Transpersonal Psychology: An Introduction



Overview

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 counseling, leadership, and work in well-being.

PLEASE NOTE: This is NOT a course about organised religion.  It is about human emotional and spiritual development, how we find meaning and purpose in our lives, and escape the constraints of our ego.

Programme details

Course starts: 19 Jan 2026

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.

Certification

Credit Accumulation Transfer Scheme (CATS) Points

Only those who have registered for assessment and accreditation will be awarded CATS points for completing work to the required standard. Please note that assignments are not graded but are marked either pass or fail. Please follow this link for more information on Credit Accumulation Transfer Scheme (CATS) points

Digital Certificate of Completion 

Students who are registered for assessment and accreditation and pass their final assignment will also be eligible for a digital Certificate of Completion. Information on how to access the 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 attended. You will be able to download the certificate and share it on social media if you choose to do so.

Please note students who do not register for assessment and accreditation during the enrolment process will not be able to do so after the course has begun.

Fees

Description Costs
Course fee (with no assessment) £300.00
Assessment and Accreditation fee £60.00

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:

Concessionary fees for short courses

Tutor

Dr Graham Wilson

A leadership and OD consultancy/coaching career followed my behavioural science PhD. Since 2015, I’ve taught psychology, counselling, coaching, and photography at Oxford. Through teaching, writing (15+ textbooks), and conversations, I hope I help people understand these subjects' day-to-day relevance.

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. They will present an overview of this to a small group of peers around week 7 or 8 of the course.

Only those students who have registered for assessment and accreditation will submit coursework.

Application

To be able to submit coursework and to earn credit (CATS points) for your course you will need to register and pay an additional £60 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 now' button on this page. Alternatively, please complete an Enrolment form for short courses | Oxford University Department for Continuing Education

Students who do not register for assessment and credit during the enrolment process will not be able to do so after the course has begun. 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.

 

 

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.

Terms & conditions for applicants and students

Information on financial support