The details
Location: Online Mode of study: Part-time Qualification: Online professional course (20 credits) Study duration: 13 weeks
Start date: Awarding body: University of Essex Delivered by: Kaplan Open Learning For queries: Call +44 (0) 1206 489 358

Focus on the application of critical ideas within contemporary psychological and socio-political issues throughout this in-depth online professional course.  

You’ll explore the historical and contextual foundations of critical psychology – while developing an understanding of the perspectives and approaches applied to social psychology concepts.  

You’ll cover a range of interesting topics, including:  

  • critical ideas in understanding human behaviour 
  • the discipline of critical psychology within the realm of psychology 
  • critical perspectives applied to basic mainstream social psychology concepts 

At the end, you’ll have the opportunity to progress on to one of our popular postgraduate courses. 

Why we’re great 

  • Take the first step into an exciting new career in psychology, or progress in your current role. 
  • Gain 20 credits at postgraduate level in just 13 weeks. 
  • Study 100% online via our state-of-the-art virtual learning environment (VLE). 
  • Receive your certificate from the University of Essex, a top 30 UK university (Complete University Guide 2025). 
  • Study with an institution with over 15 years’ experience delivering high quality online education. 

You’ll study the following topics as part of the online professional course: 

  • units 1 & 2: historical and contextual foundations of critical psychology 
  • units 3 & 4: critical perspectives applied to basic mainstream social psychology concepts 
  • unit 5: mental health and psychiatric treatment  
  • unit 6: race 
  • unit 7: gender 
  • unit 8: disability  
  • unit 9: sexualities 
  • unit 10: power in society  
  • units 11 & 12: theoretical application of positive critical psychology ideas in different settings 

Teaching methods 

Studying online gives you the freedom to complete your qualification when and where it suits you – at home, during your lunch hour or in a café. 

Our online professional courses are delivered through a virtual learning environment (VLE) instead of a traditional campus. This means you’ll have access to your study materials 24/7, including: 

  • multimedia lecturecasts made up of written content, short videos, animation, audio recordings, infographics, short tests and mini-assignments 
  • discussion forums for you to chat about the module content with fellow students 
  • live Q&A sessions with your tutors 
  • a comprehensive eLibrary of textbooks and academic journals 
  • support from academic staff and your dedicated Student Support team 

To ensure you receive high-quality tutor support, each class is capped at 20 students. 

 

Assessment methods 

You’ll be assessed exclusively through assignments. These include assessed discussion forums, written assignments and journal entries. 

We’re committed to providing frequent and transparent feedback in the following ways: 

  • our assessment criteria are designed to be simple and transparent 
  • you’ll always be aware of your current provisional grade, right from the start 
  • you’ll be able to clearly view your marks in your gradebook whenever you log on to the learning platform 
  • there’s a seven-day turnaround for marking and feedback of assessed work 
  • you’ll have regular contact with your Student Support team, with whom you can discuss any concerns as soon as they arise 

  

Study duration 

Our Critical Social Psychology online professional course has a study duration of 13 weeks, including a one-week induction to help you settle into online study. 

The Critical Social Psychology online professional course offers a whole host of opportunities. On successful completion, you’ll receive a digital certificate confirming you’ve achieved 20 academic credits at postgraduate level. This will be beneficial whether you’re looking to climb the career ladder or take the first step into a psychology role – helping you stand out amongst the competition. 

If you wish to continue your studies and boost your prospects, you could choose additional law online professional courses. Alternatively, you could progress on to the PG Cert Psychology (60 credits); PG Dip Psychology (120 credits); or the MSc Psychology (180 credits).

Please note, acceptance on to a postgraduate qualification is subject to meeting the entry requirements of your chosen programme. 

No formal qualifications or experience is necessary.  

As our courses are delivered in English, a high proficiency of English is required. If English isn’t your first language, your ability should be equivalent to an IELTS (Academic) score of 6.5. Don’t worry if you don’t hold an IELTS or equivalent qualification – we offer a free online English test to assess your proficiency.  

You don’t need to prove your English ability if you’re a national of, or have completed a qualification equivalent to a UK degree in, any of these countries. 

Full tuition fee:
£1,386 UK / £1,455 International (2024-25) Δ
 

  • Our online professional courses are fully inclusive – all teaching materials and required reading are included. 
  • Alumni discount of 10% of the tuition fee available if you’re a previous graduate with the University of Essex or University of Essex Online.   
  • We offer a 14-day moneyback guarantee, so if you decide your course isn’t for you during the first 14 days, we’ll give you a full refund. Terms and conditions apply. 

Δ All tuition fees shown are net of any applicable sales tax payable by you in your country of residence. Where we are required to add sales tax at the local statutory rate, this will be added to the tuition fees shown and confirmed during the payment process. 

Subject specialists, industry authorities and experienced academics: the tutors who teach on our Critical Social Psychology online professional course are experts in the business field.

What our students say

Agnisha Bose -MSc Psychology

I aspire to become a mental health professional and start my own private practice one day.

I was born and raised in Maharashtra, India and I’m currently staying in Delhi. I was always fascinated to interact with people from different countries and wanted to know more about their languages and cultures. When the whole world came to a standstill during the COVID pandemic, the University of Essex Online helped me continue my education in a field of my interest.  I did my undergraduate studies in economics at Symbiosis International University. However, I found that my strength lies in interacting...

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