Psychology, University Certificate
Successfully completing this course will mean that you can access our MSc Psychology course even if you haven't previously studied psychology at degree level. It's the perfect choice if you have recently decided that you have an interest in psychology and wish to pursue it as a career option.
Completing this course will give you 60 credits of psychology which means you can then access conversion courses in psychology, such as our MSc Psychology which is accredited by the British Psychological Society (BPS). You'll gain an introduction to fundamental elements of psychology including cognitive, developmental, social and biological psychology. We'll also introduce you to research methods, a crucial skill you'll need as a psychologist to develop and advance psychological thought.
You'll focus on the basic concepts and skills you need to successfully study psychology online. Throughout the course, you'll become part of an online community learning and networking with each other through discussion groups and email.
Course Length:
1 year - 18 months
Start Dates:
September, January and April
Entry Requirements:
You will need at least a 2:2 degree or higher.
Fees:
| Per Module | Modules | Total | Start Dates | |
| UK | £400 | 4 | £1,600* | Sept / Jan / Apr |
| Non UK | £620 | 4 | £2,480* | Sept / Jan / Apr |
* NB: Prices correct for 2011/2012. Subject to annual increase.
Career Information:
This course is a first step into a career within psychology and a gateway to our MSc Psychology conversion course which has been devised to confer Graduate basis for Chartership with the British Psychological Society (BPS).
Course Leader:
Modules Summary:
To successfully complete the University Certificate in Psychology you must pass 60 credits. The first module is the Freshers Module which does not carry any credits but is a valuable addition to the other modules you need to choose. It will give you an introduction to the Psychology Department at the University, studying online and the University systems.
You will need to complete 4 of the 15 credit optional modules below.
Student Profile:
Career Information
This course is a first step into a career within psychology and a gateway to our MSc Psychology conversion course which has been devised to confer Graduate basis for Chartership with the British Psychological Society (BPS).
Modules
To successfully complete the University Certificate in Psychology you must pass 60 credits. The first module is the Freshers Module which does not carry any credits but is a valuable addition to the other modules you need to choose. It will give you an introduction to the Psychology Department at the University, studying online and the University systems.
You will need to complete 4 of the 15 credit optional modules below.
Core Modules
Core Module
This module has been designed to provide you with an introduction to studying online and the Psychology department within the University of Derby.
On completion of this module you will be able to:
- Understand the requirements to successfully engage with online educational materials
- Demonstrate knowledge of, and ability to use discussion boards and other communicatoin tools to support learning
- Demonstrate competency in accessing resources to support their learning outside of the written course materials.
How will I be assessed?
It's 100% coursework.
Credits: 0
Optional Modules
Optional Module
Following a comprehensive introduction to the brain, neural structures and neurons, we will investigate how our understanding of brain function informs our understanding of cognition and behaviour. We will consider if parts of our brains sub-serve specialised abilities (e.g. emotion processing, language) or can even be affected by individual differences (e.g. handedness). We will also consider what happens in our brains when we are asleep and we will contemplate whether an explanation for states such as anxiety, schizophrenia and depression can be found “in our heads”. Finally, we will investigate the effects of genetics, hormones and drugs on behaviour. The module therefore addresses the strengths and weaknesses of the reductionist approach as a way of linking physiology, neuroscience, genetics and psychology.
On completion of this module, you will be able to:
- Demonstrate an understanding of the relationships between physiological systems and behaviour
- Demonstrate an ability to describe and discuss key issues in developmental psychology
- Demonstrate an awareness of the underlying principles of biological psychology/neuroscience.
How will I be assessed?
It's 100% coursework.
Credits: 15
Optional Module
Cognitive Psychology is concerned with the empirical study of mental processes involved in perceiving and interpreting the external world, communication, and thinking and reasoning. Within this module an overview of theory, research methods and empirical findings for key topics in Cognitive Psychology, including the study of attention, perception, memory, language and communication, thinking, reasoning and problem-solving will be provided. The purpose of this module is to provide a sound understanding of the methods and approaches used in Cognitive Psychology as a basis for exploring topics in more detail at Level 5 and 6. We also consider some applications of cognitive psychological research.
We will cover:
- understanding and knowledge of the foundations of cognitive psychology
- Demonstrate an understanding of cognitive psychology research
- Show understanding of the debates surrounding key research areas in cognitive psychology
How will I be assessed?
It's 100% coursework: one integrative essay of 1,500 words.
Credits: 15
Optional Module
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.
Areas covered 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
How will I be assessed?
It's 100% coursework: 1,500 word portfolio of coursework consisting of short-answer questions.
Credits: 15
Optional Module
This module aims to provide students with an overview of the purpose and design of psychological research. Students will be taught the need for systematic research methods and the relationship between theory and data in scientific and qualitative research. Students will also learn basic principles in research design, including experimental and non-experimental research, the use of descriptive and inferential statistics to analyse experimental data, and how to write research reports. Students will also engage in the practical aspects of generating research data both quantitatively and qualitatively. In addition students will engage with Personal Development Planning (PDP) to identify their personal development needs, and opportunities for addressing these needs both within the module and across their student journey more generally.
On completion of this module, you will be able to:
- Demonstrate an understanding of the purposes and principles of psychological research
- Demonstrate the ability to design, conduct and report simple psychological experiments
- Understand the distinctions between quantitative and qualitative research
- Identify and access appropriate opportunities to meet established personal development needs.
How will I be assessed?
It's 100% course work.
Credits: 15
Optional Module
In this module, students will be introduced to the core theories, methods and perspectives of Social psychology. Students will be familiarised with the principal key debates within the field, and the relation of empirical data to such debates. Social psychology has, until recently, been taught largely from a North American perspective. European conceptions of social psychology, whilst being similar to North American views, have nevertheless resulted in distinct contributions to our understanding of many different topics. In this module, both American and European perspectives on key social psychological issues will be addressed.
On completion of this module, you will be able to:
- Demonstrate an understanding of contemporary theories in social psychology and their application in studying human behaviour.
- Demonstrate their knowledge of key debates in social psychology and the relation of empirical data to such debates
How will I be assessed?
It's 100% coursework: 1,500 word essay.
Credits: 15
Optional Module
This module will introduce students to the origins of the discipline of Psychology by exploring some of the key historical figures to have shaped the discipline.. As well as looking at the major contributions of each figure, the module will place their work within the political, cultural and social context existing at the time; including the person’s upbringing, their education and their relationships with other psychologists, philosophers and scientists of their day.
Areas covered:
- The emergence of psychology from a number of other academic disciplines
- The relationship between the work of the key figures in psychology and the context in which they lived
- The influences of other psychologists, philosophers and scientists on the works of major contributors to the discipline.
How will I be assessed?
It's 100% coursework: 1,500 written essay.
Credits: 15
Optional Module
This module will introduce you to the idea that psychology is an integrated and multi-faceted discipline. You will be able to appreciate from a position of little or no knowledge that the topics it explores can be approached from a number of different perspectives. To illustrate this, three distinctive areas will be covered; relationship formation, schizophrenia and visual illusions.
Areas covered:
- The multi-faceted nature of psychology;
- The different perspectives that can influence knowledge of a psychological topic;
- The advantages gained from dialogue between different theoretical positions and methodological approaches.
How will I be assessed?
It's 100% coursework.
Credits: 15
Optional Module
This module will build on the concepts encountered in RMA 1. You will also be expected to revisit and utilise some of the knowledge gained in Semester 1 in more practical sessions in this module. Through these you will build up knowledge about both qualitative and quantitative issues. Specifically you will learn to calculate (using SPSS) and report parametric and non parametric tests looking for differences in experimental designs between two levels of an IV with one DV. You will also undertake bivariate correlations (both parametric and nonparametric). You will be expected to understand the assumptions of parametric tests, data screening for these assumptions, power and effect size and the analysis of nominal data. You will also address further theoretical and methodological concepts in relation to qualitative data as well as participating in a number of practical activities.
Areas covered:
- Demonstrate an understanding of the theoretical and methodological background in qualitative psychology.
- Demonstrate the ability to analyse data qualitatively and report it clearly.
- Calculate and interpret simple inferential statistics using SPSS.
- Use inferential statistics alongside descriptive statistics to analyse the results of simple psychological studies.
How will I be assessed?
It's 100% coursework.
Credits: 15
You will need at least a 2:2 degree or higher.
Apply Now
Applications for Online courses are made through the main University of Derby website.
By clicking on "Apply now" below you will be redirected to the University of Derby website to continue your application process.
Fees
| Per Module | Modules | Total | Start Dates | |
| UK | £400 | 4 | £1,600* | Sept / Jan / Apr |
| Non UK | £620 | 4 | £2,480* | Sept / Jan / Apr |
* NB: Prices correct for 2011/2012. Subject to annual increase.
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