An Introduction to Psychodynamic Thinking

Course Name

Who is the course aimed at?

This course is designed for individuals who are new to psychodynamic and psychanalytical thinking who have little or no therapeutic training.

It can also be undertaken by Counsellors, Psychotherapists and Psychologists trained in other modalities to support a level of understanding and insight.

Course description

This is a part-time course introducing participants to Psychodynamic thinking. The course will run for 10 weeks, one evening a week for 3 hours. The teaching will be led by Psychodynamically Trained individuals involved in the current delivery of our HRC Masters and Doctorate Courses.

Based on psychoanalytical theory, the course introduces key psychodynamic concepts focusing on how these concepts relate to human development at an individual and systemic level. Students are invited to participate in self-reflection, group discussions and reading papers/articles related to the topics studied. The course comprises of:

Week 1 - Freud & Klein: The Origins of Key Concepts
Week 2 - Winnicott & Bion: Object relations & Containment
Week 3 - Bowlby & Attachment
Week 4 - Unconscious Processes
Week 5 - Defences
Week 6 - Transference & Countertransference
Week 7 - Family
Week 8 - Culture, Diversity & Identity
Week 9 - Trauma & Loss
Week 10 - Endings

Students will be provided with reading material in advance of each session.

Learning Outcomes

Critically analyse a range of Psychodynamic ideas and concepts.
Critically appraise the significance to individual human development, early life experiences.
Analyse the impact on the individual of conscious and unconscious dynamics within families, groups and organisations.
Critically explore the links between Psychodynamic thinking and personal, social and cultural experience
(including reference to alienation, discrimination, oppression and exclusion)
Critically explore Psychodynamic perspectives of the human experience of trauma and loss

This course is taught at SQF level 11 and participants are expected to engage in a significant level of study between sessions.

Academic and professional validation

This programme is managed, delivered and awarded by Human Development Scotland and leads to an award on the Scottish Credit & Qualifications Framework (SCQF) at SQF level 11.

Timings

The course will run for 10 weeks, one Tuesday evening a week for 3 hours, 6pm to 9pm
Click here to see a sample timetable.
Teaching takes place at the HDS training suite in central Glasgow.

What do our students say?

Hear from former students about how studying at HDS has helped them in their career.

Costs and Funding

Course fees for 2026 are £500
A standard non-refundable application processing fee of £50 applies. To pay an application fee, you can access our payment system after submitting your online application (if you email your application, you will find payment instructions in the application form). Applications will not be processed until the application fee has been received. If you apply for more than one course, the fee is payable for each application submitted. Application fees are non-refundable, this includes in circumstances where an application is unsuccessful.
Our courses are not eligible for SAAS funding as we are not a publicly funded university.
Click here to find out more about funding sources.

Enquiries and application

Applications are now open for the September 2026 Course
Please click here to download an application form
Click here to ask us a question or contact [email protected] or call 0141 331 2419.

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We are delighted to offer a new and unique 10-week course introducing participants to Psychodynamic thinking. This course is designed for individuals who are new to psychodynamic and psychanalytical thinking who have little or no therapeutic training. It can also be undertaken by Counsellors, Psychotherapists and Psychologists trained in other modalities to support a level of understanding and insight.
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A new HDS Professional Course, An Introduction to Psychodynamic Thinking, will be beginning in September 2026.
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At a glance: courses, prospectus, fees & applications

At a glance look at the professional training on offer from HDS. Information and links to course information, including: entry requirements, fees, timings, applications and enquiries. Read more