Qualification Structure

The Qualifi Level 5 Diploma in Psychology is a 120-credit qualification designed to develop learners’ knowledge and understanding of key psychological concepts, theories, research and contemporary issues. The qualification has a Total Qualification Time (TQT) of 1,200 hours and 600 Guided Learning Hours (GLH).

Assessment for the Qualifi Level 5 Diploma in Psychology is assignment-based, allowing learners to demonstrate their knowledge and understanding through written academic work aligned with the requirements of each unit. Learner work is assessed in accordance with the qualification and centre assessment procedures.

To achieve the qualification, learners must successfully complete all six mandatory units.

Core Study Units

1. Psychological Approaches to Depression and Schizophrenia

Learning Outcomes:

• Understand the diagnosis and classification of schizophrenia.
• Understand therapies for schizophrenia and the role of the clinical psychologist.
• Understand the diagnosis and classification of depression.
• Understand therapies for depression.

2. Individual Differences: Intelligence, Personality and Criminology

Learning Outcomes:

• Understand how intelligence is conceptualised.
• Understand the classification of theories of personality.
• Understand the concepts of criminological psychology.
• Understand offender profiling.

3. Visual Perception in a Psychological Context

Learning Outcomes:

• Understand the structure of the visual system.
• Understand theories of visual perception.
• Understand the development of perceptual abilities.
• Understand visual perceptual development in the debate of nature versus nurture.

4. Social Psychology: Pro and Anti-Social Behaviour

Learning Outcomes:

• Understand aggression and antisocial behaviour.
• Understand media influences on antisocial behaviour.
• Understand research studies relating to social psychological theories of aggression.
• Understand human altruism and bystander behaviour.

5. The Diversity of Addiction

Learning Outcomes:

• Understand the concept of addiction.
• Understand the explanations for substance abuse and dependence.
• Understand the risk factors for addiction.
• Understand approaches to the treatment of drug dependence.

6. Contemporary Issues and Debates in Psychology

Learning Outcomes:

• Understand codes of conduct and ethical guidelines.
• Understand the role of psychologists.
• Understand bias in psychological research and theory.
• Understand the contribution of debates to the field of psychology

Who Is This Qualification For?

The Qualifi Level 5 Diploma in Psychology is suitable for learners who want to develop advanced knowledge of psychology and progress to further study or related professional pathways. According to the qualification specification, it is designed for learners aged 18 and over, with a typical entry requirement of a relevant Level 4 qualification.

It is particularly suitable for:

• Learners aged 18 or over seeking a higher-level qualification in psychology.
• Level 4 psychology learners who want to progress to Level 5 study.
• Students interested in psychological theory and its applications, including mental health, addiction, social behaviour and individual differences.
• Learners interested in criminological psychology, including intelligence, personality, offender profiling and related concepts.
• Students seeking knowledge of contemporary psychology, including ethical issues, research bias and major debates within the discipline.
• International learners who meet the qualification's English-language requirements.
• Experienced applicants without formal qualifications, where relevant experience and suitability can be demonstrated through the approved centre's admissions process.
• Learners planning further academic progression, including progression to a Level 6 qualification or relevant university study, subject to the receiving institution's entry requirements.

Overall, the qualification is intended for learners who want to build a structured academic foundation in psychology at Level 5 while developing knowledge across several major areas of the discipline.

Career Opportunities

The Qualifi Level 5 Diploma in Psychology develops learners’ knowledge and understanding across key areas of psychology, including mental health, individual differences, visual perception, social psychology, addiction, and contemporary issues and debates. The qualification provides a structured academic pathway for learners seeking to deepen their understanding of psychological theories, concepts and their application. It is relevant to learners interested in areas such as psychology, mental health, behavioural studies, social psychology, criminological psychology and addiction studies. Successful completion can support progression to further study, including Level 6 qualifications or relevant university programmes, subject to the entry and recognition requirements of the receiving institution.

Future Progression

The Qualifi Level 5 Diploma in Psychology provides a structured pathway for learners seeking to advance their academic knowledge and explore psychology-related career opportunities. It can support progression into further study and roles where an understanding of psychological concepts, behaviour, individual differences, mental health, addiction and social psychology is relevant.

Academically, successful learners may progress to a Qualifi Level 6 qualification or relevant university degree programme, subject to the entry, credit transfer and recognition requirements of the receiving institution. Learners may also pursue further study in areas such as psychology, behavioural science, mental health, criminology, counselling or related disciplines.

Professionally, the qualification can support applications for psychology-related support and assistant roles, depending on the employer's requirements and the learner's experience. Potential areas include:

The qualification can therefore contribute to academic progression and career development in psychology-related fields, while regulated professional titles such as psychologist require additional education, supervised practice and applicable professional registration.