Group Analytic Studies (Postgraduate Certificate) - 2012/2013 entry

This Postgraduate Certificate forms the second year of the four-year training in group analysis and also stands alone as a more advanced introduction to applied group analytic theory and practice. It is taught by practising group analysts at the Institute of Group Analysis as well as by academic staff from the Department of Psychosocial Studies at Birkbeck. Applicants will have completed the Graduate Certificate in Group Analysis or an equivalent introductory programme in group analysis, and will have some ongoing experience of working with or in groups. Students going on to the full training will need to meet personal therapy requirements. 

For more information, read our programme handbook.

• Run by the Institute of Group Analysis in collaboration with Birkbeck.
• Meets the Institute of Group Analysis criteria as an intermediate-level course.
• Lecturers are all registered with the United Kingdom Council for Psychotherapy and are practising group analysts.
• Forms the second year of the full four-year training that will qualify you as a group analyst and as a registered psychotherapist.

The programme consists of two modules:

• Module 1: Introduction to Group Analytic Studies
• Module 2: Group Analytic Concepts in Action.

Students have access to the Birkbeck Library. All students at Birkbeck benefit from a wide range of advantages related to the central location of the College and its varied and rich student life. There are also talks and seminars organised by the Department of Psychosocial Studies, which are available to students. Resources are made available via our online learning environment.

This programme forms the second year of the four-year training to qualify to apply for registration as a psychotherapist with the United Kingdom Council for Psychotherapy. The MSc Group Analysis makes up the third and fourth years.

Psychosocial studies graduates go on to careers as group analysts, psychodynamic counsellors and psychotherapists.

Training with the Institute of Group Analysis and Birkbeck College – frequently asked questions

The Institute of Group Analysis is the largest, longest standing and most prestigious group training organisation in the UK. It provides a range of training at various levels suited to people interested in gaining an understanding of the theory and practice of group analysis, those who wish to develop group work skills, and those who wish to undertake specialised training as a group analyst. 

The IGA’s partnership with Birkbeck allows it to offer academic qualifications appropriate to all levels of training. The partnership offers:

1. a foundation course leading towards a Graduate Certificate in Group Analysis (one year) 
2. a Postgraduate Certificate in Group Analytic Studies leading towards associate membership of the Institute of Group Analysis as a group work practitioner  (one year) 
3. an MSc Group Analysis leading towards qualification as a group analyst, full membership of the Institute of Group Analysis and registration with UKCP (two years)

I completed an Introductory Course over five years ago but I haven’t got a Graduate Certificate. Can I do a Postgraduate Certificate? 

Anyone who has completed an IGA introductory course can apply to the Postgraduate Certificate as long as they have at least a second-class honours degree or equivalent. Candidates who do not have this will need to pass an assessed essay for entry. 

Who should do a Postgraduate Certificate in group analytic studies?

Anyone who works with groups will benefit from this advanced training in group work theory and practice. This course builds on the Graduate Certificate in Group Analysis to develop your understanding of the theory and practice that underpins successful group work. It also provides a platform towards further training, leading to qualification as a group analyst and full membership of the Institute of Group Analysis

How do I apply?

Anyone who has completed a Graduate Certificate in Group Analysis or who has completed a Foundation Course (previously known as Introductory Course) and already has a second-class honours degree can apply to the Postgraduate Certificate in Group Analytic Studies.

Students with a second-class honours degree who have completed a portfolio of accredited short courses to achieve equivalence with a Foundation Course may also be accepted if they have been a member of a group analytic experiential group for no less than thirty sessions or have been a member of a once weekly or twice weekly group analytic therapy group for an acceptable period of time.     

Do I need to be working in the NHS to do a Postgraduate Certificate Group Analytic Studies?
 
It is not essential but the Postgraduate Certificate in Group Analytic Studies does not allow you to practice in the private sector and nor is it recognised by the UKCP. If you are conducting groups in the NHS, or in the voluntary sector, you should be under the supervision of a group analyst or a specialist in the particular field in which you are working. 

In order to become an Associate Member of the IGA and an IGA accredited group work practitioner, you will need to provide a workplace report from a line manager or supervisor acceptable to the IGA. Check the IGA website for details. 
 
Can I continue straight on to the MSc if I successfully complete the Postgraduate Certificate?
 
You may be able to do so but it will depend on your circumstances. The MSc in London is coterminous with the Qualifying Course. In order to take the MSc, you must be prepared to qualify as a group analyst. This requires that you are in twice weekly or block group analytic therapy for a prescribed duration prior to applying. A successful application will also depend on you having fulfilled a number of clinical obligations and passing a panel interview. You will also need to undertake a psychiatric assessment to confirm your capacity to treat patients. 
 
When do I have to decide whether to continue or not?

The requirement is that a student should be in personal group analytic therapy for at least six months before applying and twelve months before beginning the training. Anyone wishing to complete the course and qualify as a group analyst in four years should have joined a twice-weekly therapy group with a training group analyst by the January of the foundation year.

I would like to do a block training. Is it possible to take a Postgraduate Certificate on the block courses ? 

It should be possible to undertake a Postgraduate Certificate on the block courses from 2012. Up until then, the Postgraduate Certificate will be offered in London and in selected locations across the country. Check the IGA website for details.

Can I join a block training to qualify as a group analyst after I have completed a Postgraduate Certificate as a stand-alone qualification? 

Yes, however due to the requirement for personal therapy you would need to be in therapy on the block courses for six months prior to applying for the qualifying course.