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FOUNDATION DIPLOMA IN ABNORMAL PSYCHOLOGY VPS101

Duration (approx) 1000 hours
Qualification
Foundation Diploma

Study Abnormal Behaviour and Mental Health

Learn more about unusual patterns of behaviour, thinking and emotion.

This is a detailed and extensive course considering the signs and symptoms of mental health disorders, how they develop and how we can support people who are struggling with their mental health.

The course is studied by remote learning, so it is ideal to fit in around you and your lifestyle. 

Who Is This Course Suitable For?

The course is suitable for -

  • people who want to learn more about mental health conditions and how they develop.
  • people who work with/support people with mental health difficulties.
  • people who want to improve their job and career prospects in the fields of psychology, care, nursing, medicine, social work, counselling etc

What Will You Learn in the Abnormal Psychology course?

Understand more about -

  • Mental Health Disorders.
  • The signs, symptoms and treatment for different behavioural conditions.
  • External stimuli and how they can bring about unexpected or abnormal responses.
  • Different disorders that affect people at different times in their lives.
  • The effect injuries or illnesses damaging the brain and nervous system will have on cognitive functions and behaviours.

The course consists of ten modules made up of -

  • Nine Core Modules - Abnormal Psychology, Introduction to Psychology, Developmental, Learning and Behavioural Conditions, Child Mental Health, Adult Mental Health, Anger Management, Stress Management, Psychopharmacology and Neuropsychology.
  • One Elective Module From: Biopsychology I or II, Neurodiversity, Emotional Intelligence or Developmental Psychology.

 

Modules

Core ModulesThese modules provide foundation knowledge for the FOUNDATION DIPLOMA IN ABNORMAL PSYCHOLOGY VPS101
 ABNORMAL PSYCHOLOGY - BPS307
 ANGER MANAGEMENT - BPS111
 CHILD AND ADOLESCENT MENTAL HEALTH BPS214
 DEVELOPMENTAL, LEARNING AND BEHAVIOURAL CONDITIONS IN ADOLESCENTS AND CHILDREN BPS215
 INTRODUCTION TO PSYCHOLOGY BPS101
 MANAGING MENTAL HEALTH IN ADULTS BPS216
 NEUROPSYCHOLOGY BPS306
 PSYCHOPHARMACOLOGY (DRUGS & PSYCHOLOGY) BPS302
 STRESS MANAGEMENT VPS100
Elective ModulesIn addition to the core modules, students study any 1 of the following 5 modules.
 BIOPSYCHOLOGY I - BPS108
 BIOPSYCHOLOGY II - BPS204
 DEVELOPMENTAL PSYCHOLOGY - BPS210
 EMOTIONAL INTELLIGENCE BPS223
 NEURODIVERSITY BPS311

It's easy to enrol...

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During the course, you will learn more about mental health and how to determine if a person's behaviour is unusual or not. For example -

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.


What Are the Advantages of Studying Psychology With ACS Distance Education?

  • You can start at any time to suit you.
  • They are self-paced.
  • You can study when and where suits you. They are flexible to fit in around you and your lifestyle.
  • It is not just a course, it is a package of learning that includes – course notes, tutor feedback, self-assessment tests, research tasks and assignments.
  • Our tutors are all experts in their field, with years of experience in psychology and counselling.
  • They are also keen and enthusiastic about their subject and enjoy working with students to improve their knowledge and skills.
  • Courses are also updated regularly to meet the demands of the changing needs for knowledge and to keep our courses up to date.


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.

Courses can be started anytime from anywhere in the world!

Meet some of our academics

Tracey Jones (psychology)B.Sc. (Hons) (Psychology), M.Soc.Sc (social work), DipSW (social work), PGCE (Education), PGD (Learning Disability Studies) Tracey began studying psychology in 1990. She has a wide range of 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 has been a book reviewer for the British Journal of Social Work and has also written many textbooks, blogs, articles and ebooks on psychology, writing, sociology, child development and more. She has had also several short stories published.
Jacinda Cole B.Sc.,M.Psych.Psychologist, Educator, Author, Psychotherapist. B.Sc., Psych.Cert., M. Psych. Cert.Garden Design, MACA. Jacinda has over 25 years of experience in psychology, in both Australia and England. She has co-authored several psychology text books and many courses including diploma and degree level courses in psychology and counselling. Jacinda joined ACS in 2001.
Jade SciasciaBiologist, Business Coordinator, Government Environmental Dept, Secondary School teacher (Biology); Recruitment Consultant, Senior Supervisor in Youth Welfare, Horse Riding Instructor (part-completed) and Boarding Kennel Manager. Jade has a B.Sc.Biol, Dip.Professional Education, Cert IV TESOL, Cert Food Hygiene.


Check out our eBooks

Grief and Crisis CounsellingA guide to understanding and helping people through difficult times
Family & Relationships CounsellingThe Family and Relationships Counselling ebook is an informative and helpful read for anyone who wants to improve their relationships or even help other people improve or nurture their own relationships.
Coping Better with Negative EmotionsThis book is designed to help you understand the things that cause stress, the problems that can arise, and the broad range of ways people might manage their stress.
Counselling HandbookA book for both students, as well as volunteers who may be involved in helping people with problems. This is a starting point for understanding counselling, and a reference for developing counselling skills. The book contains seven chapters: 1. Where can counselling be used 2. How to see behind the mask 3. Emotions and attitudes 4. How to communicate better when all you have is words 5. Theory versus practice 6. Diffusing difficult situations 7. Golden rules or tips