The Higher Diploma in Psychology with Counselling provides students with a comprehensive theoretical background and relevant helping skills to understand mental processes and human behavior.  Psychology aspires to answer the basic question as to why and how people behave and think. 

The program provides a broad perspective of the theoretical, empirical and practical aspects of Psychology.  Moreover, the program offers students opportunity to hone their skills in helping others armed with the skills and knowledge of counseling.

In the process the Higher Diploma in Psychology with Counselling programme aims to:

• Study mental processes and human behavior using varied classroom and laboratory methods
• Learn research skills to examine various aspects of human lives
• Explore and validate theories in psychology through experimentation and research
• Practice the basics of counseling and helping skills
• Become well adept in the fundamentals of psychology and apply these to day-to-day life experiences.

Students are introduced to the core areas of psychology as well as receiving a strong grounding in psychological research methods. This component focuses on learning about how psychological science is conducted, analysed and reported through a series of guided-learning exercises, culminating in an independent research project in the final year.

The Higher Diploma consists of a total of  12 modules

• Biological Psychology
  This module is an introduction to the biological foundations of human behaviour. Specifically, the unit will cover the roles of genetics, evolutionary history, hormones, brain structure and brain functioning in human behaviour.
  
  Assessment: 50%/50% (coursework/examinations)
  
• Cognitive Psychology
  This module provides an overview of the historical significance of Cognitive Psychology, how the field has changed over time, and what current cognitive psychologists define as the important issues in the study of thought and memory. The module covers the study of sensation and perception, language, reasoning and decision-making.
  
  Assessment: 50%/50% (coursework/examinations)
  
• Developmental Psychology
  This module will consider psychological and physiological development from conception to old age. A comprehensive review of the basic bio-psychological principles of growth and development will be examined in conjunction with major findings.
  
  Assessment: 50%/50% (coursework/examinations)
  
• Social Psychology
  This module examines individual behaviour in its social and cultural context. Theoretical and empirical examination of core social psychological issues, such as social cognition, social influence, interpersonal relationships, and group behaviour, will be emphasised.
  
  Assessment: 50%/50% (coursework/examinations)
  
• Abnormal Psychology
  This module provides a broad survey of various aspects of abnormal behaviour. The module covers the epidemiology and etiology of abnormal behaviours and the evaluation of current assessment and treatment techniques. Emphasis is placed on a scientific and empirical approach to the various categories of adult and child psychopathology.
  
  Assessment: 50%/50% (coursework/examinations)
  
• Individual Differences & Psychological Measurements
  This module examines differences in general intelligence, specific verbal and spatial abilities, stylistic and personality characteristics. An introduction to test theory and test development will be covered within the context of intelligence, aptitude and personality measurement.
  
  Assessment: 50%/50% (coursework/examinations)
  
• Foundations of Psychology 1
  Foundations of Psychology 1 is one of two modules designed to give students a broad overview of the major topics of interest in contemporary psychology. This module covers the history and scope of psychology, the genetic and evolutionary foundations of behaviour, the physiological mechanisms of behaviour, and sensation and perception.
  
  Assessment: 50%/50% (coursework/examinations)
  
• Foundations of Psychology 2
  Together with Foundations of Psychology 1, Foundations of Psychology 2 provides an overview of various aspects of the science of psychology. It gives students an overview of the fields of learning and cognition, social perception and attitudes, the nature of and individual differences in intelligence, abilities, and personality, and the nature, categories and treatment of mental disorders.
  
  Assessment: 50%/50% (coursework/examinations)
  
• Industrial/Organisational Psychology
  Industrial and Organisational (I/O or I-O) Psychology as a course introduces the scientific study of the behaviour of individuals and groups in organisations. Research in this field of psychology seeks to improve organisational effectiveness and the welfare of the people who work in these organisations.
  
  Assessment: 50%/50% (coursework/examinations)
  
• Introduction to Counselling
  This module orients students to the nature of counselling and the requirements for becoming a counsellor. This module provides an understanding of the training involved in being a counsellor and an introduction to the principles and contemporary theories in counselling. Students will have an opportunity to examine some of their own characteristics and how they fit into the role of a counsellor, as well as practice some of the basic skills and techniques used in counselling.
  
  Assessment: 50%/50% (coursework/examinations)
  
• Research Methods 1
  The module introduces the principles of scientific inquiry, research design, statistical reasoning and statistical methods appropriate for psychological research. The lectures will emphasize the theory of statistical reasoning, while laboratory exercises will focus on data analysis, introducing students to the application SPSS, the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences.
  
  Assessment: 50%/50% (coursework/examinations)
  
• Research Methods 2
  Research Methods in Psychology 2 is an extension of Research Methods 1. This module deals in more depth with research design, statistical reasoning, and statistical methods appropriate for psychological research. The lectures will emphasize the theoretical bases of statistical reasoning, and issues involved in the preparation of a research project.
  
  Assessment: 50%/50% (coursework/examinations)