Program Overview

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University Certificate in Psychology

Overview

The University Certificate in Psychology (UCP) is an introductory course that covers the foundations of psychology, with a choice of module options, that can be completed in 6 - 12 months. It is a stepping-stone to undergraduate or postgraduate level study or an ideal course for continuing professional development (CPD).

Course Highlights

• An introductory course covering the foundations of psychology, with a choice of module options, that can be completed in 6 - 12 months
• A stepping-stone to undergraduate or postgraduate level study or an ideal course for continuing professional development (CPD)

Who is the University Certificate in Psychology (UCP) course for?

This course is suited to anyone wanting to learn about the foundations of psychology, whether it’s for your career or own personal interest. Studying a psychology course can also equip you with a breadth of knowledge and range of transferable skills that enable you to progress into a wide range of courses and career paths such as: human resources; management; police and emergency services; social services; education; counselling; health and social care as well as careers in business and other similar professions.

A stepping-stone to undergraduate and postgraduate psychology courses

For some, meeting the standard entry requirements of a psychology programme can be a barrier to further study. This programme encourages applications from students who may not meet the criteria of our BSc (Hons) Psychology (online) but who have relevant work experience, or similar, which can be considered.

Once you’ve achieved your University Certificate in Psychology you can choose to progress to our British Psychological Society (BPS) accredited BSc (Hons) Psychology (online) where some of the credits you have gained may also be used towards your first year of study on the BSc. Alternatively, if you already have an undergraduate degree in any subject, you could continue studying with our BPS accredited Postgraduate Diploma in Psychology (online), giving you the ability to take one step closer to becoming a Chartered Psychologist with the British Psychological Society (BPS).

What you will study

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

If your first degree did not include any research methods training, you will be encouraged to select the Introduction to Research Methods 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 (ie whether you start in September or January). Advice and counselling on module choices is available from our team at application, enrolment and throughout your time on the programme.

You can view the study plan for this online course.

Optional modules

• Introduction to Biological Psychology
• Introduction to Cognitive Psychology
• Introduction to Lifespan Psychology
• Introduction to Social Psychology
• Understanding Psychology
• Introduction to Research Methods in Psychology

How you will learn

Pace of study

The academic year is made up of three 10-week terms, known as trimesters. We recommend about 20 hours of study per week to complete one 20-credit module over a 10-week trimester. This is what we call the standard rate of study, and we’d recommend this rate of study for any students who are also working full-time or have other commitments.

You can choose to study two modules per term, this is what we call our accelerated rate of study. For this rate of study, we’d recommend 40 hours a week, and so it is best suited to those who are not currently in full-time work.

We know that sometimes life happens, and our team will be here to support you to consider which study rate may be best for you depending on your life circumstances.

We recommend studying one module at the standard rate of study before deciding, with support from our team to consider whether to then increase to the accelerated rate of study.

There will be 1/2 virtual classrooms over the 10 week trimester and if you are unable to attend you will be able to download the session to view in your own time.

Assessment method

This course is assessed through 100% coursework with a range of methods, such as essays, research reports, presentations, group work and practical reports. Our assessment is designed to be authentic and help our students develop psychology specific and transferable skills that will be useful with their future career goals.

Student support and guidance

Whilst we encourage our students to become independent, life-long learners, we also recognise that offering the right support and guidance will help you to achieve your goals. There is a wealth of support available to you at the University, from your dedicated Personal Tutor and Online Learner Advisor, through to our:

• Library
• Health and Wellbeing Centre
• Careers and Employability Service
• IT Support
• Union of Students
• Develop@Derby for study, personal and employability skills

All these services, and more, are available to you as an online student at the University of Derby.

Careers

Studying this course provides you with your first step into a career within psychology and a gateway to our BPS accredited online BSc (Hons) Psychology*. This course also provides you with 60 credits in psychology which can help you gain entry to our BPS accredited online Postgraduate Diploma in Psychology course.

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.

Studying a psychology course can also equip you with a breadth of knowledge and range of transferable skills that enables you to progress into a wide range of areas such as: human resources; management; police and emergency services; social services; education; counselling; health and social care as well as careers in business and other similar professions. Students have also previously taken our University Certificate in Psychology as continuing professional developmental when working in educational and healthcare settings.

Entry requirements

You may wish to complete this programme as professional development or because you are interested in psychology. However, by completing this course, you have the choice to progress to our BSc (Hons) Psychology (Online) or our Postgraduate Diploma in Psychology (Online) programmes. The entry criteria varies depending on your preferred career path.

Option 1: Entry criteria for University Certificate in Psychology to complete this programme without progressing onto a further course

Students must be a minimum of 18 years of age.

Option 2: Entry criteria to complete the University Certificate in Psychology and progress to the BSc (Hons) Psychology

For automatic progression to the BSc (Hons) Psychology, students must complete the University Certificate in Psychology with a final average grade of 50% and pass all their modules. For students who do not achieve this, progression on to the BSc (Hons) Psychology will be at the discretion of the programme director.

Students can RPL up to 60 credits of modules on the University Certificate in Psychology towards the BSc (Hons) Psychology. This means that if you study the University Certificate in Psychology as entry to the BSc (Hons) Psychology, you will transfer the credits from the Certificate to the BSc.

Option 3: Entry criteria for University Certificate in Psychology to progress to our Postgraduate Diploma in Psychology

If you are studying this course to progress onto the Postgraduate Diploma in Psychology, you will need to meet the entry criteria below:

• An undergraduate degree with at least 2nd class Honours (in any subject) from a UK university, or equivalent overseas qualification - at least a 2:2
• 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 (International English Language Testing System) 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

Fees and funding

‡2024/25 for new entrants

Starting between September 2024 and August 2025.

Per 20 credits	Modules	Cost
UK/EU/International	Per 20 credits £905	Modules 3	Cost £2,715

2025/26 for new entrants

Starting between September 2025 and August 2026.

Per 20 credits	Modules	Cost
UK/EU/International	Per 20 credits £955	Modules 3	Cost £2,865

How to apply

Please look at our application deadlines before you apply.

Undergraduate and postgraduate taught deadlines

Please note some courses may have an earlier induction, teaching and enrolment deadline date.

If your course operates a gathered field or pooled admissions process there may be an earlier application date. Please check your individual course page for further details.

Apply directly to the University.

Documents to support your application

In order for your application to be assessed, you will need to provide the following documents when you apply:

• Official photo identification such as a passport or driving licence
• Copies of certificates and transcripts or a letter of testimony for previous qualifications*

*Documents not in English or Welsh must be accompanied by a certified translation by a professional translator/translation company. Each translation must contain:

• Confirmation from the translator that it is an accurate translation of the original document
• The date of the translation
• The full name and signature of the translator, or an authorised official of the company
• The translator’s contact details

A list of approved translators can be found on the UK Government website.

Please note: failure to submit any documentation when requested, may result in your application being withdrawn.