Overview
The objective of the OTHM Level 5 Diploma in Psychology qualification 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.
Learners will study six units worth 120 credits with a total credit value of 120 (equivalent to the first 2 years of an honours degree).
The Level 5 units allow learners to specialise and progress in a variety of relevant subject areas and focus on how our understanding of psychology is applied today. Learners will develop and enhance their skills in the following areas: mental health and psychopathology, cognitive psychology, visual perception, the diversity of addiction, social psychology with a focus on pro and anti-social behaviour, individual differences relating to criminology, intelligence and personality as well as becoming aware of contemporary debates and issues in the field of Psychology.
Following successful completion of the course, learners will have a well-rounded knowledge of psychology, which can be applied to further study and careers associated with the subject
Entry requirements
These qualifications are designed for learners who are typically aged 18 and above.
The entry profile for learners is likely to include at least one of the following:
- Relevant Level 3 Diploma qualification or equivalent qualification
- GCE Advanced level in 2 subjects or equivalent qualification
- Mature learners (over 21) with relevant management experience (learners must check with the delivery centre regarding this experience prior to registering for the programme)
English requirement
If a learner is not from a majority English-speaking country, they must provide evidence of English language competency. For more information visit the English Language Expectations page on the OTHM website.
Equivalences
OTHM Level 5 Diploma qualifications represent practical knowledge, skills, capabilities and competences that are assessed in academic terms as being equivalent to Higher National Diplomas (HND) and Year 2 of a three-year UK Bachelor's degree programme.
Qualification structure
The OTHM Level 5 Diploma in Psychology qualification consists of six mandatory units, 120 credits, 1200 hours Total Qualification Time (TQT) and the recommended Guided Learning Hours (GLH) for this qualification is a minimum of 600 hours.
To achieve the OTHM Level 5 Diploma in Psychology qualification, learners must achieve 120 credits.
All units are mandatory
- Psychological Approaches to Depression and Schizophrenia (20 credits)
- Individual Differences: Intelligence; Personality and Criminology (20 credits)
- Visual Perception (20 credits)
- Social Psychology: pro and anti-social behaviour (20 credits)
- The Diversity of Addiction (20 credits)
- Contemporary Issues and Debates in Psychology (20 credits)
Duration and delivery
The qualification is designed to be delivered over one academic year for full-time study but it is also flexible in its delivery in order to accommodate part-time and distance learning.
The qualification is delivered face-to-face, through lectures, tutorials, seminars, distance, online by approved centres only.
Assessment and verification
All units within this qualification are internally assessed by the centre and externally verified by OTHM. The qualifications are criterion referenced, based on the achievement of all the specified learning outcomes.
To achieve a ‘pass’ for a unit, learners must provide evidence to demonstrate that they have fulfilled all the learning outcomes and meet the standards specified by all assessment criteria. Judgement that the learners have successfully fulfilled the assessment criteria is made by the Assessor.
The Assessor should provide an audit trail showing how the judgement of the learners’ overall achievement has been arrived at.
Progression
Successful completion of the OTHM Level 5 Diploma in Psychology qualification provides learners the opportunity for a wide range of academic progressions including entry to a Level 6 Diploma qualification in a related field or directly into employment in a wide range of careers, such as:
- advertising
- marketing
- career counselling
- education
- the health professions
- human resources
- management
- police and social services.
As this qualification is approved and regulated by Ofqual (Office of the Qualifications and Examinations Regulation), learner may be eligible to gain direct entry into Year 3 of a three-year UK Bachelor’s degree programme.
For more information visit University Progressions page.
