OTHM Level 5 Extended Diploma in Psychology
A 240-credit Ofqual-regulated qualification covering Level 4 and Level 5 psychology units, equivalent to the first two years of a UK honours degree, preparing learners for careers or further study in psychology.
Course Features
The OTHM Level 5 Extended Diploma in Psychology offers a structured, internationally recognised programme delivered through approved centres in flexible modes.
- Ofqual-regulated qualification (Qualification Number: 610/0402/9)
- 240 credits across 12 mandatory units (120 at Level 4 and 120 at Level 5)
- Equivalent to Higher National Diploma (HND) and Year 2 of a UK Bachelor's degree
- Flexible delivery: face-to-face, online, distance, and blended learning
- Internal assessment by centre staff with external verification by OTHM
- Progression routes to Year 3 of a UK Bachelor's degree through OTHM's university partnerships
About This Course
The OTHM Level 5 Extended Diploma in Psychology is a specialist undergraduate-level qualification providing learners with an in-depth knowledge and understanding of key aspects within the field of psychology. Spanning two academic years of full-time study, the qualification is worth 240 credits in total — 120 credits at Level 4 and 120 credits at Level 5 — and is formally equivalent to the first two years of a UK honours degree programme.
Twelve mandatory units combining Level 4 foundational content with Level 5 specialist study
2400 hours Total Qualification Time (TQT) with a minimum of 1200 Guided Learning Hours (GLH)
Approved and regulated by Ofqual under the Register of Regulated Qualifications
OTHM holds progression arrangements with multiple UK universities for advanced entry
Assessments are criterion-referenced with formative and summative components
Supports development of critical thinking, analytical writing, research skills, and digital literacy
What You'll Learn
This qualification covers a broad and progressive range of psychological topics from foundational theory to specialist applied areas. Upon successful completion, learners will be able to:
Understand the scope, history, and theoretical approaches of psychology and apply them to contemporary issues in society
Explain the structure and function of the nervous system, neurological processes, and biopsychological responses including fight-or-flight
Analyse key social, developmental, and attachment theories and evaluate their implications across the human lifespan
Apply knowledge of human memory processes, research methods, and investigative techniques in psychology
Examine psychological approaches to depression, schizophrenia, addiction, and individual differences including intelligence, personality, and criminology
Critically evaluate contemporary issues and debates in psychology, including visual perception, pro- and anti-social behaviour, and applied ethical considerations
Who Should Attend?
The OTHM Level 5 Extended Diploma in Psychology is designed for learners aged 18 and above who wish to develop specialist knowledge in psychology for career advancement or higher academic study.
Aspiring psychologists seeking a structured undergraduate-level entry point into the discipline
Individuals working or intending to work in health professions, social services, counselling, or education
Those pursuing careers in human resources, police services, marketing, or advertising where psychological insight is valuable
Mature learners (over 21) with relevant professional experience who wish to formalise their knowledge
Graduates of Level 3 Diploma qualifications or equivalent who wish to progress to degree-level study
Learners seeking a flexible, internationally recognised qualification deliverable online or through distance learning
Course Content
Explore the comprehensive OTHM Level 5 Extended Diploma in Psychology course content designed to help you master the material through structured modules and lessons.
Introduction to Social and Developmental Psychology (Level 4 – 20 Credits)
Biopsychology (Level 4 – 20 Credits)
The Development of Attachments (Level 4 – 20 Credits)
Processes of Human Memory (Level 4 – 20 Credits)
Research Methods and Investigating Psychology (Level 4 – 20 Credits)
Psychological Approaches to Depression and Schizophrenia (Level 5 – 20 Credits)
Individual Differences: Intelligence; Personality and Criminology (Level 5 – 20 Credits)
Visual Perception (Level 5 – 20 Credits)
Social Psychology: Pro and Anti-Social Behaviour (Level 5 – 20 Credits)
The Diversity of Addiction (Level 5 – 20 Credits)
Contemporary Issues and Debates in Psychology (Level 5 – 20 Credits)
Course Requirements
Entry to this qualification is open to learners aged 18 and above who can demonstrate an appropriate Level 3 background or relevant equivalent experience. English language proficiency is required for non-native English speakers.
Relevant Level 3 Diploma qualification, GCE Advanced level in 2 subjects, or equivalent qualification
Mature learners over 21 with relevant management or professional experience (to be confirmed with the delivery centre prior to registration)
Learners from non-majority English-speaking countries must provide evidence of English language competency in line with OTHM's English Language Expectations
Assessments
All units within this qualification are internally assessed by the approved centre and externally verified by OTHM. Assessment is criterion-referenced and based on the achievement of all specified learning outcomes. Learners must demonstrate evidence of meeting all assessment criteria to achieve a pass.
Coursework assignments (primary method across all units, with approximate word counts of 2500–3000 words per unit)
Presentations with written notes (applicable to specific units such as Biopsychology)
Formative assessment conducted throughout the course to provide developmental feedback
Summative assessment at the end of each unit, graded as Pass or Refer, subject to confirmation by the Internal Verifier and External Quality Assurer (EQA)
Progression
Successful completion of the OTHM Level 5 Extended Diploma in Psychology opens a wide range of academic and professional progression pathways.
Direct entry into Year 3 of a three-year UK Bachelor's degree programme (subject to Ofqual regulation and university progression arrangements)
Progression to an OTHM Level 6 Diploma in a related psychology or allied health field
Employment in careers such as career counselling, education, health professions, and human resources
Careers in police and social services, advertising, marketing, and management
Further postgraduate study including Master's top-up programmes through OTHM's university progression partners
Apply Now For This Course
Fill out the application form below to enroll in OTHM Level 5 Extended Diploma in Psychology. Our team will review your application and contact you shortly with enrollment details.
