Psychology (Certificate of Higher Education)
How do we think about and research human behaviour? What's the relationship between biology, behaviour and mental processes, particularly the role of the brain and nervous system? Does the study of animal behaviour help us understand our own behaviour? These are some of the key questions covered by our Psychology Certificate of Higher Education.
This course provides a systematic introduction to the major areas of modern psychology, and will give you the experience of degree-level study, support your work, deepen a professional interest, and increase your knowledge and understanding of human behaviour.
Highlights
- Birkbeck's Department of Psychological Sciences is strongly oriented towards research and contains the Centre for Brain and Cognitive Development, the Institute for the Study of Children, Families and Social Issues, the Birkbeck-UCL Centre for Neuroimaging and the Centre for Cognition, Computation and Modelling. The Department is also a member of the Bloomsbury Centre for Genetic Epidemiology and Statistics.
- Psychological Sciences at Birkbeck were ranked fifth in the UK in the most recent Research Excellence Framework (REF) and we achieved 100% for a research environment conducive to research of world-leading quality.
- Psychology at Birkbeck is ranked third best in London, ninth in the UK and 85th globally in the 2019 Times Higher Education World University Rankings by Subject.
Progression to degrees at Birkbeck
Completion of core modules enables progression onto our part-time evening BSc Psychology degree:
- Year 2 entry: you must complete all four core modules, usually with a grade of 50% or above in each module. Anyone wishing to complete these modules in one year must obtain the agreement of the Psychology subject team.
- Year 1 entry: applications are encouraged from those who complete Foundations of Modern Psychology and Research Methods for Psychology (Introduction).
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Entry Requirements
Entry requirements
None. However, all modules are taught at university level and you 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.
Visa requirements
If you are not from the UK and you do not already have residency here, you may need to apply for a visa.
The visa you apply for varies according to the length of your course:
- Courses of more than six months' duration: Student visa
- Courses of less than six months' duration: Standard Visitor visa
International students who require a Student visa should apply for our full-time courses as these qualify for Student visa sponsorship. If you are living in the UK on a Student visa, you will not be eligible to enrol as a student on Birkbeck's part-time courses (with the exception of some modules).
For full information, read our visa information for international students page.
Please also visit the international section of our website to find out more about relevant requirements by country.
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Fees
Fees
Fees are payable per module and vary depending on the course. Please view the Course Structure 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: if you intend to study this certificate part-time and fund your studies via a student loan, this may affect your entitlement for future full-time funding. Find out more about funding your studies with a student loan.
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Teaching and assessment
Teaching
Lectures, seminars, discussion or project work. You will be encouraged to participate actively in discussion and to undertake reading and coursework.
Due to the cumulative nature of the topics, you are encouraged to attend as many sessions from your chosen module(s) as possible.
Assessment
Coursework, including assignments under timed conditions in the classroom.
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Careers and employability
Careers and employability
Graduates can pursue careers in psychology, human relations, education or marketing. This course may be useful in becoming a clinical psychologist, further education lecturer, human resources officer or market researcher.
We offer a comprehensive Careers Service to help you advance your career, while our in-house, professional recruitment consultancy, Birkbeck Talent, works with London’s top employers to help you gain work experience that fits in with your evening studies.
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How to apply
How to apply
This is a modular enrolment certificate, so you will need to enrol onto individual modules (rather than onto the entire programme of study). Please view the Course Structure and then click on the title of individual modules to see class dates and times and to enrol.
