This course on transpersonal psychology explores the spiritual dimensions of human experience, intertwining psychology with spirituality. The curriculum covers theoretical foundations, spiritual development, and practical applications in therapy and healthcare. Learning is immersive and experiential, employing a mix of seminars, discussions, guided meditations, and practical skills sessions. Participants will be encouraged to keep a reflective journal throughout. The course aims to equip you with both a deep theoretical understanding and practical skills, preparing you for the thoughtful integration of transpersonal concepts in various professional settings, especially counselling, leadership, and work in well-being.
Transpersonal Psychology: An Introduction
This is an In-person course which requires your attendance to the weekly meetings which take place in Oxford.
Overview
Programme details
Course starts: 20th Jan 2025
Week 1: Introduction to Transpersonal Psychology.
Week 2: Theoretical Foundations.
Week 3: States of Consciousness.
Week 4: Spiritual Development and Life Cycles.
Week 5: Transpersonal Experiences and Phenomena.
Week 6: Methods of Transpersonal Practice.
Week 7: Psychological and Spiritual Well-Being.
Week 8: Transpersonal Psychology in Practice.
Week 9: Criticisms and Controversies.
Week 10: The Future of Transpersonal Psychology.
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 | £535.00 |
| 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. A BACP Registered Counsellor, I have diplomas in psychodynamic and spiritual counselling, 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 comprehensive understanding of transpersonal psychology, exploring its theories, practices, and applications in enhancing spiritual and psychological well-being.
Course objectives:
- To examine the theoretical underpinnings of transpersonal psychology, including its history, key concepts, and influential figures.
- To develop practical skills in applying transpersonal psychology techniques within therapeutic, healthcare, and personal development contexts.
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. Sessions are interactive and dynamic. Classroom activities will be varied and involve a range of discussions and creative tasks, in both the full group and small groups. While the course is not exclusively focused on transpersonal counselling, individuals will take part in one-to-one conversations aimed at supporting each other as part of the course.
Learning outcomes
By the end of the course students will be expected to:
- be able to articulate the key theories and historical development of transpersonal psychology, recognizing its role in modern psychological practice;
- demonstrate the ability to apply various transpersonal techniques, such as guided meditation and breathwork, in practical settings;
- develop greater self-awareness and spiritual insight through reflective exercises and experiential learning activities focused on personal growth.
Assessment methods
Participants will be encouraged to complete a 1500-word written assignment on their own interpretation of transpersonal psychology and how they would (or would not) wish to engage with it in their lives. They will present an overview of this to a small group of peers around week 7 or 8 of the course.
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 to 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 course is NOT a substitute for emotional well-being support - if you feel that it might provoke personal distress, then you should delay enrolling and seek support from a suitable counsellor.
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.