Level 4 Diploma in Psychology

Anyone comparing this with the OTHM Level 4 Diploma in Psychology will find the two unit lists almost interchangeable: The Scope of Psychology, Social And Developmental Psychology, Biopsychology, The Development of Psychological Attachments, Processes Of Human Memory and Research Methods and Investigating Psychology. The odd capitalisation in some titles is how the awarding body's material presents them. Qualifi does not publish per-unit credits in what we hold; the total is 120 at Level 4.

Where the two diplomas differ is in the awarding body and its conditions. Qualifi asks for applicants to be 18 or over, normally with two references, one preferably academic, and IELTS 6 or equivalent where English is not the first language; it also states that experienced applicants without formal qualifications may be considered after interview. The content is so close that the choice usually comes down to progression: which awarding body's Level 5 Psychology you would rather follow on to. Neither confers professional status, and neither is BPS accredited.

Qualifi sets the entry requirements for this qualification and LSPM, as the approved centre, applies them when it assesses your application. As published by the awarding body:

• Approved Centres are responsible for reviewing and making decisions as to the applicant’s ability to complete the learning programme successfully and meet the demands of the qualification.
• The initial assessment by the centre will need to consider the support that is readily available or can be made available to meet individual learner needs as appropriate.The qualification has been designed to be accessible without artificial barriers that restrict access.
• For this qualification, applicants must be aged 18 or over.In the case of applicants whose first language is not English, then IELTS 6 (or equivalent) is required.
• International qualifications will be checked for appropriate enrolment to UK higher education postgraduate programmes where applicable.
• The applicants are normally required to produce two supporting references, at least one of which should preferably be academic.In certain circumstances, applicants with considerable experience but no formal qualifications may be considered, subject to interview and being able to demonstrate their ability to cope with the demands of the qualification.In the case of applicants whose first language is not English, then IELTS 6 (or equivalent) is required.
• International qualifications will be checked for appropriate matriculation to UK higher education postgraduate programmes.
• The applicants are normally required to produce two supporting references, at least one of which should preferably be academic.

Source: the Qualifi specification. If you are not sure whether your qualification counts as equivalent, send us the details and we will put the question to LSPM's admissions team, who make the decision.

Aged 18 or over, two references where possible, IELTS 6 or equivalent for non-native English speakers, and centre judgement on readiness. Qualifi's own text says that considerable experience without formal qualifications may be considered at interview.

Essays for the five content units and a research report for the methods unit. There are no exams; ask LSPM about draft feedback.

Assignments are set and marked by LSPM's tutors, moderated within LSPM and sampled by Qualifi before LSPM claims certificates. Draft feedback and resubmission arrangements are LSPM's own practice; confirm them at enrolment. How assessment works in full.

Level 5 Diploma in Psychology from Qualifi, the awarding body's own continuation.

An application for advanced entry to a psychology degree, decided by the university and constrained by any accreditation rules it follows.

Support, education, HR and research assistant roles where a grounding in psychology helps.