The objective of the OTHM Level 5 Extended Diploma in Psychology qualification is to provide learners with a specialist programme of study that provides a depth of knowledge and understanding of key aspects within the field of Psychology.

Learners will study level 4 and 5 units, worth 120 credits per academic year with a total credit value of 240 credits (equivalent to the first 2 years of an honours degree).

The Level 4 units introduce relevant topics that lay the foundation for learning. Learners will be introduced to historical and contemporary approaches to psychology, including biopsychology, social and developmental psychology, attachment theories, human memory processes and contemporary research and investigation methods.

The Level 5 units allow learners to specialise and progress in a variety of relevant subject areas and focus on how our understanding of psychology is applied today. Learners will develop and enhance their skills in the following areas: mental health and psychopathology, cognitive psychology, visual perception, the diversity of addiction, social psychology with a focus on pro and anti-social behaviour, individual differences relating to criminology, intelligence and personality as well as becoming aware of contemporary debates and issues in the field of Psychology.

Following successful completion of the course, learners will have a well-rounded knowledge of psychology, which can be applied to further study and careers associated with the subject

Entry requirements

These qualifications are designed for learners who are typically aged 18 and above.

The entry profile for learners is likely to include at least one of the following:

Relevant Level 3 Diploma qualification or equivalent qualification GCE Advanced level in 2 subjects or equivalent qualification Mature learners (over 21) with relevant management experience (learners must check with the delivery centre regarding this experience prior to registering for the programme)

Equivalences

OTHM Level 5 Extended Diploma qualifications represent practical knowledge, skills, capabilities and competences that are assessed in academic terms as being equivalent to Higher National Diplomas (HND) and Year 2 of a three-year UK Bachelor's degree programme.

Qualification structure

The OTHM Level 5 Extended Diploma in Psychology qualification consists of twelve mandatory units, 240 credits, 2400 hours Total Qualification Time (TQT) and the recommended Guided Learning Hours (GLH) for this qualification is a minimum of 1200 hours.

To achieve the OTHM Level 5 Extended Diploma in Psychology qualification, learners must achieve 240 credits, of which 120 credits are at Level 4 (6 units) and 120 credits are at Level 5 (6 units).

All units are mandatory.

Level 4 units:

The Scope of Psychology (20 credits) Introduction to Social and Developmental Psychology (20 credits) Biopsychology (20 credits) The Development of Attachments (20 credits) Processes of Human Memory (20 credits) Research Methods and Investigating Psychology (20 credits)

Level 5 units:

Psychological Approaches to Depression and Schizophrenia (20 credits) Individual Differences: Intelligence; Personality and Criminology (20 credits) Visual Perception (20 credits) Social Psychology: pro and anti-social behaviour (20 credits) The Diversity of Addiction (20 credits) Contemporary Issues and Debates in Psychology (20 credits)

Duration and delivery

The qualification is designed to be delivered over two academic years for full-time study but it is also flexible in its delivery in order to accommodate part-time and distance learning.

 

The qualification is delivered face-to-face, through lectures, tutorials, seminars, distance, online by approved centres only.

Assessment and verification

All units within this qualification are internally assessed by the centre and externally verified by OTHM. The qualifications are criterion referenced, based on the achievement of all the specified learning outcomes.

To achieve a ‘pass’ for a unit, learners must provide evidence to demonstrate that they have fulfilled all the learning outcomes and meet the standards specified by all assessment criteria. Judgement that the learners have successfully fulfilled the assessment criteria is made by the Assessor.

The Assessor should provide an audit trail showing how the judgement of the learners’ overall achievement has been arrived at.

Progression

Successful completion of the OTHM Level 5 Extended Diploma in Psychology qualification provides learners the opportunity for a wide range of academic progressions including entry to a Level 6 Diploma qualification in a related field or directly into employment in a wide range of careers, such as:

advertising marketing career counselling education the health professions human resources management police and social services.