BA (Hons) Psychosocial Studies
This innovative, multidisciplinary degree is a new programme from the Department of Professional and Community Education (PACE) that will promote your understanding of the emergence and current functioning of psychosocial studies.
3 years full-time or 6 years part-time.
BL93
BBB or equivalent; see find out more about our general entrance requirements.
Certification by means of Access, BTEC, College Foundation Certificate, AS- and A-level is accepted, in a wide range of subject areas. See further information about entrance requirements.
If your first language is not English, please check our English Language requirements.
Please see undergraduate tuition fees.
Contact the Admissions Tutor, Dr Keren Cohen.
Download a booklet [PDF, 781KB]
This degree has been designed to meet the learning needs and aspirations of, broadly speaking, two kinds of students. Some students will want to undertake a degree focusing on counselling and psychotherapy practices and also the social and cultural contexts of their production in late modernity; while others, at a later stage of their educational careers, may want to undertake formal clinical training as counsellors and/or psychotherapists.
What you study
The programme has several aims: to promote your knowledge and understanding of contemporary therapeutic cultures, principally in Britain; to inform this knowledge of clinical practices by use of the kinds of enquiry made possible by sociology, anthropology and cultural studies; to provide a multidisciplinary focus of study; to develop 'soft skills' such as imagination, creativity, risk-taking, and a willingness to challenge orthodoxy.
Different counselling/therapy orientations form part of the curriculum in Years 1, 2 and 3, as does the emphasis on locating contemporary therapeutic practices in the context of their socio-historical production. You will also study the theory and practice of art psychotherapy in Years 1 and 2, and, if you wish, undertake the Foundation in Art Psychotherapy as an optional course in Year 3. How the notion of 'the individual' has emerged and is currently regulated is studied in Year 1, as well as the construction of the gendered body. The state regulation of the psychological therapies and 'pathologies' of the modern self are addressed in Year 2. In Year 3 you cover Freud's legacy, how the relocations of people in new social and political settings have given rise to novel forms of cultural identity, and, if you wish, cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT).
The multidisciplinary focus of the programme will not only support the development of your understanding and knowledge of professional therapeutic practice(s), but will also improve your cognitive, communication, writing and transferable skills. PACE is confident that when you achieve the degree, you will be equipped with the broad range of complex attributes increasingly required by employers, irrespective of whether you decide to proceed to clinical training.
Register your interest
If you register your interest in this programme we will keep you informed about open days and send you relevant further information.
Courses and structure
The programme has several aims:
- to promote your knowledge and understanding of contemporary therapeutic cultures, principally in Britain
- to inform this knowledge of clinical practices by use of the kinds of enquiry made possible by sociology, anthropology and cultural studies
- to provide a multidisciplinary focus of study
- to develop 'soft skills' such as imagination, creativity, risk-taking, and a willingness to challenge orthodoxy
Different counselling/therapy orientations form part of the curriculum in Years 1, 2 and 3, as does the emphasis on locating contemporary therapeutic practices in the context of their socio-historical production.
You will also study the theory and practice of art psychotherapy in Years 1 and 2, and, if you wish, undertake the Foundation in Art Psychotherapy as an optional course in Year 3.
How the notion of 'the individual' has emerged and is currently regulated is studied in Year 1, as well as the construction of the gendered body.
The state regulation of the psychological therapies and 'pathologies' of the modern self are addressed in Year 2.
In Year 3 you cover Freud's legacy, how the relocations of people in new social and political settings have given rise to novel forms of cultural identity, and, if you wish, cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT).
Teaching methods
Most teaching takes place through lectures, discussions and tutorials.
Credits and levels of learning
An undergraduate honours degree is made up of 360 credits – 120 at Level 4, 120 at Level 5 and 120 at Level 6. As a full-time student, you will usually take Level 4 courses in the first year, Level 5 in the second, and Level 6 courses in your final year. A standard course is worth 30 credits. Some programmes also contain 15-credit half courses or can be made up of higher-value parts, such as a dissertation.
Skills and careers
Skills
The programme will enable you to develop the following skills:
- Academic skills, including skills in writing and communication, organisation and problem solving, and information gathering and retrieval
- Understanding of professional therapeutic practices
- 'Soft' transferable skills, including imagination, creativity, the willingness to take risks, and – where necessary – the ability to engage in constructive, informed and critical challenges to orthodoxy
Careers
This programme will equip you with the broad range of complex skills and attributes increasingly required by employers, irrespective of whether you decide to proceed to clinical training.
About the department
The Department of Professional and Community Education (PACE)
The Department of Professional and Community Education (PACE) offers a broad range of programmes and courses ranging from vocational and professional training, undergraduate and postgraduate, certificate and diploma programmes, as well as courses designed to encourage returning to study.
Subjects include:
- Community and Youth Work
- Cultural and Social Studies including Anthropology, Computing, Creative Writing, Design and Technology, Historical Studies, Literary Studies, Media and Communications, Politics, Psychology, Research Study Skills and Sociology
- Languages and Language Studies including English as a Foreign Language
- Performing Arts, including Drama, Theatre and Music
- Psychotherapeutic Studies including Art Psychotherapy, Therapeutic Cultures, Dance Movement Psychotherapy, Cognitive Behaviour Therapy and Psychodynamic Studies
- Social Work
At Goldsmiths, we aim to work closely with local communities. For over a hundred years we have been committed to lifelong learning and to bridging the gap between theory and practice, through professional and continuing studies. PACE was formed to provide a focus for this work.
We aim to provide a supportive learning environment, excellent teaching and tutoring, and the flexibility for you to reach your potential. You will be taught by a highly experienced team of PACE academics, therapists and counsellors.
Student profiles
"BA Psychosocial Studies offers a wide choice for students who are interested in working within the therapeutic field, whether you are a mature student or coming straight from A-levels. The university upholds an openness with a vibrant culture and atmosphere for all.
Goldsmiths was introduced to me by my cousin who previously finished her studies here. I always knew I wanted to go to a University of London institution, and Goldsmiths ticked all the boxes for me.
Before I came to Goldsmiths, I was studying my A-levels. The transition between A-levels to undergraduate study was surprisingly easy, you meet lots of interesting people and they help you learn and grow as a student. This is also reflected through both the teaching and social atmosphere that Goldsmiths provides."
Huma, BA Psychosocial Studies
Goldsmiths, University of London, New Cross, London, SE14 6NW, UK
Telephone: + 44 (0)20 7919 7171
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