ADVANCED CERTIFICATE IN PSYCHOLOGY (VPS011)

COURSE STRUCTURE

The course is divided into 9 modules/subjects as follows:

(Each Module = 100 hours).

Part 1.     2 x Core (compulsory) Modules

• Introduction to Psychology
• Psychology and Counselling

Part 2.   6 x Optional (elective) modules (choose from)

• Industrial Psychology
• Educational Psychology
• Sports Psychology
• Child Psychology
• Biopsychology I
• Marketing Psychology
• Conflict Management
• Any other approved Psychology or closely related module

Part 3.    One Industry related module chosen from:

• Industry experience
• Workshop I
• Research Project I

This Advanced Certificate is accredited through the International Accreditation and Recognition Council.

Breakdown of Course Structure:

Part 1. Core Modules/Subjects

The course is sequenced so that foundation knowledge and skills are established through completion of the core unit modules.  Students will be expected to complete these modules before undertaking any of the other course components. 

Introduction to Psychology

This course puts the student in touch with some of the most widely studied areas of psychology.

There are seven lessons in this course, as follows:

Psychology and Counselling

Successful completion of this module will develop the learner’s ability to analyse psychological processes and apply that knowledge in counselling or advisory situations.

There are seven lessons in this course, as follows:

Part 2.   Elective Modules

Some of the more commonly chosen modules are briefly outlined below:

Child Psychology

This course is designed to provide the student with an understanding of the cognitive, behavioural and emotional development of children.

There are twelve lessons in this module, as follows:

Industrial Psychology

To develop an understanding of how the psychological state of employees in the workplace, affects both their work, and their overall well being.

There are ten lessons in this course, as follows:

Sports Psychology

Successful completion of this course/module will develop your skills and understanding of psychological principles for use in sports.

There are ten lessons in this module as follows:

Educational Psychology

Successful completion of this course/module will develop an understanding of the psychological processes that occur during the act of learning.

There are eight lessons in this module as follows:

Conflict Management

This course gives the student insight into conflict and looks at different techniques to deal with this sensitive subject.

There are eight lessons in this course, as follows:

Biopsychology

Successful completion of this course/module will develop your knowledge and ability to explain the link between the psychology and physiology of the body.

There are seven lessons in this module as follows:

Marketing Psychology

Successful completion of this course/module will develop your knowledge and ability to apply an understanding of psychology to marketing.

There are eight lessons in this module as follows:

Part 3... Industry Related Module.

Research project I

The research project is 100 hours duration and contains 2 parts: the first part assists the student in developing research skills, whilst the second part involves carrying out a relevant research project. This develops the student’s ability to plan and conduct research, and involves a minor statistical research project and report.

Workshop I

This involves three problem based learning projects (100 hrs in total) designed as course work. A study guide and mentoring is provided to support you through these projects.

Industry experience:

This may be in the form of relevant work experience, industry meetings, seminars or workshops. You might choose to undertake voluntary work for an appropriate organisation. To satisfy this requirement you need to submit an acceptable reference from  an industry professional who can verify to your work.

Our Teaching Staff

Tracey Jones - Academic Officer & Tutor (U.K.)
B.Sc. (Hons) (Psychology), M.Soc.Sc (social work), DipSW (social work), PGCE (Education), PGD (Learning Disability Studies). Tracey has around 15 years experience within the psychology and social work field, particularly working with people with learning disabilities. She is also qualified as a teacher and now teaches psychology and social work related subjects. She is a book reviewer for the British Journal of Social Work. Tracey has also written a text book on Psychology and has had several short stories published

Lyn Quirk M.Prof.Ed.; Adv.Dip.Compl.Med (Naturopathy); Adv.Dip.Sports Therapy
Lyn has 25 years of experience in the Fitness, Health and Leisure Industries. She has a string of qualifications that are far too long to list here; being qualified and registered to teach, coach or instruct a wide range of different sports and other skills.
Lyn established and managed Health clubs at three major five star resorts on Queensland's Gold Coast, including the Marriot. She was a department head for a large government vocational college (TAFE), and has conducted her own aquafitness business for many years. Lyn has amongst her other commitments worked as a tutor for ACS for almost 10 years, and over that time, participated in the development or upgrading of most courses in her fields of expertise.

Tosca Zraikat B.A. (Writing); B.Teaching
Over 35 years of industry experience in writing, education, management and welfare. Tosca is completing the final stages of a Masters Degree in writing she also works as a tutor and writer for ACS, and runs a small editing business.

Dr. Mark L. Berman Ph.D.
Dr.Berman is a psychological consultant who operates out of Phoenix, Arizona, USA.
Prior to that he was on the faculty of The Pennsylvania State University and the University of Washington for a number of years.
He has been a member of the American Psychological Association for thirty-two years, and the National Register of Health Service Providers in Psychology for nearly twenty-six years. Dr. Berman has served as a Contributing Editor to Educational Technology, as a Field Reader for the U.S. Office of Education, and as a Manuscript Reviewer for Behavior Therapy and Experimental Psychiatry, as well as the Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis. His professional interests and experiences are widespreead, and include comprehensive psychotherapy, evaluations of persons from ages four through ninety, and personal energy management. His fifth book is due for publication this coming Spring, and he has more than sixty articles, invited chapters, etc.

An Extract From the Sports Psychology Course

ASPECTS OF SPORTS PSYCHOLOGY

Sports psychology may be considered to be made up of all of the following sub branches of psychology, to a greater or lesser degree:

· Personality Psychology - different personality types will be inclined to react differently in any given sporting or exercise situation.

· Cognitive Psychology – cognition is concerned with the way in which thoughts occur and are processed, and by understanding the thought processes of an athlete, it becomes possible to identify strengths and weaknesses that impact on sporting performance or exercise participation.

· Exercise Psychology is concerned with developing attitudes to exercise. Many people are not interested in competitive sport; but may be motivated to exercise in order to maintain general health and wellbeing.

· Psychophysiology – Psychology can affect the physiology of a person. Physiology refers to physical processes in the body such as digestion, circulation of blood, removal of waste products (excretion), etc. We have known, for a long time, that thought can manifest itself by changing physical conditions in the body. In the extreme, this is what shock is. If a person worries a lot, they can develop aches and pains, they can tire easier, and their skin may become blemished. Worry or stress will cause blood vessels to narrow, and with reduced blood flow, all parts of the body are being serviced poorly. Waste products are not removed as readily, and nutrients are not delivered as readily. With stress, muscles tighten, and that can put abnormal pressure on bones or tissues. These are very general and simple examples of psychophysiology.

· Educational Psychology – studies the way in which skills, attitudes etc are learnt. An educational sport psychologist will apply an understanding of learning processes to help an athlete better learn and retain skills, knowledge, techniques and/or attitudes, that will enhance their performance.

· Social Psychology – the interaction between individuals or groups of individuals can have a significant impact upon sporting performance or exercise participation. It may not be “cool” to play football or exercise; but it may be socially desirable to be a “skate boarder” within a certain social group. Peer group pressure, media and other cultural influences can impact heavily on participation and on performance, in a wide variety of physical activities.

· Developmental Psychology – this is the study of the way in which people develop and change over time. There are two broad concepts here: one that development is a continuous process, the other that it involves continuous change. Either way, there are applications to sport and exercise psychology.

· Clinical Psychology – Clinical sport psychologists apply research findings, interacting one on one with an athlete, helping them deal with problems and in doing so, improve their potential performance.

APPLYING SPORTS PSYCHOLOGY

Sports psychologists (usually holding a degree or much higher qualification than this) may provide Clinical services, or be involved in research, or may be involved in teaching.

Other sports professionals may apply sports psychology in their jobs to some degree, but not to the same extent as fully fledged psychologists. Example: Fitness leaders, such as coaches, personal trainers, and aerobic instructors can use a knowledge of sports psychology to better motivate their club members.

You might also be interested in having a look at some of our other psychology courses - http://www.acsedu.co.uk/Courses/Psychology/CERTIFICATE-IN-COUNSELLING-Care-Professionals-VPS005-611.aspx Certificate in Counselling

http://www.acsedu.co.uk/Courses/Psychology/ABNORMAL-PSYCHOLOGY-BPS307-509.aspx Abnormal psychology

http://www.acsedu.co.uk/Courses/Psychology/COUNSELLING-SKILLS-II-BPS110-458.aspx Counselling Skills II

http://www.acsedu.co.uk/Courses/Psychology/COUNSELLING-SKILLS-l-BPS109-475.aspx Counselling Skills I

http://www.acsedu.co.uk/Courses/Psychology/COUNSELLING-TECHNIQUES-BPS206-467.aspx Counselling Techniques

http://www.acsedu.co.uk/Courses/Psychology/ADOLESCENT-PSYCHOLOGY-BPS211-583.aspx Adolescent psychology

If you would like to see our range of psychology books, please visit - http://www.acsbookshop.com/books_productcategory.aspx?id=14

For more information on the range of careers available in psychology, have a look at - http://www.thecareersguide.com/articles.aspx?category=14

We have some interesting articles on psychology and counseling at - http://www.acs.edu.au/psychol/