Qualification Structure

The Qualifi Level 5 Extended Diploma in Psychology is a UK-regulated qualification accredited on the Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF). The qualification carries 240 credits, with 2,400 hours of Total Qualification Time (TQT) and 1,200 Guided Learning Hours (GLH).

Assessment for the Qualifi Level 5 Extended Diploma in Psychology is assignment-based. Learners are assessed through written assignments designed to demonstrate their knowledge, understanding and application of psychological concepts and theories. Assessment is conducted by the approved centre in accordance with Qualifi's quality assurance requirements.

To achieve the qualification, learners must successfully complete the required Level 4 and Level 5 units.

Core Study Units

Unit 1: The Scope of Psychology

• Understand the scope of psychology.
• Understand the theoretical approaches to psychology and their implications.
• Understand psychology as a science.
• Understand ethical issues in psychology.

Unit 2: Social and Developmental Psychology

• Understand methodological issues and theorising in social psychology.
• Understand theoretical views in cognition and development.
• Understand theories of gender development.
• Understand adolescence as being a time of physiological and behavioural changes.

Unit 3: Biopsychology

• Understand the structure and function of the nervous system and the system’s location in the brain.
• Understand the function of neurons and the process of synaptic transmission.
• Understand ways of studying the brain.
• Understand the processes of defending (fight) or running away to safety (flight).

Unit 4: The Development of Psychological Attachments

• Understand learning theory of psychological attachment.
• Understand caregiver-infant interactions, reciprocity and interactional synchrony.
• Understand the development of attachment in human and animal studies.
• Understand individual and cultural variations in attachment.

Unit 5: Processes of Human Memory

• Understand the multi-store model of memory, sensory register and short- and long-term memory.
• Understand the working memory model.
• Understand types of long-term memory.
• Understand explanations for forgetting.

Unit 6: Research Methods and Investigating Psychology

• Understand the experimental methods applied in psychology.
• Understand research methods in a psychological context.
• Understand types of data analysis and evaluation in a psychological context.
• Be able to carry out research design and review in a psychological context.

Unit 7: Psychological Approaches to Depression and Schizophrenia

• 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.

Unit 8: Individual Differences: Intelligence, Personality and Criminology

• Understand how intelligence is conceptualised.
• Understand the classification of theories of personality.
• Understand the concepts of criminological psych

Unit 9: Visual Perception in a Psychological Context

• 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 v nurture.

Unit 10: Social Psychology: Pro and Anti-Social Behaviour

• 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.

Unit 11: The Diversity of Addiction

• 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.

Unit 12: Contemporary Issues and Debates Psychology

• Understand codes of conduct and ethical guidelines.
• Understand the role of psychologists.
• Understand bias in psychological research and theory.

Who Is This Qualification For?

The Qualifi Level 5 Extended Diploma in Psychology is designed for learners who want to develop advanced knowledge of psychology and progress to further academic study. It is suitable for UK and international learners aged 18 or over who are interested in psychological theory, research, human behaviour and related academic disciplines.

This qualification may be suitable for:

• Learners progressing from Level 4 psychology study who want to advance their knowledge to Level 5.
• Students seeking a structured pathway into degree-level psychology study, subject to the admission and recognition requirements of the receiving university.
• International learners looking for a UK-regulated psychology qualification that can support further study in the UK or elsewhere, subject to institutional requirements.
• Professionals or adult learners who want to develop their academic understanding of psychology and related subjects.
• Learners interested in areas such as developmental psychology, social psychology, biopsychology, memory, attachment, psychological research, addiction and mental health.
• Students planning further progression to Level 6 or university-level study in psychology or a related discipline.

The qualification is particularly relevant to learners who are comfortable with assignment-based assessment, independent study, academic research and critical analysis. It should not, however, be presented as a professional licence or as a qualification that by itself makes a learner eligible to practise as a psychologist; progression into regulated or professionally protected roles depends on the requirements of the relevant professional body, employer or institution.

Career Opportunities

The Qualifi Level 5 Extended Diploma in Psychology develops advanced knowledge of psychological theories, human behaviour and research, covering areas such as social and developmental psychology, biopsychology, attachment, memory, research methods, mental health, addiction and contemporary psychological debates. It is suitable for UK and international learners aged 18 and over seeking to advance their academic study of psychology and supports progression to Level 6 qualifications or university degree-level study, subject to the receiving institution’s requirements.

Future Progression

The Qualifi Level 5 Extended Diploma in Psychology provides learners with a strong academic foundation for progressing in psychology and related fields. The qualification supports further study across areas such as psychology, behavioural science, social science, mental health, human development, and research, subject to the entry and recognition requirements of the receiving institution.

Academically, learners may progress to Level 6 qualifications, undergraduate degree-level study, or related higher education programmes, depending on university admission requirements. The qualification also supports continued academic development through further study and specialist learning in areas such as psychological research, behavioural studies, mental health, developmental psychology, and social psychology.

Professionally, the qualification can support opportunities in psychology-related support, research, social care, community services, education, and behavioural support. Potential roles include Psychology Research Assistant, Mental Health Support Worker, Behavioural Support Worker, Social Care Worker, Rehabilitation Support Worker, and Youth Support Worker. However, practising as a psychologist requires further education, professional training, and registration where applicable.