This course on the history and evolution of psychology and counselling offers a comprehensive exploration of key developments over 150 years. Starting with pioneering philosophical influences we explore psychoanalysis, behaviourism, and humanistic therapies, the emergence of neuroscience, and our evolving understanding of cognition.
A pragmatic, experiential learning approach is encouraged throughout, with students engaging through resources on a VLE, lectures, critical discussions, and case studies, and applying historical insights to contemporary issues and practices. The course aims to equip students with a strong understanding of the field's foundations and the skills to critically analyse and anticipate future trends in psychology and psychotherapy.
While a background in psychology and counselling is not required, practitioners should find that this is an exciting alternative for their CPD.
History and Evolution of Psychology and Counselling
This is an In-person course which requires your attendance to the weekly meetings which take place in Oxford.
Overview
Programme details
Courses starts: 28 Apr 2025
Please note: There will be no class on 5th and 26th May
Week 1: Foundations of Modern Psychology and Counselling
Week 2: Birth and Growth of Psychoanalysis
Week 3: Behaviourism
Week 4: Humanistic Psychology and the Therapeutic Relationship
Week 5: The Cognitive Revolution: Evolutionary Roots to Therapeutic Frontier
Week 6: Neuroscience in Psychology and Counselling
Week 7: Technology and Digital Innovations in Therapy
Week 8: Multicultural Psychology and Inclusive Practices
Week 9: Contemporary Trends and Advances
Week 10: The Future of Psychology and Counselling
Recommended reading
All weekly class students may become borrowing members of the Rewley House Continuing Education Library for the duration of their course. Prospective students whose courses have not yet started are welcome to use the Library for reference. More information can be found on the Library website.
There is a Guide for Weekly Class students which will give you further information.
Certification
To complete the course and receive a certificate, you will be required to attend at least 80% of the classes on the course and pass your final assignment. Upon successful completion, you will receive a link to download a University of Oxford digital certificate. Information on how to access this digital certificate will be emailed to you after the end of the course. The certificate will show your name, the course title and the dates of the course you attended. You will be able to download your certificate or share it on social media if you choose to do so.
Fees
| Description | Costs |
|---|---|
| Course Fee | £285.00 |
| Take this course for CATS points | £30.00 |
Funding
If you are in receipt of a UK state benefit, you are a full-time student in the UK or a student on a low income, you may be eligible for a reduction of 50% of tuition fees. Please see the below link for full details:
Tutor
Dr Graham Wilson
My PhD in behavioural science led to an initial career in organisation and leadership development, however, for the last decade I’ve taught psychology, counselling, and photography at Oxford and elsewhere. With diplomas in psychodynamic and spiritual counselling, I am a BACP Registered Counsellor and recently retired as Coordinator of HE Counselling Courses at Guildford College. In Oxfordshire, I lead government-funded therapeutic photography programmes.
Course aims
To provide students with a thorough understanding of the historical development and theoretical foundations of psychology and counselling, highlighting their present-day practical implications.
Course objectives:
- To analyse key movements and figures in the history of psychology and counselling, understanding their influence on current techniques and approaches.
- To critically engage with various psychological theories and methods, applying these concepts to interpret hypothetical cases and anticipate future trends in the field
Teaching methods
Using a virtual learning environment (Canvas), background notes will be provided shortly before each session so that you can read up on the week's theme in advance if you wish. I try to make sessions interactive and dynamic - you won't find me hiding behind a lectern. Classroom activities will be varied, involve a range of discussions and creative tasks, in both the full group and small groups.
Learning outcomes
By the end of the course, students will be expected to:
• Gain a coherent understanding of the major theoretical developments in psychology, from ideas of the ‘mind’ and ‘self’ to contemporary understanding of cognition and neuroscience.
• Develop their critical analysis of different psychotherapeutic approaches and adapt their insights to practical scenarios within the therapeutic context.
• Explore current trends in the application of emerging knowledge in both therapeutic and broader psychological fields.
Assessment methods
Participants will be encouraged to prepare a 1500-word essay exploring one aspect of the evolution of psychology and counselling that has interested them. They will make a short presentation of their chosen topic in weeks 7 or 8.
Coursework is an integral part of all weekly classes, and everyone enrolled will be expected to do coursework in order to benefit fully from the course. Only those who have registered for credit will be awarded CATS points for completing work the required standard.
Students must submit a completed Declaration of Authorship form at the end of term when submitting your final piece of work. CATS points cannot be awarded without the aforementioned form - Declaration of Authorship form
Application
To earn credit (CATS points) for your course you will need to register and pay an additional £30 fee per course. You can do this by ticking the relevant box at the bottom of the enrolment form or when enrolling online.
Please use the 'Book' or 'Apply' button on this page. Alternatively, please complete an Enrolment Form (Word) or Enrolment Form (Pdf)
Level and demands
The Department's Weekly Classes are taught at FHEQ Level 4, i.e. first year undergraduate level, and you will be expected to engage in a significant amount of private study in preparation for the classes. This may take the form, for instance, of reading and analysing set texts, responding to questions or tasks, or preparing work to present in class.
Credit Accumulation and Transfer Scheme (CATS)
To earn credit (CATS points) you will need to register and pay an additional £30 fee per course. You can do this by ticking the relevant box at the bottom of the enrolment form or when enrolling online. Students who register for CATS points will receive a Record of CATS points on successful completion of their course assessment.
Students who do not register for CATS points during the enrolment process can either register for CATS points prior to the start of their course or retrospectively from the January 1st after the current full academic year has been completed. If you are enrolled on the Certificate of Higher Education you need to indicate this on the enrolment form but there is no additional registration fee.