial Research (St Petersburg State University). I'm here to help you start your academic journey with the UoE. Ask me anything about PGR studies at Essex (especially PHAIS), financial support for international students, accommodation, life on and off campus (especially cultural events, e.g. museums, theatres, etc.) and what it's like to live in the UK/Colchester (e.g. what's there for people from my (and probably yours!) part of the globe. Fun facts about me: travelled to 40+ countries; have a cute little chinchilla named Pyshka🍩; have learnt that all the stereotypes about British weather are true—but it still rains more in St Petersburg, so I’m fine. 🥲 Callum
University of EssexModern LanguagesI am a final-year student at the University of Essex's Colchester campus, so I have had a very long time here to come to know a lot of things about this place. Over my three years, I have had a broad range of experiences that university has to offer, from getting involved in sports and societies, to using the careers services, to completing a paid internship in a subject related to my degree. Applying to university, I knew that I wanted to study modern languages, but didn't study a language at A-Level, which definitely threw a spanner into a lot of things. As a 16/17 year old, I just didn't think that far ahead in my life- which is normal. I am living proof that, to an extent, this does not need to be the end of your plans to go to uni. As for me as an individual, I am interested in art and music- which I also make, and I also enjoy hiking, cycling and swimming on occassion. I'm also on the autistic spectrum. After graduating this year, my plan is to go and do a year working in a Spanish school, and then hopefully come back home and do a course on TEFL, all of which the academic staff are supporting me to do. Ayo
University of EssexLawHey, I’m a second-year LLB Law student studying at Essex. I’m interested in Corporate law. When I’m not drowning in cases, Im probably listening to music, watching k dramas, or travelling around the world or probably sleeping. I’d be happy to answer any questions. Feel free to ask me anything about life at Essex - from studying Law, living on campus, best study places or just what the food’s like here. I’m happy to chat!! Amaia
University of EssexPhysiotherapyHeyy👋🏻, I am Amaia from the UK. I am studying MSc Physiotherapy at University of Essex (Year 2). I enjoy learning about anatomy, biomechanics, nutrition and rehabilitation. I am passionate about Sport and Exercise Science, Nutrition, Physiotherapy, and Rehabilitation. Feel free to ask me questions about uni, my course, or any other queries you may have. Looking forward to chatting with you :)) Cayleigh
University of EssexSpeech and Language TherapyHello, my name is Cayleigh, I am a master's student studying Speech and Language Therapy and wish to specialise in paediatrics. My previous degree was a BEd in Primary Education. I am also a qualified teacher. Feel free to ask me any questions about my course, student life, or campus life! Ann
University of EssexBiomedical ScienceHi, I’m Ann, a third year biomedical student with a keen interest in cancer biology. I plan to continue my studies in the future and am happy to share my experiences and help fellow students navigate university life, from academics to beyond! Caitlyn
University of EssexPsychologyHello! I am Caitlyn, I am a 1st year undergraduate student at the University of Essex. I study psychology with cognitive neuroscience and following my degree I intend to pursue either speech and language therapy or educational psychology. I am most passionate about helping others and trying to bring more joy to the world overall. University was such an unreal idea in my head originally as my family aren't well-off and nobody in my family had ever attended university before me - but here I am, and I would encourage others to take the plunge as well! Delia
University of EssexComputer ScienceHello there! I am Delia, a 2nd year Romanian student at the Colchester campus. I am a BSc Artificial Intelligence student and I am excited about game programming and software engineering. Alongside my degree, I study Russian with the Languages for All program, and I am a V-Team volunteer for the Animal Protection Project. I am happy to chat about studying at the University of Essex, student life in Colchester, campus life, volunteering, support at university, extracurricular activities, and answer any questions you may have! Catarina
University of EssexFinance and BankingI am an international student from Portugal, I have completed my BSc Economics at Essex. Once I completed my course i have worked 2 years as a Student Recruiter where I would travel around England to bring brand awareness. I decided to start my masters in FinTech in October 2025.
Entry requirements
Qualification requirements
UCAS Tariff - 112 - 120 points
Offers will be made from a minimum of the equivalent of 2 full A-levels.
A level - BBB
Offers will be made in the range of BBB to BBC
or 120-112 UCAS tariff points from a minimum of the equivalent of 2 full A-levels
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (first teaching from September 2016) - DDM
Offers will be made in the range of DDM to DMM
or 120-112 UCAS tariff points from a minimum of the equivalent of 2 full A-levels
Entry requirements for students studying BTEC qualifications are dependent on subjects studied. Advice can be provided on an individual basis.
Access to HE Diploma - D: 6 credits M: 39 credits
We can only accept QAA approved Access to HE Diplomas
International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme - 29 - 30 points
"Or three Higher Level certificates with 555-554.
We are happy to consider a combination of separate IB Diploma Programmes at both Higher and Standard Level. Exact offer levels will vary depending on the range of subjects being taken at higher and standar"
Find out more about qualification requirements for this course.
Contextual admissions
Universities and colleges consider more than grades when assessing applications and may make offers based on a range of criteria. Learn more about contextual offers.
At Essex we consider your whole application – not just grades. If you don’t meet the exact grade requirements, you may still be considered.
We’re dedicated to helping students from underrepresented groups to access an Essex education. We may give you a Contextual Offer up to two A-Level grades below our standard conditional offer based on where you live, your school, and other details from your application. Involvement in our on-campus events may also support eligibility for a Contextual Offer.
Historical entry grades data BETA
This section shows the range of grades students (with UK A-Levels or Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diplomas) who received offers were previously accepted with (learn more). It is designed to support your research but does not guarantee whether you will or won't get a place. Admissions teams consider various factors, including interviews, subject requirements, and entrance tests. Check all course entry requirements for eligibility.
- Data from:
- This course and 15 other psychology courses
- Date range:
- 2022-2024
Grades held by accepted students
- AAB
- Highest grades
- DDD
- Lowest grades
Offer rate for UK school & college leavers
Students aged 17/18 who applied to this course were offered a place.
How do you compare?
See how students with your grades have been accepted onto this course in the past.
Student Outcomes
Operated by the Office for Students
Employment after 15 months (Most common jobs)
Go onto work and study
The number of student respondents and response rates can be important in interpreting the data – it is important to note your experience may be different from theirs. This data will be based on the subject area rather than the specific course. Read more about this data on the Discover Uni website.
Fees and funding
Tuition fees
| Location | Fee | Year |
|---|---|---|
| England | £9790 | Year 1 |
| Northern Ireland | £9790 | Year 1 |
| Scotland | £9790 | Year 1 |
| Wales | £9790 | Year 1 |
| Channel Islands | £9790 | Year 1 |
| Republic of Ireland | £9790 | Year 1 |
| EU | £21500 | Year 1 |
| International | £21500 | Year 1 |
Tuition fee status depends on a number of criteria and varies according to where in the UK you will study. For further guidance on the criteria for home or overseas tuition fees, please refer to the UKCISA website.
Additional fee information
Fees displayed are for the 2026-27 academic year. Fees may increase for each academic intake and each academic year of study.
University of Essex
Wivenhoe Park
Colchester
CO4 3SQ
Visit our website Visit our course page
Course contact details
Undergraduate Admissions Office
Email:admit@essex.ac.uk
Phone:01206 873666
Fax: 01206 872808
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