Below you will find answers to the most frequently asked questions (FAQs). Please do read through these, as well as the information provided on the tabs, and you should find the answers to most questions. However, if you still cannot find what you are looking for then please click on, the ‘ASK A QUESTION’ link at the top right of this page to send the course team a message and we will respond as soon as possible.
Will the Undergraduate Certificate in Cognitive Psychology be a good foundation if I want a Psychology degree?
Yes. If you are new to psychology this course will provide you with an understanding of the historical development of modern psychology and allow you to develop an understanding of the scientific method in its application to psychology. This will stand you in good stead to continue your studies across the range of psychological disciplines, and pursue a psychology degree.
Will the Certificate in Cognitive Psychology enable me to gain Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership (GBC) after completing the course?
No. Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership (GBC, or GBR as it was previously known) is a standard set by the British Psychological Society (BPS). It ensures that, before anyone can start a clinical psychology course, they have already studied psychology in sufficient breadth and depth to provide a sound basis for their postgraduate training. The Undergraduate Certificate in Cognitive Psychology is not accredited for GBC membership, as it is not a degree; it is the equivalent of half a year’s study at first-year undergraduate level. Therefore completing the Certificate does not provide the breadth and depth of a degree.
You can find accredited courses on the BPS website: https://www.bps.org.uk/public/become-psychologist/accredited-courses
Delivery and Learning Methodology
How are classes taught?
For the 2022-2023 Academic Year this course is being taught remotely. This means there will be no face-to-face teaching and you will not need to be present in person in Cambridge, although there is an expectation that you will attend synchronous (live) teaching sessions. The course content will be delivered, and the learning outcomes met, using video-based teaching platforms and a dedicated course Virtual Learning Environment (VLE).
You will have access to resources, discussion forums, and course tasks within ICE's Virtual Learning Environment. Teaching methods will include lectures, presentations by guest speakers and facilitators, interactive and experiential learning activities, reading and assignments to be completed by participants outside classroom sessions and online discussion forums.
What is the Flipped Classroom Approach?
The Flipped Classroom approach is a blended learning strategy which aims to increase student engagement with the course. Teaching and learning for the unit are delivered through a combination of formal presentations by the tutor, a range of interactive and participatory methods of teaching and learning, and through reading and tasks to be undertaken individually by students outside the unit sessions.
How will I be assessed?
At the end of each unit, you will be required to submit academic assignments that are written in a clearly articulated, critically analytical manner and demonstrates your understanding of the course subject, and your ability to include appropriate references.
When do the Study Days (live teaching) normally take place?
Please see the Teaching & Assessment tab for full details of Day Schools. A timetable is provided prior to the start of each unit via the VLE. Students are expected to participate actively in Day School sessions as they provide interactive teaching, such as small or whole group sessions, exercises and structured seminar discussions. Parts of the Day School are recorded for later reference however not all content can be recorded due to the confidential nature of some of the discussions that take place.
General
Can I undertake this course whilst working?
Yes. As a part time course, the Certificate in Cognitive Psychology enables learners to maintain personal and professional commitments while also studying at ICE. It is important to consider all aspects of your life before you decide to study on a course, having a clear idea of how you will accommodate studying into your current routine before you apply will enable you to get as much out of the course as possible.
How many hours of study are required?
The award of academic credit is a means of quantifying and recognising learning and within the UK, one credit notionally represents 10 hours of learning. Each of the units of these courses attracts 20 credits so students should expect to need to study for approximately 200 hours in total to complete each unit successfully. Study includes synchronous/ asynchronous teaching, tutorials, reading, VLE participation, assignment preparation and independent study. However, it is recognised that student’s study at different paces and use a variety of approaches, so this is a recommendation, rather than a hard-and-fast calculation.