Program Overview

Theoretical and Conceptual Foundations of Psychology

Overview

The Theoretical and Conceptual Foundations of Psychology short course introduces students to the concepts that form the basis of the discipline of psychology, including contributions from key thinkers. It provides an overview of the way in which current thinking within the discipline has developed over time and examines the scientific status of psychology.

Course Details

• The course covers the following topics:
  • Psychology as a science
  • Ethics and methods in psychology
  • Darwinian evolution and genetics
  • Learning and behaviourism (Watson and Skinner)
  • Psychoanalysis (Freud)
  • Humanistic psychology (Rogers and Maslow)
  • Developmental psychology (Piaget and Vygotsky)
  • Cognitive revolution and information processing
  • Culture and psychology
  • Social constructionism and language
• This 12-session course will be of interest to anyone interested in human interaction and thought processes who wants to gain a deeper understanding of the perspectives and approaches that underlie contemporary psychology.
• It is also ideal for those with a non-psychology degree who need a Level 4 psychology qualification or a greater understanding of psychology to progress to postgraduate study.

Assessment

• Assessment is via a 1500-word essay (60%) and one-hour online multiple-choice test (40%).
• Students can choose to take the course without completing assessments if they do not wish to gain credit.

Credits and Level

• The course is worth 15 credits at level 4.

Entry Requirements

Entry Requirements

• Most short courses have no formal entry requirements and are open to all students.
• This short course has no prerequisites.
• As part of the enrolment process, students may be required to submit a copy of a suitable form of ID.
• International students who wish to come to the UK to study a short course can apply for a Visitor visa.

Fees

• The tuition fee for the course is ｣635.
• Students are charged a tuition fee for each module at enrolment.
• Module fees for students continuing on their programme in following years may be subject to annual inflationary increases.

Duration and Schedule

• The course consists of 12 sessions, scheduled on Wednesdays from 6pm-9pm.
• The exact dates of the course are Wednesday 29 April - Wednesday 08 July 2026.

Study Options

• This course can be taken as a standalone short course or as part of:
  • Applied Psychology (Certificate of Higher Education)
  • Psychology (Certificate of Higher Education)
• Students on this course will study alongside Birkbeck students enrolled on one of our undergraduate or postgraduate courses, giving them the opportunity to network with a range of Birkbeck current students whilst they learn.