FdA Therapeutic Communication and Therapeutic Organisations at University of Essex

Programme overview

The FdA Therapeutic Communication and Therapeutic Organisations is a Foundation Degree for people developing therapeutic and psychodynamic skills to support children, young people and adults in care, education and support settings. It combines academic learning with workplace experience, using a psychodynamic framework.

Department: Department of Psychosocial and Psychoanalytic Studies | Duration: 2 years (one afternoon of teaching per week) | Intake: October 2027 | Study mode: full-time | Location: Colchester, England, United Kingdom

What you will study

Topics include psychodynamic theory, human development, trauma and violence, and organisational dynamics in therapeutic settings. Modules include Becoming Human, Introduction to Psychodynamic Observation and Reflective Practice, Work-based Learning 1 and 2, Trauma and Recovery, Violence, Self, and Society, The Lived Body, and Group Relations. Assessment is entirely by coursework.

Career pathways

The degree supports careers in health and social care, education and support services, therapeutic practice and organisational development, and students can progress to a one-year top-up to achieve a BA Honours degree.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

Applicants must demonstrate capacity to study at Foundation Degree level, evidenced by NVQ, A-level and access courses or other evidence such as relevant workplace experience and ability. Mature students and deferred entry are welcomed. A satisfactory enhanced DBS check (including child and adult barred list) is required, plus an Overseas Criminal Record Check/Local Police Certificate where the applicant has lived outside the UK for 6 months or more in the last 5 years. International applicants: IELTS 6.0 overall with a minimum of 5.5 in each component (or equivalent test).

Domestic applicants: GBP 10,050 a year. Home/UK fee per year; travel costs for work-based observations and a conference are not included Source

International applicants: GBP 22,575 a year. International fee per year; travel costs for work-based observations and a conference are not included Source

Intake: October 2027

Duration: 2 years (one afternoon of teaching per week)

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