Career Info | Psychology University Certificate

Course Description:

Course code: UC8AH Level: 4

If you have an undergraduate degree in a non-psychology subject but would like to explore or pursue a career in Psychology, then this University Certficate will give you 60 credits of undergraduate psychology, enabling you to then apply for a psychology conversion course - such as our MSc Psychology Conversion, which is accredited by the British Psychological Society.

An introduction to the core areas of psychology

You'll gain an introduction to fundamental elements of psychology, e.g. cognitive, developmental, social and biological psychology. We'll also introduce you to research methods, a crucial skill you'll need to develop and advance psychological thought.

In addition to introducing you to some of the core areas of psychology, studying the University Certificate in Psychology will also allow you to gain the basic concepts and skills you need to successfully study psychology online. Throughout the course, you'll be part of an online community learning and networking with each other through discussion groups and email.

To successfully complete the University Certificate in Psychology you must pass 60 credits, by completing 3 x 20 credit modules.

Additionally, you will complete our Freshers' module which does not carry any credits but is a valuable addition to the other optional modules that make up the certificate. This skills module will give you an introduction to the psychology department, university systems, online learning and studying psychology in higher education. Please note that there is no charge for the Freshers' Module.

To achieve 60 credits, you will complete three of the 20 credit optional modules from the list below. If your first degree did not include any research methods training, you will be encouraged to select the Research Methods in Psychology module as one of your options.

The order of the modules you can select follows a study pattern which is determined by your start date (i.e. whether you start in September, January or May). Advice and counselling on module choices is available from the programme leader at application and enrolment stages.

Modules:

Stage 1

Introduction to Biological Psychology
- Code:4PS507
- Info:
  Following a comprehensive introduction to the brain, neural structures and neurons, we will investigate the history of biological psychology and consider key questions, such as whether parts of our brains serve specialised functions and if there are individual differences in brain structure, associated with handedness for example. We will also investigate how our understanding of brain function informs our understanding of selected areas of cognition and behaviour.
  On successful completion of this module, you will be able to:
  - Demonstrate an understanding of the relationships between physiological systems and behaviour
  - Demonstrate an awareness of the underlying principles of biological psychology/neuroscience.
  Topics covered may include:
  - What is biological psychology?
  - The nervous system, neurons and neuronal conduction
  - Neurotransmission
  - Neurotransmitters and behaviour
  - Neuropsychology
  - Recording neural activity
  - Conceptual and historical issues in biological psychology
  - Biological Psychology and everyday life.
- Credits:20
- Stage:Stage 1
- Core:Optional module
Introduction to Cognitive Psychology
- Code:4PS508
- Info:
  You will be introduced to cognitive psychology as a science, providing you with a sound understanding of research into human cognition including areas such as perception, attention, language, memory and thinking. You will also explore everyday applications of cognitive research and develop an understanding of debates in cognitive psychology.
  On successful completion of this module, you will be able to:
  - demonstrate an understanding of theory and research into human cognition;
  - demonstrate the ability to communicate an academic argument in a clear and concise manner
  - show an understanding of the debates surrounding key research areas in cognitive psychology.
  Topics covered may include:
  - What makes cognitive psychology a science?
  - Theories, research methods and debates relating to core topics of human cognition
  - Topic areas which are considered include: perception, attention, memory, thinking, language, applications of Cognitive Psychology.
- Credits:20
- Stage:Stage 1
- Core:Optional module
Introduction to Developmental Psychology
- Code:4PS509
- Info:
  The module aims to develop students’ critical understanding of psychological concepts, theories, and methods relevant to the study of child development. You will be introduced to methods, debates and theories of development. These themes will be related to topics in cognitive and social development. The module will provide you with an understanding of the range of research conducted in developmental psychology.
  On successful completion of this module, you will be able to:
  - demonstrate an understanding of concepts, theories and methods in developmental psychology
  - demonstrate an ability to describe and discuss key issues in developmental psychology.
  Topics covered may include:
  - Understanding of concepts and theories in developmental psychology
  - Understanding of the key issues in developmental psychology
  - Understanding of research methods related to developmental psychology
- Credits:20
- Stage:Stage 1
- Core:Optional module
Introduction to Social Psychology
- Code:4PS510
- Info:
  In this module, you will be introduced to some of the key concepts included in the study of Social Psychology. You will explore a range of basic social psychological theories that have been developed to explain our engagement with others such as how attitudes develop; how aggressive or altruistic behaviour can be explained; and how our identities influence the ways we view, and are viewed by others. You will be required to apply these conceptual issues to examples taken from everyday life.
  On completion of this module, you will be able to:
  - demonstrate an understanding of a range of social psychological theories
  - demonstrate an understanding of the methodologies and methods used in social psychology.
  Topics covered may include:
  - Introduction to Social Psychology
  - Research methods in Social Psychology
  - People in groups
  - Social Psychology and Cognition
  - Pro-social behaviour
  - Cultural context of Social Psychology.
- Credits:20
- Stage:Stage 1
- Core:Optional module
Psychology: Traditions and Skills
- Code:4PS511
- Info:
  This module aims to develop your academic understanding of the discipline of psychology from a historical perspective in order to instil an appreciation of the development of psychological traditions that underpin modern psychology training and practice. It will provide you with a structured opportunity to develop the range of skills you need to successfully engage in your programme of study.
  On successful completion of this module, you will be able to:
  - Demonstrate an understanding of the development of psychology as a discipline
  - Demonstrate the ability to work effectively in a group to communicate psychological knowledge
  - Demonstrate competences in a range of study skills and learning strategies appropriate to the discipline of psychology.
  Topics covered may include:
  - Origins of psychology and the historical development of the discipline
  - Different perspectives within psychology and their links to theoretical positions and methodological approaches
  - Distinctions between academic and professional areas of psychology
  - General and discipline specific study skills
  - Locating, reading and reviewing psychological literature
  - Planning and managing academic work
  - Individual and group approaches to learning
  - Discipline specific academic writing styles
  - Alternative dissemination strategies, including oral presentations.
- Credits:20
- Stage:Stage 1
- Core:Optional module
Research Methods and Analysis in Psychology
- Code:4PS512
- Info:
  This module will introduce you to the key principles underlying research methods in psychology. You will be taught the need of systematic research methods and will explore the relationship between theory and data in both quantitative and qualitative research. You will learn key principles in research design and will engage in the practical aspects of generating quantitative and qualitative data and how to report the findings of simple psychological studies in a standardised format. In addition, you will engage with Personal Development Planning (PDP) to identify your personal development needs and opportunities for addressing these needs within the module and across your student journey in general.
  On successful completion of this module, you will be able to:
  - demonstrate an understanding of the purpose and principles of psychological research
  - demonstrate the ability to design, conduct and report simple psychological studies
  - demonstrate the ability to analyse, interpret and report qualitative and quantitative data
  - identify and access appropriate opportunities to meet the students own established personal developmental needs.
  Topics covered may include:
  - Research design
  - Measurement
  - Descriptive statistics
  - Inferential testing
  - Conducting qualitative research
  - Presenting research and research findings.
- Credits:20
- Stage:Stage 1
- Core:Optional module

Entry Requirements:

You will need at least one of the following:

An undergraduate degree with at least 2^nd class Honours (in any subject) from a UK university, or equivalent overseas qualification – at least a 2:2
A Masters degree from a UK university or equivalent overseas qualification
An undergraduate degree from an overseas institution that is equivalent to the above UK qualifications. However, if you have overseas qualifications, we do advise that you gain the UK equivalent. It is also important that you have a good standard of written and spoken English.

English language qualifications

If English is not your first language you will need an English language qualification. For this course you will need at least one of the following:

IELTS 6.0
TOEFL 550 (paper based) 213 (computer based) or 80 (internet based)
Pearson Test of Academic English: 51
Cambridge Advanced Certificate: Pass
London Tests of English: we accept level 4 for undergraduate courses
International GCE O Level English Language: Grade C
International GCSE English/English as a Second Language: Grade C

Course Fees:

	Per Module	Modules	Total	Start
UK/EU	£720	3	£2,160*	Sept/Jan/May
Overseas	£925	3	£2,775*	Sept/Jan/May

* NB: Prices correct for 2013/2014. Subject to annual increase September 2014.

Flexible payment plans available

Choose from three options:

Pay only for the modules you are studying
Pay your full course fees upfront, receive a 5% discount and avoid annual increases
Pay for all modules studied in the year and receive a 5% discount (September enrolment only).

Find out more

Funding options for undergraduate UK students

Depending on where you are from in the UK, you may be eligible for a part time student loan towards the cost of your undergraduate degree. Find out more about the options available to you.

Career Information:

This course is a first step into a career within psychology and a gateway to our BPS accredited MSc Psychology Conversion course which has been devised to confer Graduate Basis for Chartership (GBC) with the British Psychological Society (BPS).

It is also a useful short course for those wishing to investigate, or take the first steps, towards a career in Psychology without committing to an extensive period of study.

Search form