Higher Diploma in Psychology

A three-year (or a six-semester) course of modular design leading to the Higher Diploma in Psychology.

Objectives

The general aim of the Higher Diploma in the Psychology program at the Philips College is to provide a stimulating and challenging higher-level education in psychology. The Psychology program has been designed to encompass the latest developments in the field. The program introduces students to a broad range of theoretical perspectives and psychological areas through the presence of core and elective modules.

Throughout the three years of the Higher Diploma program, specific core modules are taken to ensure that students are introduced to the general themes and perspectives that underlie the various fields of psychology and are exposed to the major levels and forms of inquiry conducted by the different approaches to psychology. Furthermore, the provision of core courses drawn from a number of complementary domains allows the students of the second and third year to develop a broader and more balanced perspective.

Within the first year, elective modules taken in conjunction with the core modules enable students to select from courses that both complement and supplement their understanding and application of psychology in particular, and other areas of social studies in general.

In the second and third year of the program, in addition to specific core modules students can take courses that are selected from a wide range of electives that cover the diverse topic areas from within psychology. These electives allow students to enhance and develop upon the foundations of knowledge established in the first year.

Further to taking core and electives, students in the third year of the Higher Diploma program are encouraged to utilize the knowledge areas and practical skills gained by undertaking a supervised research project on a topic of their own choosing.

The project, which is conducted over two semesters, is presented in written form and defended orally, and the mark obtained contributes to the level of award achieved.

Graduation Requirements

Students studying towards the Higher Diploma in Psychology are required to obtain a minimum of 180 ECTS . Hundred (100) ECTS must come from core subjects, and the eighty(80) from electives.

At the time of graduation, each candidate for a Higher Diploma must have:

• completed all the prescribed course work of the examination syllabus;
• achieved the required minimum number of credits of prescribed course work by completing successfully all core and elective subjects as required by the program of studies.

As a general rule, all students must have successfully completed a minimum of 96 credits and secured a GPA of at least 2.00.