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  • Applied Psychology (Certificate of Higher Education)
  • 2012/2013 entry
  • Contact us
  • Assessment

    • Coursework, including assignment(s) under timed conditions in the classroom for specified modules. 

  • Attendance

    • Normally once a week for each module. Due to the cumulative nature of the topics, students are encouraged to attend as many sessions as possible.

  • Duration
    • Normally two years.
  • Entry requirements

    • No formal qualifications are required. However, all modules are taught at university level and students should be able to read, write and speak English fluently.

      If you need help, we offer a range of academic English and language development modules. Some students may find that they just need some support with their academic writing. which they can take alongside their psychology studies; others may be advised to focus on developing their English written and/or oral skills before applying for psychology courses.

      Students who want to assess the study skills they have, and those they need to develop, may wish to consider taking the Preparing to Study Psychology workshop.

      Some study skills support is included in all modules, but if you would like additional support in developing your study skills, you may take one or more of the short courses we offer. Details of other learning and skills training support, including one-to-one support, are available through the My Birkbeck Helpdesk.

  • Fees and funding
  • Financial support
      • If you are a new student starting on a course in autumn 2012, you may be able to get a student loan to cover your fees and other Birkbeck financial support. Check if you're eligible.
      • If you are already studying with us and continuing on a course that you started before autumn 2012, find out about financial support and see if you are eligible.
      • Not sure if you are a new or a continuing student? See here for more information.
  • Location
    • Central London, including the Mary Ward Centre.
  • Teaching

    • Lectures, seminars, discussion or project work. You will be encouraged to participate actively in discussion and to undertake reading and coursework.

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Applied Psychology (Certificate of Higher Education) - 2012/2013 entry


  • Overview
      • Gain a University of London qualification – expand your knowledge and enhance your CV.
      • Develop your work-related skills or study for personal interest.
      • Can provide progression to Birkbeck's BSc Psychology.
  • Why study this course at Birkbeck?

    • This programme gives you the opportunity to study the application of psychology in a variety of settings, including education, health and working in organisations (for example in management and personnel). You will also have the opportunity to study and develop your interpersonal communication skills and to explore aspects of psychoanalytic theory and practice.

      Lectures are lively, and you will be encouraged to participate and contribute. Support will be given to help you undertake reading and coursework. We offer a range of modules, which will support your work, deepen a professional interest, help prepare you for degree-level study or simply increase your knowledge and understanding of human behaviour.

  • Course structure and modules
  • Further study opportunities

    • Progression arrangements onto Birkbeck’s part-time BSc Psychology are as follows:

      • Progression to Year 1: complete Problem Solving and Decision Making, Psychology of Learning and Learning Styles, and Research Methods for Psychology to be considered for entry.
      • Progression to Year 2: not available via this award. Take the Certificate of Higher Education in Psychology instead (see section: 'What can I go on to do?' for details of specific modules).

      Please note that these progression arrangements apply to students who do not already have an undergraduate degree. Graduates of other subjects who wish to pursue degree-level study in psychology at Birkbeck are advised to apply for our MSc Psychology.

      Students interested in psychology and working, or wishing to work, with children and young people in education might also consider our part-time Foundation Degree in Psychology for Education Professionals. However, students who have already completed relevant modules on the certificate programme may be considered for direct entry into Year 2. To be considered for this, you should complete the following modules: The Developing Child: A Psychological Perspective; Psychology of Learning and Learning Styles; Problem Solving and Decision Making (Cognitive Psychology); Research Methods for Psychology; and either Critical Approaches to Attachment or Understanding Human Personality. Students who wish to proceed via this route are advised to contact us before enrolling. Anyone aiming to complete these modules in one year must commence their studies in September.

      Credits from this Certificate of Higher Education may be counted towards the BSc Social Science, at the discretion of the admissions tutor.

      This Certificate of Higher Education may fulfil the entry requirements for, and may carry exemption from, the first year of study for degrees at other universities.

  • How to apply/enrol

    • ME (modular enrolment): enrol for individual modules (see 'Course structure and modules').

      Some modules are marked ME(P) (modular enrolment with prerequisites): you can enrol on these modules as long as you meet the required prerequisites.