Diploma in Psychology and Counselling (Level 7)

Overview

The Postgraduate Diploma in Psychology and Counselling (Level 7) is an advanced qualification designed to develop understanding of human behaviour, mental health, and counselling practice. It combines psychological theory with applied learning and is delivered through flexible online study with full academic support. The course supports career progression and further study across psychology, counselling, health, education, and people-focused professions.

Certificates

12 units

Description

The Postgraduate Diploma in Psychology and Counselling (Level 7) is an advanced qualification designed for learners who wish to develop a strong understanding of human behaviour, mental health, and counselling practice. The course combines key psychological theories with applied counselling knowledge, enabling learners to explore how individuals think, feel, behave, and respond to mental health challenges.

The qualification covers biological, cognitive, developmental, social, and cultural perspectives of psychology, alongside counselling theories and evidence-based practice. Learners will develop critical thinking, analytical skills, ethical awareness, and reflective practice, which are essential for working with people in a wide range of professional settings.

Delivered through flexible online learning, this course allows learners to study at their own pace with full academic support. It is suitable for learners from diverse academic and professional backgrounds, including health and social care, education, business, finance, and public services.

This qualification provides a strong foundation for career progression, professional development, and further postgraduate study in psychology, counselling, mental health, and related fields.

Learning Objectives

On successful completion of the Postgraduate Diploma in Psychology and Counselling (Level 7), learners will be able to:

• Develop an advanced understanding of key psychological theories related to human behaviour and mental processes.
• Critically analyse biological, cognitive, developmental, social, and cultural influences on behaviour.
• Apply psychological knowledge to real-world contexts, including mental health, education, and workplace settings.
• Understand and evaluate counselling theories and evidence-based approaches to practice.
• Analyse mental health conditions and contemporary issues affecting wellbeing.
• Apply ethical, professional, and culturally aware approaches within psychology and counselling contexts.
• Develop critical thinking, academic writing, and research evaluation skills at postgraduate level.
• Reflect on professional practice and personal development to support career progression or further study.

Qualification Structure

To achieve the Level 7 Postgraduate Diploma in Psychology and Counselling, learners must complete six mandatory units to achieve 120 credits:

1. Advanced Biological and Cognitive Psychology (20 credits)
2. Advanced Developmental, Social and Cultural Psychology (20 credits)
3. Psychological Assessment, Diagnosis and Interventions (20 credits)
4. Mental Health, Psychopathology and Contemporary Issues (20 credits)
5. Applied Psychology in Health, Education and the Workplace (20 credits)
6. Advanced Counselling Theory, Skills and Evidence-Based Practice (20 credits)

Assessment Method

Each unit within the qualification is assessed through a written assignment. There are no exams for this course.

Assignments are designed to assess learners’ understanding of the unit content and their ability to apply psychological and counselling theories to practical and real-world scenarios. Tasks may include critical analysis, case studies, reflective writing, and applied discussions, depending on the unit requirements.

Learners are provided with clear assignment briefs, assessment criteria, and submission deadlines through the online learning portal. Full academic guidance and feedback are provided to support learners throughout the assessment process.

Accreditation

This qualification is accredited by OTHM Qualifications. OTHM is an Ofqual regulated awarding body in England, recognised for delivering high-quality academic and professional qualifications.

Results and Certificate

Upon successful completion of all six mandatory units, learners will be awarded a secure certificate and an official transcript for the Postgraduate Diploma in Psychology and Counselling (Level 7), issued by OTHM, the awarding organisation. Certificates are valid for a lifetime.

How will you study?

Our online learning portal is available 24/7, allowing you to study at a time that suits you. You can access your course using a desktop computer, laptop, mobile phone, or tablet, giving you complete flexibility to study entirely online.

Who is this course for?

The Level 7 Postgraduate Diploma in Psychology and Counselling is designed for individuals who want to develop a deeper understanding of human behaviour, mental health, and counselling practice, and who wish to progress academically or professionally in this field.

This course is suitable for:

• Individuals who have completed a Level 6 qualification or a degree
• Those working in mental health, wellbeing, education, or support roles
• People who are interested in counselling or therapy careers
• Individuals looking to change careers and move into psychology or mental health
• Learners with relevant work experience, even if they do not hold a formal degree

This course is ideal for learners who are motivated, reflective, and interested in understanding people, emotions, behaviour, and mental health. No previous counselling qualification is required, making the programme accessible while still offering postgraduate-level study and challenge.

Who will benefits from this course?

The Level 7 Postgraduate Diploma in Psychology and Counselling is suitable for people from all backgrounds who want to better understand human behaviour, mental health, and wellbeing.

This course will benefit:

• People working in health and social care, including carers, support workers, and wellbeing staff
• Mental health and wellbeing professionals
• Individuals working in education, learning support, SEN, and youth work
• Professionals from business, management, HR, leadership, finance, and accounting backgrounds
• Public sector, charity, and NGO workers
• Coaches, mentors, trainers, and advisors
• Customer-facing professionals and service-based roles
• Entrepreneurs and self-employed professionals
• Individuals planning a career change or returning to education
• Learners interested in personal development and self-awareness
• Those aiming to progress to further study or professional training

This qualification helps learners develop a strong understanding of people, communication, behaviour, and mental health, which can be applied across care, education, business, finance, public services, and community settings.

Career Paths

The Level 7 Postgraduate Diploma in Psychology and Counselling supports learners to progress into a wide range of people-focused and wellbeing-related roles, depending on experience and employer requirements.

This qualification can support careers in:

• Mental health and wellbeing roles, such as wellbeing worker or support practitioner
• Health and social care, including senior support or specialist support roles
• Counselling support roles and progression into professional counselling training
• Psychology-related roles, such as assistant or support positions
• Education and learning support, including SEN and student support roles
• Workplace wellbeing, HR, and people management roles
• Leadership and management positions that involve team support and communication
• Community, charity, and public sector roles
• Coaching, mentoring, and advisory roles
• Research or academic progression, including further postgraduate study

This qualification also provides a strong foundation for learners who wish to progress to professional counselling or psychotherapy training, or specialist roles in psychology and mental health. The course develops transferable skills such as communication, critical thinking, ethical awareness, and understanding of human behaviour, which are valued across many sectors.

Who is this course for?

Requirements

Applicants must hold a Level 6 qualification or an undergraduate degree.undergraduate degree. Alternatively, learners with relevant work experience in health, social care, education, or support roles may be considered. No previous counselling qualification is required.

Career path

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