Level 5 Extended Diploma in Psychology

What is the Level 5 Extended Diploma in Psychology?

The objective of the OTHM Level 5 Extended 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 level 4 and 5 units, worth 120 credits per academic year with a total credit value of 240 credits (equivalent to the first 2 years of an honours degree).

The Level 4 units introduce relevant topics that lay the foundation for learning. Learners will be introduced to historical and contemporary approaches to psychology, including biopsychology, social and developmental psychology, attachment theories, human memory processes and contemporary research and investigation methods.

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

Who is this qualification for?

This Level 5 extended diploma suits learners who hold a Level 4 qualification or equivalent experience and want second-year degree-level knowledge in psychology.

• Study fully online with tutor support from LSIB, with no fixed timetable.
• Assessment by assignments, so you can evidence learning from your own workplace.
• Each level carries 120 credits, so you can progress one level at a time.

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 requirements: 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.

Qualification structure and units

The OTHM Level 5 Extended Diploma in Psychology qualification consists of twelve mandatory units, 240 credits, 2400 hours Total Qualification Time (TQT) and the recommended Guided Learning Hours (GLH) for this qualification is a minimum of 1200 hours.

To achieve the OTHM Level 5 Extended Diploma in Psychology qualification, learners must achieve 240 credits, of which 120 credits are at Level 4 (6 units) and 120 credits are at Level 5 (6 units).

All units are mandatory.

Source: OTHM qualification specification (PDF) · Ofqual qualification number 610/0402/9.

Duration and delivery

The qualification is designed to be delivered over two academic years 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.

At LSIB the qualification is delivered online: you receive the unit materials, assignment briefs and tutor support through the learning platform and submit assignments when you are ready. There are no fixed lecture times, so you can start in any month.

How you are assessed

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 and career routes

Successful completion of the OTHM Level 5 Extended 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 the University Progressions page.

Fees and how to apply

The enrolment fee is £10 when you submit your application. It is separate from the course fee above.

1. Apply and pay the £10 enrolment fee Use Apply now to open the application form with this programme pre-selected. Complete the form, upload your ID and qualification certificates (or a CV showing relevant experience), and pay the £10 enrolment fee to submit.
2. Application review and course-fee link Admissions review your application within one working day. If you are approved, we email you a secure link to pay the course fee in full or on an instalment plan.
3. Start your course As soon as your course fee (or first instalment, if you chose a plan) is paid, you receive your learning-platform login and can begin the first unit. There is no fixed intake date.

Progression path

1. Level 4 Diploma
2. Level 5 Extended Diploma
3. Level 6 Diploma in Occupational Health and Safety

Related OTHM qualifications

• Level 5 Diploma in Psychology
• Level 5 Extended Diploma in Health and Social Care Management
• Level 5 Diploma in Applied Reflexology for Integrated Medicine

Other OTHM Psychology qualifications

• Level 4 Diploma in Psychology — 120 credits
• Level 5 Diploma in Psychology — 120 credits