Psychoanalytic Observational Studies
Update May 2025:
Our longstanding and successful PGDip/Masters in Psychoanalytic Observational Studies programme accredited by the University of Leeds in partnership with Leeds and York Partnership Trust (LYPFT) will not be recruiting new students in 2025-26. This pause in recruitment is due to wider contractual changes in NHS-E commissioning. Current students will be supported with their ongoing studies which will continue in its current form.
We welcome people getting in touch with us directly to express interest in this programme of study and /or with any questions or responses in relation to this news and its impact on you, or to arrange a time to speak. To do this please contact the Programme Lead of the PGDip/Masters in Psychoanalytic Observational Studies programme Laura Liddell via lauraliddell@nhs.net
For information about other pre-requisite programmes available in the UK, please visit the below link:
Pre-Clinical Course | Association of Child Psychotherapists
Masters/PG Diploma Programme in Leeds
This course offers participants the opportunity to develop observational skills within a psychoanalytic framework and to apply this in their professional work.
Psychoanalytic Observational Studies is a distinctive experiential approach to training for professionals working with children, young people and their families.
The course is designed to help people deepen their understanding and awareness of human development and interaction and to help participants to think about their work from a psychodynamic perspective. The course is relevant to teachers, psychologists, child and adolescent psychiatrists, social workers, occupational therapists, nurses and allied professional disciplines.
Students are required to be working in a professional capacity with children, adolescents or families. They are generally expected to have had at least one year's experience of such work before commencing the course.
Completion of the course or equivalent is a pre-requisite for those wishing to apply for the clinical training in child and adolescent psychotherapy.
Please contact nscapadmin.lypft@nhs.net for further information
Is this course right for me?
Who is the course for?
All professionals working with children, young people and their families who want to develop their capacity to observe and to think about the meaning of behaviour from a psychoanalytic perspective. Students include: teachers, learning mentors, social workers, residential care workers, psychologists, child and adolescent psychiatrists, paediatricians, counsellors, CAMHS practitioners, health visitors, midwives and youth workers.
What does it offer?
The skills gained through the experience of observing infants and young children over an extended period enhance the quality of direct work with children, young people and families. The programme is a pre-requisite for those wishing to undertake clinical training in child and adolescent psychotherapy.
Will it help my work with children and young people?
Students report that the programme is highly relevant to their professional work. Working practice is significantly enhanced by a better understanding of difficult or troubling behaviour. They also indicate that they feel more able to think under pressure and not to be forced into precipitate action.
The discussions were able to open out material in the observations so that I saw so much more than I thought was there.
You may also be interested in our other courses.
