The programme gives a thorough grounding in both Attachment theory and Psychoanalysis as they relate to adult couples and parents. Theory seminars work in conjunction with Work Discussion Groups where students' own work with, or observations of, couples and parents can be discussed and related to the theory. The 2nd year of the programme builds on the first and focuses on:

• Separation and Loss;
• Violence
• Sexuality; and
• Internal and External Organisations.

In addition, for those working towards an MA, in the 3rd year there is a term of dissertation supervision for the MA Case Study which draws on student’s own ongoing clinical or observational work over the past year.

• Your fellow students will all be working with, or able to observe, adult couples in one way or another.
• Teaching staff are all senior clinicians with considerable experience of working with couples.
• TCCR is an international centre of excellence in the psychoanalytic understanding of the couple relationship.
• The programme is manageable in conjunction with employment or private practice.
• You will be able to achieve a Postgraduate Certificate in one academic year and a Postgraduate Diploma in another academic year. The MA is completed in the autumn term following the Postgraduate Diploma.
• The MA dissertation is a case study based on your own work with couples or an observational study of couple interaction.
• You will have access, if wished, to the Tavistock Clinic Library which is a National Specialist Psychotherapy Resource.
• You will be supported by committed teaching and tutoring staff.

Usually an Honours degree is required, but TCCR realises that some students on this programme may not have had a traditional academic history, so we would accept post-graduate diploma or professional qualifications recognised as equivalent to a first degree. Other qualifications or experience that demonstrate a candidate possesses comparable knowledge and skills would also be considered.

Professional training in counselling, psychotherapy, psychiatry, medicine, the law, social work, and mediation are likely to be valued for the purpose of this course. We invite prospective students to consult with the Programme Leader about these requirements.

In the case of applicants whose first language is not English, then IELTS Score 6.5 (or equivalent) is required. International qualifications will be checked for appropriate matriculation to UK Higher Education postgraduate programmes.

Students that apply to enter later stages of the programme may be admitted through normal Accreditation of Experiential Learning (AEL) or Accreditation of Prior Learning (APL) processes, or through an approved articulation agreement. Therefore such applicants must be able to demonstrate and provide evidence that they have the required learning outcomes as listed in the modules for which they are seeking exemption.

Applications should be made directly to TCCR: www.tccr.org.uk

The taught programme is part-time. There are two components in each year: an Attachment and Psychoanalysis theory seminar series, and a Work Discussion Group. In addition, to gain the MA there is regular Dissertation supervision. The programme is designed so that you can achieve a PG Certificate in one year, a PG Diploma in the following year, and an MA in the following Autumn term.  This MA is based on your own clinical or observational work over the past year.

The programme combines your own work involving couples and parents with observational exercises based on film and theatre, together with reading seminars, theoretical presentations, and discussion of your own practice. Teaching takes place at The Tavistock Centre for Couple Relationships, 70 Warren Street London, W1T 5PB.

All assessment is through coursework. Each module has coursework assignments which are spaced throughout the year. Successful completion of the first module and its associated assignments leads to the award of a PG Certificate. Following the PG Certificate successful completion of a further module and its associated assignments leads to the PG Diploma. Following the PG Diploma successful completion of a further module and its associated assignments leads to the MA. The MA dissertation is a 8,000 - 9,500 word case-study dissertation.  The MA may be awarded with  Pass, Merit or Distinction.

The programme is designed to enhance the practice and professional development of workers and clinicians in a variety of settings. Students need to be able to present their clinical or other work with adult couples and parents for discussion in seminars.

The Work Discussion Groups are a good way of furthering your own and others' learning about practice. In addition, the MA dissertation and its associated supervision will enhance your capacity to observe clinically and to formulate an understanding of what you are experiencing in your work. The final case study will be an opportunity to explore a topic or a case of particular interest to you as a practitioner.

These programmes offer professional development to those in a variety of work settings who wish to develop their work with couples. Primarily designed as an academic award, the programmes have been used by psychotherapists, social workers, couple counsellors and others to progress their work in this area. The programme does not offer a professional training or clinical practice qualification. However following successful completion of any of these programmes there is an opportunity for students to make application to The Tavistock Centre for Couple for the Professional Doctorate and clinical training in couple psychoanalytic psychotherapy, which leads to professional registration. Students may gain exemptions from elements of this course.

We aim to provide students with a supportive and rewarding learning environment. Each Student has a personal tutor who supports them through the programme. Students also benefit from reduced fee membership of the Tavistock Clinic Library which is recognised as a Special Resource Library by the British Library with the status of Specialist National Psychotherapy Library. Students have access to the UEL libraries and to others under the SCONUL agreement.

Programme staff are Senior Couple Therapists who are engaged in clinical and practice and research activities at the Tavistock Centre for Couple Relationships. We give students a rewarding and supportive learning environment. For the MA, students are also given expert support in the writing of their case study dissertation.

Programme staff are Senior Couple Therapists who are engaged in clinical and practice and research activities at the Tavistock Centre for Couple Relationships. We give students a rewarding and supportive learning environment. For the MA, students are also given expert support in the writing of their case study dissertation.