Therapeutic Practice and the Metaphysics of Mind

^PSYM235Z

This short course introduces you to the practical and theoretical dimensions of contemporary psychedelic research. You’ll explore key therapies and the cultural, historical and spiritual contexts that shape their use today.

This course is suited to:

Therapeutic Practice and the Metaphysics of Mind is suited to graduates and professionals interested in psychedelic studies or working in mental health, wellbeing or related fields. It provides a clear academic foundation in contemporary psychedelic research and its cultural and philosophical context, supporting those who may wish to pursue further practitioner training.

What will I learn?

This short course offers an introduction to contemporary psychedelic research, exploring how therapies are developed and carried out, from ketamine for addiction to 5-MeO-DMT for depression. You will examine the long and recent history of psychedelic practices across cultures, gaining insight into their cultural and spiritual context.

The course also introduces the idea that metaphysical experience may play a key role in therapeutic outcomes, helping you understand what metaphysics is and how it relates to the mind. Teaching is delivered online through a mix of asynchronous materials and optional live activities led by experts.

Designed as an academic rather than practical qualification, it provides a broad grounding in the scientific, cultural and philosophical issues that shape the psychedelic field.

Learning outcomes

• Demonstrate knowledge of history of psychedelics and psychedelic therapy in relation to metaphysics and mind.
• Skills: Synthesis and integration of transdisciplinary perspectives.
• Critical evaluation of evidence and practice in the psychedelic field.
• Subjective enquiry and awareness using specific techniques.
• Critical evaluation of evidence and practice in the psychedelic field.
• Subjective enquiry and awareness using specific techniques.

How is the module assessed?

For this course, you should expect to engage in structured learning activities for 10-15 hours per week on average, plus additional time spent on self-directed learning (such as further reading or preparing for assessments).

The course can be completed in a maximum of 17 weeks. Typically, there are 10 weeks of taught content, and the final submission is in week 11. The rest of the time is made up for marking and feedback.

Module staff

Entry Requirements

There are no academic entry requirements for our online short courses. We will, however, consider all applications individually on merit, and will in particular consider applications where there is evidence of significant relevant work experience or professional qualification.

English language requirements

International students need to show they have the required level of English language to study this course.

The required test scores for this course fall under Profile B2.