I have a first degree in (xxxxxx), will I still be able to apply for the course?
To be eligible for the course you will need a degree qualification in any subject. In particular circumstances applicants without a first degree may be considered and are advised to contact the admissions tutor to discuss eligibility and other training options.

Overseas students
Students must first have been working in the UK for a minimum of 1 year in a professional capacity with children, adolescents or families in order to be eligible to apply to the course. This needs to be on-going for the duration of their time on the programme.

Can I do the Psychoanalytic Observation Studies Programme full-time?
Psychoanalytic Observational Studies is a part-time course which takes place in small-group seminars one day a week on Fridays, for 30 weeks a year plus two extra training days. This is not a full time programme. However, you are expected to attend for weekly seminars as all teaching is face-to-face and requires high levels of participation. In addition, time is required to complete weekly observations, attendant travel and write up of observations. There is also a substantial amount of set reading.  This makes for a rich and immersive learning experience which is possible to accommodate around family and work commitments.

How do I find a baby?  Do NSCAP set it up?
This is something that is discussed in detail and carefully supported once a student has been accepted on the programme. With careful guidance and clear criteria students are expected to find an infant to observe. In addition, two ‘New Observers’ seminars are offered in the summer and early autumn term to think about the practicalities of setting up an observation and to begin the process of finding a suitable family to observe.

Is the Psychoanalytic Observation Studies Programme eligible for the postgraduate loan?
At present the course is not eligible for a Student Finance loan. Students are required to fund their studies privately.

What funding is available for the Psychoanalytic Observation Studies Programme?
Students are required to fund their studies privately or seek funding via their employer. The HEE Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Bursary is available this academic year.  Please see the downloadable documents on this page for further information.

What kind of work experience is considered for the Psychoanalytic Observation Studies Programme?
The course is relevant to a wide range of professionals including teachers, mental health practitioners, nursery nurses, psychologists, social workers, support workers, psychiatrists, youth workers, nurses/midwives and allied professional disciplines. Students are required to have at least one year’s experience of working in a professional capacity with infants, children, adolescents or families before commencing the course. This can be paid or unpaid ie in a voluntary capacity. However it does need to be a clearly defined role within an organisational setting.  Working as a nanny or as a child minder in home settings are more complicated in relation to learning through psychoanalytic observation. If you have particular questions in relation to work experience please get in touch and a conversation with one of the course tutors can be arranged. 

I’ve had my own children, can that count towards my experience?
Experience with your own family is not counted as suitable experience as this needs to be within a professional capacity.

Can I speak to one of the course tutors?
If you would like a conversation about any aspect of the Psychoanalytic Observational Studies programme, work experience, your suitability or individual circumstances, please contact the admissions tutor Anna Spedding who will be happy to arrange a time to speak on the phone. 

isabel.blundell@nhs.net  [Admissions Tutor - Psychoanalytic Observational Studies]

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.