Level 5 Extended Diploma in Psychology (OTHM)

To achieve the diploma in psychology, learners must achieve 240 credits

All units are mandatory

Unit 1 The Scope of Psychology 20 Credits

• Understand the scope of psychology.
• Understand the theoretical approaches to psychology.
• Understand psychology as a science.

Unit 2 Introduction to Social and Developmental Psychology 20 Credits

• Understand the key methodological issues and theorising in social psychology.
• Understand the main theoretical views in cognition and development.
• Understand theories of gender development.

Unit 3 Biopsychology 20 Credits

• Understand the structure and function of the nervous system and the system’s location in the brain.
• Understand the function of neurons and the process of synaptic transmission.
• Understand ways of studying the brain.

Unit 4 The Development of Attachments 20 Credits

• Understand learning theory of attachment.
• Understand caregiver-infant interactions, reciprocity and interactional synchrony.
• Understand the development of attachment in human and animal studies.

Unit 5 Processes of Human Memory 20 Credits

• Understand the multi- store model of memory, sensory register and short- and long- term memory.
• Understand the working memory model.
• Understand types of long-term memory.

Unit 6 Research Methods and Investigating Psychology 20 Credits

• Understand the experimental methods applied in psychology.
• Understand research methods.
• Understand types of data analysis and evaluation.

Unit 7 Psychological Approaches to Depression and Schizophrenia 20 Credits

• Understand the diagnosis and classification of schizophrenia.
• Understand therapies for schizophrenia and the role of the clinical psychologist.
• Understand the diagnosis and classification of depression.

Unit 8 Individual Differences Intelligence Personality and Criminology 20 Credits

• Understand how intelligence is conceptualised
• Understand the classification of theories of personality.
• Understand the concepts of criminological psychology

Unit 9 Visual Perception 20 Credits

• Understand the structure of the visual system.
• Understand theories of visual perception.
• Understand the development of perceptual abilities.

Unit 10 Social Psychology Pro and Anti Social Behaviour 20 Credits

• Understand aggression and antisocial behaviour.
• Understand media influences on antisocial behaviour.
• Understand research studies relating to social psychological theories of aggression.

Unit 11 The Diversity of Addiction 20 Credits

• Understand the concept of addiction.
• Understand the explanations for substance abuse and dependence.
• Understand the risk factors for addiction.

Unit 12 Contemporary Issues and Debates in Psychology 20 Credits

• Understand codes of conduct and ethical guidelines.
• Understand the role of psychologists.
• Understand bias in psychological research and theory.

Entry Requirements

• Learners are typically aged 18 or above.
• A relevant Level 3 Diploma or equivalent qualification; or
• GCE Advanced Level in two subjects or an equivalent qualification; or
• For mature learners over 21, relevant management experience, subject to confirmation with the delivery centre before registration.
• Learners from outside majority English-speaking countries must provide evidence of English language competency.

Qualifications

• OTHM's objective is the creation and conferral of high-quality certifications that combine strict educational requirements and professional relevance. OTHM is acknowledged as an Awarding Organisation by Ofqual, the qualifications regulator for England, guaranteeing that all its programmes adhere to high regulatory standards. OTHM aligns with worldwide quality frameworks, allowing global recognition of its certifications while ensuring consistency, integrity, and excellence in its awarding processes.
• The OTHM Level 5 Extended Diploma in Psychology gives learners a clearly identified awarding-body pathway when comparing different psychology courses online.

Assessment Requirements

• Assessment is via assignment submission only.
• No Exams

Average completion timeframe (Course Duration)

• The average time it takes our learners to complete the course is two years.
• Learners are granted a maximum of two years’ access to complete the course from the date of enrolment.

Progression – Level 5 Extended Diploma in Psychology

Successful completion of the qualification can support further study or employment in a related field.

This diploma in psychology can therefore provide a pathway towards higher-level psychology courses or related academic study, subject to the entry requirements of the receiving institution.

1. Higher Education

Learners may apply for:

Those completing the Level 5 Extended Diploma in Psychology may consider further study in psychology or related subject areas.

• A Level 6 Diploma in a related subject
• Entry into Year 3 of a relevant UK bachelor’s degree, where the university accepts the qualification
• Other relevant psychology or social science programmes, subject to the provider’s entry requirements

Admission to a degree programme is decided by the receiving university.

Learners planning to continue their education should always check the specific admission requirements of the university or provider offering their chosen course on psychology.

2. Employment Opportunities

The qualification can support applications for entry-level roles where an understanding of psychology is useful, such as:

The knowledge developed through this psychology diploma may be particularly relevant to roles where an understanding of behaviour, mental health and individual needs is useful.

• Mental health support worker
• Community support worker
• Behaviour support assistant
• Research assistant
• Learning support assistant
• Youth support worker