Learn about behaviour and mental health - an intensive Foundation Diploma level course
- Understand the signs, symptoms and treatment for different behavioural conditions.
- Understand how external stimuli can bring about unexpected or abnormal responses.
- Examine different disorders that affect people at different times in their lives.
- Understand the effect injuries or illnesses
damaging the brain and nervous system will have on cognitive functions
and behaviours.
COURSE STRUCTURE AND CONTENT
Course Duration: 1000 hours.
Start Date: Start at any time - study at a pace that suits you, and with full tutor support for the duration of your studies.
Content: Study nine core modules and then choose one elective module.
The Core Modules cover Abnormal Psychology, Introduction to Psychology,
Developmental Learning and Behavioural Conditions, Child And Adolescent Mental Health, Adult Mental Health (Managing Mental Health In Adults), Anger Management, Stress Management, Psychopharmacology, Neuropsychology.
Then choose one Elective from the list below.
All modules for the Foundation Diploma in Abnormal Psychology are summarised below. Follow the title link for further information on each.
HOW DO YOU DETERMINE IF SOMEONE'S BEHAVIOUR IS NORMAL OR NOT?
The following criteria can be used to determine whether a person’s behaviour is abnormal or not:
- Deviation from statistical norms - the word abnormal means 'away from the norm'. Many population facts are measured such as height, weight and intelligence. Most of the people fall within the middle range of intelligence, but a few are abnormally stupid. But according to this definition, a person who is extremely intelligent would be classified as abnormal. Thus in defining abnormal behaviour we must consider more.
- Deviation from social norms - every culture has certain standards for acceptable behaviour, behaviour that deviates from that standard is considered to be abnormal behaviour. But those standards can change with time and vary from one society to another.
- Maladaptiveness of behaviour. This third part is how the behaviour affects the well-being of the individual and/or social group. Examples are a man who attempts suicide, an alcoholic who drinks so heavily that they cannot keep a job, or a paranoid individual who tries to assassinate national leaders.
- Personal distress. The fourth part considers abnormality in terms of the individual's subjective feelings, personal distress, rather than his behaviour.
Most people diagnosed as 'mentally ill' feel miserable, anxious, depressed and may suffer from insomnia. In the type of abnormality called neurosis, personal distress may be the only symptom, because the individual's behaviour seems normal. Mental health professionals apply various criteria in making judgements on whether a client’s behaviour is normal or not. They may use the above criteria or they may conduct their own criteria for the definition of the problem. They may also look at different elements such as biological or medical, behavioural, or cognitive. Cultural differences also need to be noted and looked at as they can play a part in one’s behaviour and the manifestation of that behaviour. What may be okay in one culture and seem normal – can be seen as something quite different in another.
HOW THE COURSE WORKS
You can start the course at any time.
It is studied by distance learning, so you can study in the comfort of your own home. But this doesn't mean you are all alone in your studies. Our highly qualified and friendly tutors are there to help you every step of the way. If you have any questions at all, they are always happy to help.
How the Foundation Diploma is Assessed
The Foundation Diploma In Abnormal Psychology requires approximately 1000 hours of study. It is made up of ten 100 hour modules.
To pass the course –
1. Pass all assignments on the ten 100 hour modules. There will be an assignment at the end of each lesson to submit to your tutor for marking and feedback.
2. Pass ten examinations – one on each module. These are usually taken at the end of the module and can be arranged at a time and location to suit you.
If you are not ready to study the Foundation Diploma In Abnormal Psychology, if you prefer, you can study each of the modules as a standalone course.
THE ADVANTAGES OF STUDYING WITH ACS
- You can start the course at any time and study at your own pace.
- Fit your studies around your own busy lifestyle - we provide full tutor support for all the time you are studying.
- Study where you want to - online studies offer the flexibility for you to determine where and when you study.
WHY SHOULD YOU STUDY THIS COURSE?
- Learn to understand what constitutes abnormal behaviour and why people behave as they do.
- Gain knowledge of the relationship between interactions of the brain and nervous systems and disorders and syndromes that can occur.
- If you are interested in completing in depth studies of abnormal psychology, this intensive course will provide you a useful insight into the human psyche.
- A useful course for anyone working with people with mental health difficulties or struggling emotionally.
Do you have any questions?
Our psychology tutors are happy to answer any questions you may have about the course. We realise it is important to be sure when you are committing to studying a diploma qualification.
Please click here to contact a tutor or request a course handbook here.