Psychoanalytic Studies

Deakin's postgraduate courses in psychoanalytic studies are of interest to a range of mental health professionals, including psychotherapists, psychiatrists, psychologists, social workers and allied mental health workers. The courses also attract academics, scholars and students interested in psychoanalysis and related fields. The curriculum covers issues dealing with the theory and clinical practice of psychoanalysis while also addressing its broader social and cultural implications.

With a focus on the work of Freud and Lacan in particular, these courses also explore the contributions of Klein, the Object Relations School and the Tavistock Institute. Study of key issues in clinical theory, psychopathology, and technique allow you to develop and deepen your understanding of psychoanalysis as a practice. Other studies include the philosophical foundations of psychoanalysis; psychoanalysis, art and culture; psychoanalysis and science; and the history of psychoanalysis and its institutions.

Your career

Depending on the stage of your career, there are three entry points for Deakin University's Psychoanalytic Studies courses. Each course provides relevant and respected postgraduate qualifications in the area of psychoanalysis and psychotherapy. While the Master of Psychoanalytic Studies can contribute to future PhD candidacy in the field of psychoanalysis, graduates of the course may also apply for admission to various training programs in psychoanalysis or psychotherapy.

Employment Opportunities

Postgraduate study in Psychoanalytic Studies upgrades your knowledge about and skills in psychoanalysis and related fields. The content is relevant for those employed in a range of diverse occupations and professions including:

• medical and clinical practitioners
• psychiatrists, psychologists, psychotherapists
• social workers
• counsellors
• educators.

Please note that these courses do not represent pyschoanalytic training as a clinician or therapist.

Staff

Psychoanalytic Studies at Deakin has attracted staff with significant international profiles in the field, including:

• Professor Douglas Kirsner, whose work on the history and politics of the psychoanalytic movement has received international acclaim.
  
  
• Dr Geoff Boucher, who specialises in the area of psychoanalysis and culture.
  
  
• Dr Matthew Sharpe combines his interest in psychoanalysis with a background in philosophy and social theory, Specifically Slavoj Zizek and Lacan.
  
  
• Associate Professor Russell Grigg, who is a Lacanian psychoanalyst practising in Melbourne, has published extensively in the field. He is internationally recognised for his translations of Lacan's work.

Research

Deakin University offers higher degrees by research at the Masters and PhD levels in:

• Psychoanalytic Studies
• Philosophy

Research interests of staff include psychoanalysis and philosophy, psychoanalysis and history and politics, psychoanalysis and organisations, psychoanalysis and literature, and Lacanian psychoanalysis. Supervision may be available in other areas as well.

 

Why choose Deakin University?

Knowledge
Our courses cover a broad range of issues and are approaced in a critical and plurlistic way. The units of study are under constant review to ensure their professional relevance.

Flexibility
We know that postgraduate study is a big commitment. Deakin's postgraduate programs are genuinely flexible to help you fit your studies with your work and personal commitments. You can study from home, in your own time, on the internet, with flexible online classrooms and mailed library resources. Regardless of where you live, resources can be mailed to you or accessed from our comprehensive electronic collection.

Technology
As a Deakin student you have access to the best new technologies. The University has produced its own Software Essentials DVD to support online communication. All units offer a dedicated teaching and learning site Deakin Studies Online.

Networks
As a Deakin postgraduate student, you will become part of a network of researchers, academics practitioners and alumni. You will have access to specialist research and the opportunity to establish long term contacts with the people who are shaping and influencing your professional area.

Quality
At Deakin we pride ourselves on providing quality postgraduate courses. Our internationally recognised Psychoanalytic Studies courses can be completed by full or part-time study in Australia or overseas. Ranked among the best in the world, our library service has set a benchmark for Australian universities. Deakin University is a leading centre for the study of psychoanalysis within Australia. Our courses cover contemporary developments in psychoanalysis. Psychoanalytic Studies at Deakin has attracted staff with significant international profiles in the field.