Program Overview

Applied Psychology (Certificate of Higher Education)

The Applied Psychology Certificate of Higher Education is a standalone University of London qualification that introduces students to psychology at the undergraduate level. This course is ideal for those who are new to studying psychology, returning to study, or seeking extra support and guidance.

Highlights

• This Certificate of Higher Education provides a comprehensive introduction to psychology and its practical applications.
• The course offers study skills support to help students prepare for degree-level study.
• Students who complete specific modules may be considered for direct entry into Year 2 of the BA Psychology for Education.
• The course has no formal entry requirements.
• Birkbeck is renowned for its research in psychological sciences, hosting the Centre for Brain and Cognitive Development, the Birkbeck-UCL Centre for Neuroimaging, and the Centre for Cognition, Computation and Modelling.
• In the 2023 National Student Survey, Birkbeck's School of Psychological Sciences ranked 5th in the UK for teaching.
• The institution is consistently regarded as one of the top in the UK for teaching psychological sciences, ranking in the top ten universities in the 2021 Research Excellence Framework.

Progression to Degrees at Birkbeck

Students who complete the following modules may be considered for entry onto Year 1 of the part-time, four-year, evening study BSc Psychology:

• Theoretical and Conceptual Foundations of Psychology
• Understanding Applied Cognitive Psychology
• Understanding Research Methods for Psychology

Course Structure

To gain the Certificate of Higher Education, students must register on and successfully complete individual modules worth a total of 120 credits, consisting of:

• Three core modules (45 credits)
• A compulsory study skills module (0 credits)
• Four or five option modules (75 credits)

Module Groups

Core Modules

• Theoretical and Conceptual Foundations of Psychology
• Understanding Applied Cognitive Psychology
• Understanding Research Methods for Psychology

Compulsory Module

• Psychology Study Skills

Option Modules

• Critical Approaches to Attachment
• Critical Approaches to Positive Psychology
• Diversity and Communication
• Freud and Psychoanalysis: An Introduction
• Health Psychology
• Introduction to Cognitive Behaviour Therapy
• Understanding Applied Social Psychology
• Understanding Developmental Psychology
• Understanding Individual Differences
• Understanding Neuroscience
• Understanding Psychological Disorders

Entry Requirements

No formal qualifications are required. However, all modules are taught at university level, and students should be able to read, write, and speak English fluently.

Visa Requirements

International students may need to apply for a visa, depending on the length of their course. Courses of more than six months' duration require a Student visa, while courses of less than six months' duration require a Standard Visitor visa.

Fees

Fees are payable per module and vary depending on the course. The overall cost of the certificate will depend on the modules chosen.

Teaching

The course features lectures, seminars, in-class and out-of-class exercises, demonstrations, or class presentations in groups or individually. Students are encouraged to participate actively in discussions and undertake reading and coursework.

Assessment

Modules are assessed via various methods, including essays completed at home, in-class essays, presentations, and multiple-choice questions. The Understanding Research Methods for Psychology module is assessed through a laboratory report, timed assessments, and a worksheet portfolio.

Careers and Employability

Graduates can pursue careers in psychology, human relations, education, or marketing. Possible professions include:

• Clinical psychologist
• Further education lecturer
• Human resources officer
• Market researcher

Birkbeck offers a comprehensive careers service to empower students to take ownership of their future and make connections between their experience, education, and future ambitions.