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Certificate of Higher Education in Psychology

If you’re interested in psychology and would like to learn more, or find out if it’s the right subject for you, this certificate could be the ideal starting point. You’ll learn about the different ways in which psychologists investigate the human mind and behaviour, and how psychological research addresses real-life issues – including ageing, crime, education, employment, forensic science, mental health, relationships and much more.

Less than 4 weeks to register

Register now for courses starting in October.

Registration closes 14 September

Course Summary

Certificate

Course code: T22

Credits

120

How long it takes
Study method: Distance learning

Enquire about this course

Course details Am I ready? Fees & funding Careers

Course details

This certificate of higher education has one stage comprising 120 credits.

You’ll begin by choosing between a 60-credit introduction to the social sciences or childhood studies, followed by a compulsory 60-credit core psychology module.

Optional Access module – visit Am I ready? to find out about starting this course with a preparatory Access module.

Stage 1 (120 credits)

In Stage 1, you’ll be introduced to some of the big topics in psychology and the academic skills for successful study. You’ll start with one of two options – a core social science module covering criminology, sociology and other related areas; or a broad introduction to interdisciplinary childhood studies. Both will set the scene for your second, compulsory psychology module.


Modules	Credits
You’ll choose one from:
Introducing the social sciences (DD102)	60
Introduction to childhood studies and child psychology (E102)	60
You'll complete your certificate with:
Investigating psychology 1 (DE100)	60

The modules quoted in this description are currently available for study. However, as we review the curriculum on a regular basis, the exact selection may change over time.

Accessibility

We make all our qualifications as accessible as possible and have a comprehensive range of services to support all our students. The Certificate of Higher Education in Psychology uses a variety of study materials and has the following elements:

studying a mixture of printed and online material – online learning resources may include websites, audio/video media clips, and interactive activities such as online quizzes
using mathematical and scientific expressions, notations and associated techniques
working in a group with other students
using or producing diagrams and screenshots
undertaking practical work
finding external/third party material online.

All qualifications require you to complete learning and assessment activities within a required timescale and according to pre-determined deadlines. You will therefore need to manage your time effectively during your studies and the University will help you to develop this skill throughout your degree. Information on assessment will be available to you at the start of each module.

If you feel you may need additional support with any of the elements above, visit our disability page to find more about what we offer. Please contact us as soon as possible to discuss your individual requirements, so we can put arrangements in place before you start.

Learning outcomes, teaching and assessment

This qualification develops your learning in four main areas:

Knowledge and understanding
Cognitive skills
Practical and professional skills
Key skills

The level and depth of your learning gradually increases as you work through the qualification. You’ll be supported throughout by the OU’s unique style of teaching and assessment – which includes a personal tutor to guide and comment on your work; top quality course texts; e-learning resources like podcasts, interactive media and online materials; tutorial groups and community forums.

Read the detailed learning outcomes here

On completion

On completion of this undergraduate course, we'll award you the Certificate of Higher Education in Psychology.

Recognition in your country

If you intend to use your Open University qualifications to seek work or undertake further study outside the UK, we recommend checking whether your intended qualification will meet local requirements for your chosen career. Read recognition in my country.

Regulations

As a student of The Open University, you should be aware of the content of the qualification-specific regulations below and the academic regulations that are available on our Essential Documents website.

Certificate of Higher Education in Psychology

Entry requirements

There are no formal entry requirements for this qualification.

At The Open University we believe education should be open to all, so we provide a high-quality university education to anyone who wishes to realise their ambitions and fulfil their potential.

How much time do I need?

Most of our students study part time, completing 60 credits a year.
This will usually mean studying for 16–18 hours a week.

Counting previous study

You could save time and money by reducing the number of modules you need to study towards this qualification if you have:

already studied at university level (even if you didn't finish your studies)
other professional or vocational qualifications such as HNCs and HNDs.

Find out more about credit transfer

An OU qualification will always help you stand out from the crowd, now and in the future – whether you’re just starting out, developing your career, or changing direction entirely.

Skills for career development

The Certificate of Higher Education in Psychology is the first stage of the Diploma of Higher Education in Psychology (W45) and the BSc (Hons) Psychology degree (Q07). Studying for this qualification introduces the fundamental conceptual issues in psychology and the different ways in which psychological knowledge can be constructed. You'll learn how to use, evaluate and present evidence and data, and appreciate how psychologists use evidence-based research to contribute to debates on ageing, crime, education, employment, forensic science, mental health and relationships. You'll also develop many transferable and work-related skills that are highly valued by employers.

These include:

communication
numeracy
accessing and interpreting information
constructing arguments
presenting and communicating information.
IT and data handling
application of learning to real world problems and situations
time management
independent learning.

Career relevance

Psychology students gain an impressive breadth of knowledge and skills that make them highly employable in a wide range of careers, such as:

advertising
marketing
career counselling
education
the health professions
human resources
management
police and social services.

Exploring your options

Once you register with us (and for up to three years after you finish your studies), you’ll have full access to our careers service for a wide range of information and advice – including online forums, website, interview simulation, vacancy service as well as the option to email or speak to a careers adviser. Some areas of the careers service website are available for you to see now, including help with looking for and applying for jobs. You can also read more general information about how OU study enhances your career.

In the meantime if you want to do some research around this qualification and where it might take you, we’ve put together a list of relevant job titles as a starting point (note that most careers will require further study, training and/or work experience):

clinical psychologist
counselling psychologist
educational psychologist
teacher
social worker

advertising planner
marketing executive
human resources manager
researcher
counselling

retail management
forensic psychologist
health psychologist
occupational psychologist
sports and exercise psychologist.

Want to see more jobs? Use the career explorer for job ideas from the National Careers Service, PlanIT Plus in Scotland and Prospects across all nations. You can also visit GradIreland for the Republic of Ireland.

Find out where this course can take you

Register for this course

Start dates

Oct 2017 - Registration closes 14/09/2017
Feb 2018 - Registration closes 11/01/2018

Credit transfer: apply by 17/08/2017

Credit transfer: apply by 14/12/2017

Download a brochure

Our brochures are your essential guide to studying with us, covering courses, fees and funding, career prospects and more.

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Certificate of Higher Education in Psychology

Less than 4 weeks to register

Register now for courses starting in October.

Course Summary

Certificate

Course details

Stage 1 (120 credits)

Accessibility

Learning outcomes, teaching and assessment

On completion

Recognition in your country

Regulations

Entry requirements

How much time do I need?

Counting previous study

How much will it cost in England?

Ways to pay for your qualification and other support

How many credits are you planning to study per year?

Do you already hold a degree?

Was your previous degree in the same subject you wish to study now?

Was it achieved in the last 5 years?

Are you employed?

Are you a member of British Forces Posted Overseas?

Skills for career development

Career relevance

Exploring your options

Register for this course

Download a brochure

Bachelor degrees

Masters degrees

Degree subjects

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The Open University

Course details

Stage 1 (120 credits)

Accessibility

Learning outcomes, teaching and assessment

On completion

Recognition in your country

Regulations

Entry requirements

How much time do I need?

Counting previous study

Your next step

How much will it cost in England?

Ways to pay for your qualification and other support

How many credits are you planning to study per year?

Do you already hold a degree?

Was your previous degree in the same subject you wish to study now?

Was it achieved in the last 5 years?

Are you employed?

Are you a member of British Forces Posted Overseas?

Skills for career development

Career relevance

Exploring your options

Register for this course

Download a brochure

Bachelor degrees

Masters degrees

Degree subjects

Change language

Connect with us

Grundständige Studiengänge

Masterstudiengange

Grad

Sprache ändern

Connect with us

Where do you live?