Masters Degrees (Transpersonal Psychology)

Understanding the nature of consciousness has been described as the primary challenge facing us today. By combining the study of consciousness with recent developments in the psychology of spirituality, this MSc is distinctive in encouraging students to explore the further reaches of human experience.

The MSc will appeal to those who share our vision that three core features are central to the study of consciousness and the human mind:

• Connectedness to a larger scale of being
• Recognition of the sacred
• Sense of quest - that some form of spiritual journey lies at the core of human experience.

The paradigm shift underpinning this course has had significant impact in professional arenas, with increasing recognition of spiritual values in the workplace, the role of transformational leadership, and the importance of transpersonal experience in working towards realisation of our potential.

The masters provides an intellectually-challenging programme of study including:

• The nature of consciousness and its relation to the brain
• The psychology of self and higher states of being
• Creativity and transformation
• Psychological aspects of spiritual and mystical practices
• Transpersonal approaches to therapy
• The dialogue between science and mysticism

Experiential approaches to learning are also used to enable you to integrate insights from the course into your own life journeys.

This Masters operates fully online, enabling you to take control of the timing and pace of your study. There are no external workshops or study days during this programme, enabling us to offer this programme at a competitive rate.

Visit the Consciousness Spirituality & Transpersonal Psychology page on the Professional Development International web site, or http://www.aleftrust.org, for more details!

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This is the only course in the UK to offer a combination of transpersonal, psychoanalytic and critical approaches to psychology. You will explore ways of understanding the self as an open, evolving project that develops through interaction. This reflects developments at the leading edge of psychology, drawing upon insights from the history of human exploration of the self.

You will explore the relationship between psychology and cultural studies, philosophy, theology and social science. We provide the opportunity to develop your skills in research methods, including exploring the use of language and the construction of meaning in real-world situations, and ethnographic approaches.

You will gain a unique perspective on mind, self and society, whether you are working as a counsellor, a social worker, a psychologist, or in a related profession. We also welcome those who simply wish to explore this unique subject, and its insights into what makes us human.

- Research Excellence Framework 2014: 40% of our research in the Psychology unit was judged to be world leading or internationally excellent.

Visit the website http://courses.leedsbeckett.ac.uk/interdiscpsychology

Mature Applicants

Our University welcomes applications from mature applicants who demonstrate academic potential. We usually require some evidence of recent academic study, for example completion of an access course, however recent relevant work experience may also be considered. Please note that for some of our professional courses all applicants will need to meet the specified entry criteria and in these cases work experience cannot be considered in lieu.

If you wish to apply through this route you should refer to our University Recognition of Prior Learning policy that is available on our website (http://www.leedsbeckett.ac.uk/studenthub/recognition-of-prior-learning.htm).

Please note that all applicants to our University are required to meet our standard English language requirement of GCSE grade C or equivalent, variations to this will be listed on the individual course entry requirements.

Careers

Our course will prepare you for a wide range of careers. You will gain expertise which can be applied to professions including research, education, counselling, art therapy, life coaching, health and social care, human resources and working in media. Individual modules can be taken within the Continuing Professional Development Programme, or counted towards UKCP and BACP training hours.

- Clinical Psychologist
- Counsellor
- Educational Psychologist
- Occupational Psychologist

Careers advice:
The dedicated Jobs and Careers team offers expert advice and a host of resources to help you choose and gain employment. Whether you're in your first or final year, you can speak to members of staff from our Careers Office who can offer you advice from writing a CV to searching for jobs.

Visit the careers site - https://www.leedsbeckett.ac.uk/employability/jobs-careers-support.htm

Course Benefits

Our course is highly flexible - we will base your learning around your interests and personal development needs. There is the option of studying individual modules if you are looking to focus on a particular area of interest relevant to you or your career, and negotiated assessments are available for all modules, with an Independent Project module tailor-made for your needs such as a voluntary placement or work related research.

Modules may count towards British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) or UK Council for Psychotherapy (UKCP) training hours. Our University offers an extensive volunteering programme, giving you the opportunity to participate in work experience in your area of choice and in countries such as France, Germany or the Czech Republic.

Our teaching team is diverse, consisting of academics and researchers including Professor Brendan Gough, and Dr Steven Taylor - who are world renowned and are at the forefront of critical and transpersonal/ integrative psychology. A Chartered Psychologist is a member of the course team, and we welcome applications if you are training as a Psychologist or Psychotherapist.

Core Modules

Contemporary Psychoanalytic Approaches
Explore the developments in psychoanalysis that have occurred since the pioneering work of Freud and the first generation of psychoanalysts by studying the work of Melanie Klein and British Object Relations, and the Structuralist psychoanalysis of Jacques Lacan and his followers.

Critical Methodologies
Develop your understanding of ideas, concepts and practices of research within Interdisciplinary Psychology, in order to support both your exploration of specific research and case studies, and your own independent research project.

Foundations of Psychoanalysis
Explore the origins, first figures, foundational concepts and theories of the psychoanalytic enterprise, in particular the ideas and practice of Sigmund Freud.

Independent Project
Demonstrate your autonomous learning, originality in the application of knowledge, and research techniques and methods to produce either a 15,000 word dissertation, critical literature review, or practice-based portfolio.

Mindfulness-Based Approaches
Understand a variety of theoretical and practical approaches to the study of mindfulness within contemporary psychology, psychotherapy, and a range of contemplative/spiritual traditions, including cross-cultural perspectives.

Transpersonal Psychology
Gain an overview of transpersonal psychology theory and practice, including the exploration of 'spiritual' or 'awakening' experiences, unusual states of consciousness, and the concept of 'enlightenment'.

Central Problems in Psychology
Explore key concepts used in critical and transpersonal psychology and psychoanalysis, critically examining how different perspectives may use these concepts in both similar and distinctive ways.

"We're breaking lots of boundaries and investigating areas including philosophy, sociology, anthropology, theology, film and literature... We look at how all these areas impinge on psychology. There's not really any other course like it in the country."
- Dr Steve Taylor, Senior Lecturer

Facilities

- Library
Our libraries are two of the only university libraries in the UK open 24/7 every day of the year. However you like to study, the libraries have got you covered with group study, silent study, extensive e-learning resources and PC suites.

- Interpersonal Skills Suite
We have plenty of private rooms for you to try out your counselling, interviewing and focus group techniques. They come equipped with recording facilities so you are able to reflect on and improve your skills.

Find out how to apply here - http://www.leedsbeckett.ac.uk/postgraduate/how-to-apply/

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The Psychology MSc programme offers students who hold an internationally recognised undergraduate qualification, one not necessarily in Psychology, the opportunity to study a master’s course.

This Master’s programme offers modules designed to increase transferable skills into vocational areas (for example mental health provisions, health and research), as well as providing an academic pathway towards a vocationally based Doctorate or research based PhD.

Students will have the opportunity to enhance their studies through volunteer work with influential local service providers including the Police and Social Services as well as through the Psychology department’s’ significant links to social enterprise through the university’s AshokaU status.

Who is it for?
-Those interested in pursuing an academic career in psychology – for example research, teaching.
-Those interested in pursuing a career in social care or social justice.
-Those interested in pursuing a practitioner career – for example Assistant Psychologist/
-Those interested in pursuing a career using statistics.
-Those interested in learning more about the theoretical concepts and applications of psychology to explain human behaviour.

Course content

Full time students take six modules for each stage for three years. Some modules are mandatory whilst others are selected from a wide range of options. In stage one important core ideas, evidence and methods are introduced. This basic knowledge is built upon in stages two and three to foster a cutting-edge understanding of topics.

Students will need to undertake the five compulsory modules and one elective module during one year. The dissertation module will be taken at end of each programme.

Course modules (16/17)

-Advanced Developmental Psychology​
-Applied Social and Critical Social Psychology
-Cognitive, Biological and Neuroscience
-Quantitative and Qualitative Research Skills
-The Psychology of Mental Health
-The Psychology of Transpersonal Experience
-Dissertation and Research Methods
-Optional modules are available subject to a sufficient cohort size.

Methods of Learning

A blended learning (lectures, workshops and online activities) and a foundation level of online lectures and activities will be available prior to the Master’s programme/individual modules commencing so that students have the necessary psychological knowledge to progress more easily to postgraduate level.

You will spend (approximately):
-264 hours over the whole taught programme (five modules) – contact time
-610 hours – independent learning/study over the whole taught programme (five modules)
-482 hours – independent learning/supervision for the dissertation only

Schedule

Full time for one year.

Assessments

The assessment strategy is designed to include a broad range of assessment types in order to ensure that students have the maximum opportunity to demonstrate that they have met the learning outcomes for the programme.

The breadth of assessment is demonstrated in the following examples:
-Essay assignments.
-Role-play scenarios.
-Oral presentation.
-Case studies.
-Dissertation.
-Critical review.
-Individual project report.

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This programme is unique in that it enables students to embark on a personal 'spiritual' journey, which incorporates all three facets of life: Mind, Body and Spirit. It will examine the challenge of successfully re-integrating these aspects into everyday life including your professional work.

It will question rationality and seek to develop integral non-linear methods. The programme will explore the study of consciousness and the transpersonal as well as the different aspects of spirituality, bodywork, meditation and breathwork.

You will be looking for transformation, expansion of thinking, self-discovery, personal growth, development of creativity and formation of new perspectives.

During the first two years there will be residential workshops, to enable you to explore deeper with others to support exploration of self. And in the third year there will be an opportunity to carry out your own research study.

This degree does not orientate participants in anyone particular direction but enables the student to seek 'their own path' through a 'transpersonal learning experience'. The main areas covered include transpersonal psychology, eco-psychology, emerging spirituality, consciousness’ studies, positive and humanistic psychology plus exploration into bodywork, breathe work and meditation studies.

We hope that graduates will see themselves and the world in a bigger perspective, with valuable skills and knowledge to advance their chosen field and be part of a possible paradigm shift.

Faculty
Professors, teachers and a spiritual master from across the globe.
Refer to prospectus for further details: http://www.pdf.net/pathways.html

Flexible On-line Study to suit your Lifestyle
This programme is offered on-line via webinars and live discussions. Some daytime and residential workshops are included in the programme, giving you the opportunity to experience experiential practices and met fellow ‘pathways’ candidates. You will be expected to carry out your own spiritual journey and practices, including meditation.

Award Body: Middlesex University UK via Professional Development International

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Gain the specialist training to boost your health-related skills and professional development. You will further your understanding and practice of contemporary theories in psychological therapies along with analysing key issues and debates in counselling and psychotherapy. You will explore cognitive behavioural therapy approaches to therapeutic practice, as well as social psychological theory and research of group therapy.

As well as improving your professional growth, your course will allow you to specialise in your chosen area of interest. Some of the diverse modules may have an experiential component, others may require purely academic study, and some may be useful for psychologists undertaking an independent route to the British Psychological Society's Counselling Psychology Chartership.

Whatever your motivation, your course will enhance your progression in psychological therapies as you work towards an MA at your own pace.

- Research Excellence Framework 2014: 40% of our research in the Psychology unit was judged to be world leading or internationally excellent.

Visit the website http://courses.leedsbeckett.ac.uk/psychologicaltherapies_ma

Mature Applicants

Our University welcomes applications from mature applicants who demonstrate academic potential. We usually require some evidence of recent academic study, for example completion of an access course, however recent relevant work experience may also be considered. Please note that for some of our professional courses all applicants will need to meet the specified entry criteria and in these cases work experience cannot be considered in lieu.

If you wish to apply through this route you should refer to our University Recognition of Prior Learning policy that is available on our website (http://www.leedsbeckett.ac.uk/studenthub/recognition-of-prior-learning.htm).

Please note that all applicants to our University are required to meet our standard English language requirement of GCSE grade C or equivalent, variations to this will be listed on the individual course entry requirements.

Careers

Further training and development in this area is increasingly valued by employers. Our course can count towards on-going professional development in related fields such as nursing, social work or life coaching. As a counsellor or psychotherapist you can fulfil the professional development requirements of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy and the United Kingdom Council for Psychotherapy in order to maintain accreditation.

- Psychologist
- Mental Health Worker
- Counsellor

Careers advice: The dedicated Jobs and Careers team offers expert advice and a host of resources to help you choose and gain employment. Whether you're in your first or final year, you can speak to members of staff from our Careers Office who can offer you advice from writing a CV to searching for jobs.

Visit the careers site - https://www.leedsbeckett.ac.uk/employability/jobs-careers-support.htm

Course Benefits

The modular design of our course allows you to build on previous learning and experience. Plus, you'll have the unique opportunity to investigate areas outside of your normal area of work, and study the topics that most people are unable to follow at diploma level.

Our dissertation module allows you to undertake an in-depth study of an area of particular interest whilst contributing to the wider profession.

Core Modules

Practical Foundations of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy
Gain a critical understanding of the foundations of cognitive and cognitive behavioural approaches, as well as a reflexive understanding of a range of the theories and skills in practice.

Foundations of the Theory and Practice of Coaching
You will be introduced to coaching as an approach to working with people, and will develop a critical understanding of coaching theory and how coaching tools and techniques can be used in your area.

Existential, Humanistic and Psychodynamic Theories of Therapy
Explore the philosophical, cultural, and historical development of existential, humanistic, transpersonal, and psychodynamic theories of therapy.

Issues and Debates in Counselling and Psychotherapy
Increase your knowledge of and critically evaluate a range of contemporary issues from a therapeutic context.

Understanding and Evaluating the Evidence, or
Your opportunity to explore different types of information about health and social care and critically evaluate research material from a range of study designs.

Understanding Social Research and Evaluation
Gain a theoretical, methodological and practical foundation for social research, allowing you to act as a social researcher to resolve practice-based problems.

Research in Practice
Produce a substantial research project on a self-selected topic of interest to demonstrate your developmental learning in breadth and depth.

Option Modules

Work-based study
Develop specialist knowledge on a topic negotiated with your tutor which is directly relevant to service needs within your area of practice.

Spirituality and Religion in Psychological Therapies
Explore the psychological nature of religion and spirituality, psychological research, cults and sects, and the psychological foundations of religion, with particular reference to Freud, Jung and the Transpersonal theorists.

Supervision in Practice
A chance to underpin reflective and informed practice of psychological therapies and allied professions, and support best practice in a way that is beneficial to practitioners and service users/ patients.

Group Therapies and Group Work
Critically evaluate theoretical approaches to group work, and increase your self awareness and beliefs about group experience with an opportunity to lead a group session.

Spiritual Care
Drawing upon the major religions, you'll look at understandings of care and responsibility and the use of such concepts in professional practice, and explore the relationship of spirituality to a number of issues you may encounter.

Working With Depression and Anxiety in Practice
You will be introduced to to current research, theory and guidance for working with people with depression and anxiety.

Facilities

- Library
Our libraries are two of the only university libraries in the UK open 24/7 every day of the year. However you like to study, the libraries have got you covered with group study, silent study, extensive e-learning resources and PC suites.

- Clinical Skills Suite
The £1 million suite has been designed to meet the learning needs of a range of health professionals, with specialist equipment in purpose-built rooms enabling a variety of sessions to be carried out in a suitable and safe environment.

Find out how to apply here - http://www.leedsbeckett.ac.uk/postgraduate/how-to-apply/

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Why take this course?

If you wish to develop your skills, knowledge and understanding in the rapidly developing field of coaching without giving up employment, then this course is ideal.

This course consists of three separate stages, the Postgraduate Certificate, the Postgraduate Diploma and the Master’s, each taking a year to complete. You can enter the programme at any stage relevant to your qualifications and experience. Completion of each stage enables you to continue to the next, with or without a break between each stage, but there is no obligation to do so. These part-time, work-based courses allow you to fit in studying easily around work and other commitments.

This programme is aimed at leaders, managers and training professionals who want to develop their skills, knowledge and understanding in this rapidly developing field. Students may be seeking to use a coaching approach in a line management role, looking to build a coaching culture within their organisation to enhance performance or even embark on a second career as a professional freelance coach. This course is provided by the University of Portsmouth in conjunction with The Performance Coach, a well-respected company which provides coaching, training and consultancy services.

What will I experience?

On this course you can:

Participate in live web-based chat forums to discuss your work with TPC trainers and other students
Make an effective contribution to your workplace, as well as improve your career prospects
Tap in to our Library’s vast selection of electronic resources, which can be accessed from anywhere with an internet connection

What opportunities might it lead to?

Previous students have gone on to set up their own coaching companies and coaching training organisations. Here are some other routes our graduates have pursued:

Here are some routes our graduates have pursued:

Business development
Consultancy work
Mentoring
Education
Training
Health sector

Module Details

Teaching is delivered through five workshops over ten days covering a range of specific coaching topics, including 30 hours of coaching practise.

Here are the topics you will study:

Foundation coaching skills:

Develop core coach competencies
Understand the key skills and models for coaching and be able to apply these in a coaching relationship
Define coaching and understand the range of coaching styles
Understand the boundaries for a coaching relationship and how to contract effectively
Explore the importance of supervision within coaching
Learn to self-reflect and appraise coaching capabilities to identify areas for personal development in coaching, and plan for new learning

Creating insights:

Exploring your vision and identity as a coach; understanding your signature strengths and areas of focus
Becoming more self aware and emotionally intelligent as a coach
Learning to self-evaluate performance and ways of being as a coach
Helping clients develop emotional intelligence and personal insight
Exploring a number of different concepts and tools which generate personal insights in others and enable personal change

Applied positive psychology in coaching:

Understand different tools, concepts and approaches from Positive Psychology and how these can be used to impact learning and performance
Helping a system and clients to become more resilient and have more of a strengths-based focus
Working with purpose and meaning
Using transpersonal tools and techniques to create deep awareness and personal change

Coaching leaders:

Understand key leadership models and frameworks
Explore models, tools and concepts for effective leadership development
Experience practical tools and techniques which are congruent with developing leaders
Enabling leaders to create a vision for their leadership, to think strategically, to problem-solve
Coaching leaders in transition
Assess participants' current level of coaching competence

Programme Assessment

The course takes a work-based learning approach which allows you to apply this knowledge and theory to your workplace. This approach means you produce current and applied work-based assignments for assessment.

This programme is assessed, quality assured and awarded by the University of Portsmouth whilst TPC's world-class trainers and facilitators deliver course content and work with you to develop your knowledge and understanding of coaching.

Assessment is also orientated around the workplace in the form of two 4,000-word work-based learning projects.

Progression: This programme offers a work-based Master's qualification using the integrated flexible Master's framework leading to the award of MSc.

Student Destinations

This course is ideal if you are seeking to use a coaching approach in a line management role, looking to build a coaching culture within your organisation to enhance performance or even embark on a second career as a professional freelance coach. Previous graduates have also gone on to set up their own coaching companies and coach training organisations.

Whether you are an internal or external coach, this postgraduate programme will help you make an incredible difference to your clients.

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