Course Description
The aim of this online QQI Applied Psychology course is to provide the learner with the necessary theoretical knowledge relating to applied psychology, as well as an understanding of how that theoretical knowledge is used in applied contexts as reflected, for example, in treatment approaches for psychological disorders. Similarly, the course will cover theory and application in other applied branches of psychology, such as health psychology. Thus the gamut of applied psychology shall be covered.
By the end of the course the learner will therefore have a broad understanding of applied psychological science. The course content will thus be applicable to any job role where knowledge of human behaviour and mental processes, as well as intervention strategies, are relevant or indicated, thus aiding best practice in those contexts and aiding wider societal goals.
Who should complete this course?
Although interest in psychology is common, it is envisioned that the following learner profiles will form the bulk of the course:
- Childcare workers, crèche personnel, youth workers, healthcare assistants and workers in a caring capacity requiring an empathic yet evidence-based understanding of psychological problems, thus enabling best practice.
- Individuals interested in psychology broadly, and applied psychology in particular, perhaps with an aim towards self-development and personal growth, or with a future career goal within psychology.
- Individuals from a business or human resources background who wish to gain a greater knowledge of applied psychology – such as organizational psychology – for the purposes of greater communication, emotional intelligence, and similar soft skills.
- Other learners working towards a major qualification of which applied psychology is a component.
Course Syllabus
Unit 1: The Birth of Applied Psychological Science
- The History of Psychology
- The Major Themes in Psychology – Structure and Process.
- Behaviourism, Psychoanalysis, Cognitive Psychology and Other Perspectives
- WWII and the Rise of Clinical Psychology.
- Positive Psychology – a New Perspective? The Power of Beliefs
Unit 2: Research Methods and the Necessity of Statistics
Basic and Applied Research Methods (e.g. laboratory experiments, field studies etc.)
- Why Statistics is Important
- Descriptive Statistics
- Inferential Statistics
- Normal Distribution
Unit 3: The Major Branches of Applied Psychological Science I
Clinical Psychology and Counselling Psychology
- Health Psychology
- Educational Psychology
- Special Focus – Psychology in Application: Psychology and Social Care Contexts. Learner self-reflection on own assumptions, beliefs and values in light of research.
- Professional Issues: Becoming a Clinical, Counselling, Health or Educational Psychologist.
Unit 4: The Major Branches of Applied Psychological Science II
- Forensic Psychology
- Occupational Psychology
- Sports Psychology
- Special Focus – Psychology in Application: Eyewitness Testimony and Lie-Detection Research. Learner self-reflection on own assumptions, beliefs and values in light of research.
- Becoming a Forensic, Occupational or Sports Psychologist.
Unit 5: Carrying out Applied Research: Ethics and Report/Essay Writing.
- Ethics in Psychological Science (covert observation; confidentiality and informed consent; BPS and IPS guidelines etc.).
- Special Focus – Ethics in Application: Milgram; Zimbardo; Child and Adult Research; Animal Research. Learner self-reflection on own assumptions, beliefs and values in light of research.
- Writing Applied Psychological Reports (Referencing Guidelines; Report Structure; Quantitative and Qualitative Reports).
- Writing Essays and Literature Reviews.
- Assignment Briefs and Guidelines.
This distance learning, QQI accredited course means that Students can study flexibly at home, or at any convenient place and time, and can gain an Internationally Recognised Qualification. Students receive a comprehensive Course Manual, Assignments, Efficient Studyguide, and unlimited one-to-one Tutor Support for the course duration.
Entry Requirements / Prerequisites:
- Leaving certificate, Level 4 certificate or equivalent in a relevant subject area (Healthcare / Childcare etc.) and/or relevant practical experience (3 years minimum).
- Mature students (over 23 years) may be exempt from the above prerequisites.
- English Language Requirement: Students entering programmes leading to awards at Level 5 are expected to be able to: be proficient at reading, drafting, preparing and understanding information across a broad range of topics, including quantitative information.
- Learners undertaking this programme must have basic IT skills and access to the necessary equipment to enable them to undertake an online programme: computer, broadband, email, Microsoft, recording equipment necessary for some skills demonstration tasks, and where applicable any other specialised software/equipment.
- As this programme is delivered through distance learning or eLearning, students must be capable of studying on their own initiative.
Assessments:
Assignment – 60%
The learner is to write two needs analysis reports covering issues and themes drawn from the indicative content. These needs assessment reports will detail two case studies of clients in a care situation.
- The learner will be presented with two case studies of clients in a social care setting. The learner shall utilize their understanding of applied psychology to derive a relevant formulation for the best means to meet their needs and shall write this formulation as a needs analysis report outlining their recommendations as an agent of social change. As part of the assignment the learner will draw on indicative course content relevant to the needs analysis, thus showing their understanding of theory and their sensitivity to its appropriate application.
Examination (Theory) – 40% (Online)
The learner will be asked to recall and apply theory to a range of structured questions set from the indicative content, yet not covered by the assignments.
The examination will be 2 hours in duration comprising 10 short questions (2 marks each) and 3 structured questions from which they choose 2 (10 marks each).
Grading:
Pass 50 – 64%
Merit 65 – 79%
Distinction 80 – 100%
This Psychology Course (5N0754) is delivered by our sister College, The Open College in our venues. This programme is validated by QQI and The Open College.
