Qualification Structure

The Qualifi Level 7 Diploma in Psychology is an Ofqual-regulated qualification accredited on the Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF). The qualification has a Total Qualification Time (TQT) of 1,200 hours, 480 Guided Learning Hours (GLH), and carries 120 credits.

Assessment for the Qualifi Level 7 Diploma in Psychology is assignment based. Learner work is internally assessed by the Qualifi-approved centre and is subject to external quality assurance and moderation by QUALIFI to ensure assessment decisions meet the required standards. The qualification is graded on a Pass/Fail basis.

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

Core Study Units

1. Psychoanalysis and Mental Health

Learners will:

• Understand the development of the psychodynamic approach as a theory and therapy.
• Understand counselling interventions based on psychoanalytic theory.
• Understand psychoanalysis, with emphasis on techniques used in therapy.
• Evaluate the emergence and post-Freudian development of psychodynamic approaches.
• Analyse therapy, therapist skills and circumstances for counselling intervention.
• Distinguish and apply different psychoanalytic techniques in appropriate circumstances.

2. Exploring Psychology

Learners will:

• Conduct qualitative enquiry into areas including stereotype threat, racial socialisation and LGBTQ psychology and connect these issues to mental health.
• Understand critical theory, postmodernist discourse and hermeneutics.
• Understand and practise critical psychology and methods of liberation.
• Evaluate critical psychology and psychology for liberation.
• Analyse prejudice, discrimination, oppression, power and knowledge.
• Develop realistic solutions to social problems and create a model for crisis counselling.

3. Cognitive and Biological Psychology

Learners will:

• Understand neuropsychology and the functions of different brain regions.
• Understand cognitive psychology, its approaches and key issues.
• Understand theoretical approaches to sensation and attention.
• Understand memory from biological and cognitive perspectives.
• Evaluate neuropsychological methods and brain functions.
• Analyse sensation, attention, perception, consciousness and spatial cognition.
• Distinguish memory models and apply cognitive psychology concepts to improving memory.

4. Qualitative Research Methodology

Learners will:

• Understand the qualitative paradigm and qualitative research.
• Understand the features, purposes and applications of different qualitative research methods.
• Understand qualitative studies in relation to other research approaches.
• Design a qualitative research project while considering reflexivity and subjectivity.
• Evaluate interviews, focus groups, ethnography, grounded theory, life-story research and cooperative inquiry.
• Select appropriate qualitative research methods.
• Apply discourse and narrative analysis to develop justified conclusions.

5. Social and Cultural Psychology and Psychology of Human Development

Learners will:

• Understand how society develops, thinks about and represents ideas.
• Understand the social aspects of self and applications of social and cultural psychology.
• Understand human development in psychology.
• Understand the relationship between human development and culture.
• Analyse relationships between mind, society and culture.
• Evaluate social identities, cognition, culture, attitudes, attribution, communication, social influence and inter-group relations.
• Evaluate human development, particularly during childhood and adolescence.
• Evaluate cultural influences on individual growth from a cross-cultural perspective.

6. Rehabilitation Psychology

Learners will:

• Understand the history and development of rehabilitation psychology.
• Convert theoretical knowledge into practical experience in community rehabilitation settings.
• Understand ethical and professional conduct requirements.
• Understand disorders and disabilities and their relationship with treatment.
• Evaluate the conceptual foundations and scope of rehabilitation psychology.
• Assess rehabilitation facilities and provide treatment appropriate to client needs.
• Analyse ethical issues in neuropsychological rehabilitation.
• Identify appropriate intervention techniques for different rehabilitation needs.

Who Is This Qualification For?

The Qualifi Level 7 Diploma in Psychology is designed for learners aged 19 and over who want to develop advanced knowledge and understanding of psychology, mental health, human behaviour and psychological research. The qualification is particularly relevant to learners seeking further academic study or development in an associated psychology-related field.

It may be suitable for:

• Graduates and postgraduate learners seeking to develop their knowledge of psychology at RQF Level 7.
• Professionals working in psychology-related, health, social care, counselling, rehabilitation or community settings who want to strengthen their theoretical and research knowledge.
• Learners interested in mental health and human behaviour, including the psychological, biological and sociocultural factors associated with mental health.
• Those progressing towards further study, as successful completion can provide progression opportunities to a QUALIFI Level 8 Diploma or a university Master’s degree, subject to the receiving institution’s requirements.
• International learners seeking a UK-regulated Level 7 qualification. Applicants whose first language is not English are normally required to have IELTS 6.0 or equivalent, while international qualifications may be reviewed for suitability where applicable.

The specification also allows approved centres to consider Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) where learners can demonstrate that they already meet the relevant unit assessment requirements.

Career Opportunities

The Qualifi Level 7 Diploma in Psychology develops advanced knowledge and skills in psychology, human behaviour, mental health, psychological research, and rehabilitation. The qualification explores key areas including psychoanalysis, cognitive and biological psychology, social and cultural psychology, human development, qualitative research methodology, and rehabilitation psychology. It is designed to support learners seeking advanced academic development and progression into further study or psychology-related fields across a range of national and international contexts.

Future Progression

The Qualifi Level 7 Diploma in Psychology supports academic and professional progression for learners seeking advanced knowledge in psychology, mental health, human behaviour, research, and rehabilitation. The qualification is relevant to learners in the UK and internationally who want to strengthen their academic profile or progress into psychology-related fields.

Academically, learners may progress to further postgraduate study, including a Qualifi Level 8 Diploma or a university Master’s degree, subject to the entry requirements of the receiving institution. The qualification also supports continued academic development in areas such as psychology, mental health, counselling, behavioural science, social psychology, research, human development, and rehabilitation.

Professionally, the diploma can support opportunities in psychology-related settings, including research, mental health support, rehabilitation, social care, community services, and education. Relevant roles may include Psychology Research Assistant, Mental Health Support Worker, Rehabilitation Support Worker, Behavioural Support Practitioner, Community Support Worker, Research Coordinator, and Psychology Teaching Assistant. Specific professional titles, registration, and practice requirements vary by role, employer, and country, and completion of the diploma does not itself confer eligibility to practise as a regulated psychologist.