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Applied Psychology

(Certificate of Higher Education)

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Location:
Birkbeck Campus, Central London
Status:
Approved
Duration:
Usually two years part-time
Awarding body:
University of London

Course Overview

Are you intrigued by psychology and its practical applications in both your personal and professional life? If you're not yet ready to pursue an undergraduate degree or want to get a taste of this field first, the Applied Psychology Certificate of Higher Education is ideal. You will be taught in small interactive classes, alongside fellow students who are keen to learn and bring a wide range of experience to the class.

This course allows you to study at your own pace and choose from various modules that delve into the scientific study of mental life and human behaviour and the applications of this dynamic and exciting field.

  • How often will I attend classes?

    One evening a week for each module. Check the days and times at the top of each module's enrolment page.

  • Progression to degrees at Birkbeck

    You may be considered for entry onto Year 1 of our BSc Psychology if you complete the following modules:

    • Theoretical and Conceptual Foundations of Psychology
    • Understanding Applied Cognitive Psychology
    • Understanding Research Methods for Psychology

    You cannot apply for entry into Year 2 - take our Certificate of Higher Education in Psychology instead (you must complete specific modules, which are outlined on the course page). 

    Students who wish to proceed via these routes or who would like further information are advised to contact us before enrolling.

More Highlights

  • This Certificate of Higher Education introduces you to psychology at undergraduate level and is a standalone University of London qualification. The course is ideal if you are studying psychology at undergraduate level for the first time, if you are returning to study, or if you would like extra support and guidance. 
  • We offer study skills support to help you prepare for degree-level study and if you work, or wish to work, with children and young people in education you may be considered for direct entry into Year 2 of our BA Psychology for Education.
  • The course has no formal entry requirements.
  • Birkbeck is strongly oriented towards research in psychological sciences and we are home to the Centre for Brain and Cognitive Development, the Birkbeck-UCL Centre for Neuroimaging and the Centre for Cognition, Computation and Modelling. We also recently became members of the Bloomsbury Centre for Genetic Epidemiology and Statistics.
  • In the 2023 National Student Survey, Birkbeck's School of Psychological Sciences ranked 5th in the UK for teaching.
  • We are consistently regarded as one of the top institutions teaching psychological sciences in the UK. In the 2021 Research Excellence Framework, and for the third time, we were ranked in the top ten universities in the UK.

Teaching and Modules

Teaching

Lectures, seminars, in-class and out-of-class exercises, demonstrations, or class presentations in groups or individually. You will be encouraged to participate actively in discussion and to undertake reading and coursework.

How will I be assessed?

Some modules will be assessed via an essay completed at home and an in-class essay at the end of the module, and others may be an essay and presentation or multiple choice. The exception is Understanding Research Methods for Psychology, where you are expected to complete a laboratory report, timed assessments and a worksheet portfolio.

Entry Requirements

All modules are taught at university level, so you should be able to read, write and speak English fluently.

What are the visa requirements?

Please note that Birkbeck does not sponsor Student visas for Certificate of Higher Education courses.

This means that if you are not from the UK and you do not already have residency or a valid visa here, then you can only study a Certificate of Higher Education on a Standard Visitor visa for courses of less than six months’ duration.

For full information, read our visa information for international students page.

Fees

Fees are payable per module and vary depending on the course. Please view the Modules and teaching section and then click on the title of individual modules to see the fees for each module. The overall cost of the certificate will depend on the modules you choose.

Please note: Modular CertHE study is not eligible for student loan funding for study commencing January 2027 onwards.

Careers and employability

Graduates can pursue careers in psychology, human relations, education or marketing. Possible professions include:

  • clinical psychologist
  • further education lecturer
  • human resources officer
  • market researcher.

We offer a comprehensive careers service - Careers and Enterprise - your career partner during your time at Birkbeck and beyond. At every stage of your career journey, we empower you to take ownership of your future, helping you to make the connection between your experience, education and future ambitions.

How to Apply

This is a modular enrolment certificate, so you will need to register onto individual modules (rather than onto the course itself). Please view the Modules and Teaching section and then click on the title of individual modules to see class dates and times and to register.