| This diploma programme is to provide learners with a specialist programme of study that provides a depth of knowledge and understanding of key aspects within the field of Psychology.
YEAR1
Unit 1: The Scope of Psychology
Learning objective: This aim of this unit is to equip learners with the knowledge and understanding of a brief history of psychology and its applications in applied psychology. The learner will also address the theoretical differences of how Psychologists make different assumptions about what aspects of a person should be the focus of study. Although the major approaches contain distinguishable theories, they share certain principles and assumptions. As well as discussing the roots of science and what is meant by science, we explore the study of human behaviour from a scientific standpoint.
Unit 2: Introduction to Social and Developmental Psychology
Learning objective: This aim of this unit is to equip learners with the knowledge and understanding of the interplay between theory, research, and application in both social psychology and developmental psychology. The unit focuses on core theories and research of social psychology, as well as applications of the field. In the second part of the unit, we will explore the theories and research behind developmental psychology. Developmental psychology theories tend to explain development in terms of a progression through life stages.
Unit 3: Biopsychology
Learning objective: This aim of this unit is to equip learners with the knowledge and understanding of the divisions of the nervous system, central and peripheral (somatic and autonomic), then further extend this with knowledge of the structure and function of sensory, relay and motor neurones. The process of synaptic transmission, including reference to neurotransmitters, excitation and inhibition is included in this unit. Additionally, the endocrine system is studied as it works closely with the nervous system to regulate the physiological processes of the human body. The unit is supported with classic psychological studies to illustrate its application.
Unit 4: The Development of Attachments
Learning objective: This aim of this unit is to equip learners with the knowledge and understanding of attachments and their loss or disruption can lead to our understanding of how early experiences can impact later development.
Unit 5: Processes of Human Memory
Learning objective: This aim of this unit is to equip learners with the knowledge and understanding of the different types of memory and the models that show its representation. Theories on forgetting will be included, and the application of psychology is seen in the reliability of witness testimony.
Unit 6: Research Methods and Investigating Psychology
Learning objective: The aim of this unit is to equip learners with the knowledge and understanding of research and methodology in psychology, with an introduction to statistics and how they interact. Methodology and statistics are introduced here and include design considerations, counterbalancing, sample versus population, descriptive statistics, histograms, summary statistics, and hypothesis testing. You must comply with ethical standards for psychological research.
It is essential that you are familiar with the most recent version of the Code of Ethics and Conduct which applies to all psychological research. Please refer to the American Psychological Association (APA) or British Psychological Society (BPS) for guidance.
YEAR 2
Unit 1: Psychological Approaches to Depression and Schizophrenia
Learning objective: This aim of this unit is to equip learners with the knowledge and understanding of issues relating to mental health and psychopathology. Controversies in defining ‘abnormality’ will be examined from different perspectives. Methods of diagnosis and different approaches to explaining Schizophrenia and depression will be discussed along with approaches to treatment. Consideration is given to ethical and social issues relating to a diagnosis of psychological abnormality.
Unit 2: Individual Differences: Intelligence, Personality, and Criminology
Learning objective: This aim of this unit is to equip learners with the knowledge and understanding of “personality” and “intelligence.” Both concepts refer to broad, powerful attributes of humans that are believed to underlie cognition, motivation, and behaviour in many different settings. The links between personality and intelligence are important and their interest in determining whether certain personality types, or patterns are associated with effective (intelligent) behaviour in significant life contexts. The inclusion of criminological psychology clearly overlaps and complements cognitive psychology in its applications. As crime is a form of social deviancy there is also an overlap with the psychology of abnormality and personality disorder.
Unit 3: Visual Perception
Learning objective: This aim of this unit is to equip learners with the knowledge and understanding of visual perception and the main ways for us to gather information about the world around us and about ourselves. Thus, studying visual perception naturally leads on how cognition works. Visual perception will also provide knowledge on cerebral mechanisms of vision. The unit discusses different theoretical approaches to studying visual perception and introduces the most important concepts.
Unit 4: Social Psychology: pro and anti-social behaviour
Learning objective: This aim of this unit is to equip learners with the knowledge and understanding of social psychology and how it seeks to understand how people think, feel and act in relation to others and the world around them. As such, the topics of interest to social psychologist cover almost everything humans do, from personal choices to conflict and violence in society. Because social psychology is applicable to so many domains, it is also directly relevant to everyday life by learning about social psychology.
Unit 5: The Diversity of Addiction
Learning objective: This aim of this unit is to equip learners with the knowledge and understanding of substance use and non-chemical addiction disorders which are complex conditions that affect the reward, reinforcement, motivation, and memory. They are categorised by impaired control over usage; social impairment, involving disruption to everyday activities. The processes that give rise to addictive behaviour resist a simplistic explanation.
Genetic, Biological Social, Psychological and Environmental factors can all contribute to a person’s susceptibility to substance abuse.
Unit 6: Contemporary Issues and Debates Psychology
Learning objective: The aim of the unit is to provide learners with knowledge and understanding about current issues and debates in psychology. It will introduce learners to codes of conduct and ethical guidelines in psychology as well as the role psychologists play. Additionally, they will learn about biases in psychological research and debates within the field. |
