Course at a glance
Introduction
This Level 3 Course in Abnormal Behaviour is designed to provide an introduction to those students who have some experience or understanding of working in a mental health setting and may be considering taking a formal entry qualification in a related field such as Psychiatric Nursing or a Social Worker specialising in issues connected with Mental Health. It is also suitable for those students who have little or no formal understanding of the field but you would like to enhance their knowledge and understanding.
The College will provide you with the resources necessary to complete the course and will also provide you with tutor support. Tutors have all been specially selected for their knowledge and understanding of this area of study and have experience in Distance Learning support. The Course will combine practical understanding of issues connected to Abnormal Psychology and/or Mental Health and also theoretical knowledge and understanding gained from studying the course material (and indeed further reading). Students are encouraged to develop self reflection and understanding during their Course of study which will assist them to develop skills which will assist them when considering a career in their chosen topic of study.
Students are required to pass two marked assignments and this will determine the award of the Level 3 Diploma in Abnormal Psychology. The Assignments will be expected to be approximately 3000 words in total and one will be completed by the mid point of the Course and one at the end of the Course. Assignments must be written by the student themselves and work that has been copied and pasted into the assignment will not be accepted as all work has to be screened for Plagiarism. The completed assignments will be marked online by a course tutor and feedback on performance will be provided. The assignment will either be graded pass or fail and feedback will be provided by your tutor. Tutor support will be provided throughout your Course of study and you are encouraged to make contact with your Tutor at the earliest possible opportunity as this will assist you develop your understanding and knowledge of the topic.
The Assessment will assess:
- Theoretical knowledge and understanding of theories that are relevant to Abnormal Psychology
- Practical Applications (you will be required to provide practice examples from applied health or social care settings).
- Integrating theory into practice (this will combine theory with applied practice examples)
The Course duration is one year and students study at home at their own pace using our virtual learning environment. The course offers flexible delivery so that the more time you can allocate to your studies the sooner you can complete the Course. Upon enrolment you will be provided with all the necessary materials to complete the Course and you are free to study as often as you wish. Progression from Level 3 can assist in career development, continued professional development, personal development and provision of basis for further study. On successful completion of this Course you become eligible for Level 5 study at Canadian Open Learning College and can discuss this with student services at any point during the progression of your Course.
Accredited Level 3 Abnormal Psychology Diploma Entry Requirement
Entry to this Accredited Level 3 Abnormal Psychology Diploma requires that potential students, good English oral, reading and writing skills.
Advice on enrolment and guidance of prior learning (APL) can be obtained through out contact centre. The course is a rolling programme and can be started at any point in the year. Successful students can go on to Higher Education, including remaining as students at COLC to complete courses in our portfolio of higher awards.
All students must be aged 16 or over.
Assessment
The coursework is assessed through continuous assessment with no formal exit examinations.
Study Hours
Approximately: 200 hours of personal study time for the entire course is recommended. All of which is supported by the COLC Course Tutor, who we greatly encourage students to access support from throughout their course.
Quality Assurance
This course has been developed by the College’s professional team of tutors to meet the needs of sector based employers and employees.
Further details of our accreditations are provided on our website.
Course Length
1 Year.
Awarding Body
Accredited Level 3 Abnormal Psychology Diploma Course Content
Unit 1 – Defining Mental Illness
The first unit addresses definitions and diagnoses of abnormal behaviour, encouraging students to challenge assumptions and critically evaluate various criteria. Students will develop skills in interpreting models of abnormal behaviour, considering biases and risk factors associated with certain behaviours.
Unit 2 – What is Abnormal Psychology?
This unit explores the definitions of normal and abnormal behaviour from historical, philosophical, and political perspectives. It examines theoretical definitions, labelling theory, and the roles and responsibilities of those managing mental illness and abnormal behaviour.
Unit 3 – The Psychoanalytic Approach
This unit introduces students to the psychoanalytic paradigm developed by Sigmund Freud, focusing on his belief that unconscious conflicts from childhood influence adult behaviour. Students will gain insights into Freud’s impact on abnormal psychology and develop a better understanding of how conflicts shape individual actions.
Unit 4 – Carl Jung and Post-Freudians
Focusing on Carl Jung’s Analytical Psychology, this unit explores his ideas on wholeness and the integration of the psyche, contrasting Freud’s theories. Students will study Jung’s symbols and archetypes, which he believed to be at the root of mental disturbances.
Unit 5 – Biological, Behaviourist, and Humanistic Approaches
This unit examines three major approaches to treating mental illness, discussing the strengths and weaknesses of each and evaluating their relevance today.
Unit 6 – Schizophrenia
This unit investigates schizophrenia, covering the causes, prevalence rates, and treatment options. The role of drug therapy is reviewed, along with psychosocial factors influencing the disorder.
Unit 7 – Depression
This unit examines the factors contributing to depression, its prevalence across age groups, available treatments, and its impact on quality of life. It also explores positive aspects of the disorder and potential for change.
Unit 8 – Women and Madness
Students will explore theories suggesting that women have historically been seen as unable to cope with certain demands. This unit considers how views and treatments of women in mental health have evolved and examines statistics supporting these theories.
Unit 9 – The Anti-Psychiatry Approach
Introducing the Anti-Psychiatry movement, this unit focuses on R. D. Laing’s work, which challenged traditional psychiatric methods and highlighted issues such as family dynamics and societal judgments of mental illness.
Unit 10 – Methods and Ethics
This final unit covers the importance of research in abnormal psychology, ethical considerations, and the rights of vulnerable individuals and those detained under the Mental Health Act. Students will also examine the role of expert witnesses and the rights of individuals considered criminally insane.
Progression
This Accredited Level 3 Abnormal Psychology Diploma can be used to gain entry to a Level 4+5 Diploma or higher.
You can view a lit of our Level 4+5 Diplomas here: Accredited level 4+5 Diplomas
