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 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 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
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.
Are sessions recorded?
Where teaching is delivered remotely (via Zoom, for example), and wherever possible, sessions are recorded. There may be some instances where we are not able to share a recording or part of a recording; for example, for technological, confidentiality or copyright reasons.
What if I can't attend a session?
We understand that you may need to miss a session from time to time. We would simply ask that you let your tutor and/or Course Director know, and ideally in advance of the session. We will do what we can to ensure that you are able to catch up on any work missed, and we encourage you to listen to recordings of sessions where available.
Is any financial help available?
Details of any bursaries available through ICE are listed on our website.
Information about other sources of funding (including loans, Disabled Students’ Allowance etc.) may also be useful.
Can I apply for/undertake multiple courses at any one time?
You are welcome to apply for multiple courses. However, you would not normally be able to undertake more than two Certificate, Diploma or Advanced Diploma level courses in any one year.
When considering whether to undertake more than one course, you will firstly need to ensure that there are no date clashes between teaching sessions. We would also advise you to carefully consider the workload of undertaking more than one course - consider any reading you will want to do as well as the time required to attend classes and complete assignments. You may also want to consider what commitments you have beyond your studies.
If you would like to undertake a second course, we would ask you to contact us so that we can liaise with both Course Directors. They will need to approve your application on the understanding that you will be undertaking two courses simultaneously.
If I complete a Certificate/Diploma/Advanced Diploma with ICE, does it guarantee me a place on another course at ICE, including an MSt?
We are delighted that many of our students want to return to study with us again and again. Unfortunately, however, completion of one course does not guarantee that you will be offered a place on another.
To ensure quality of teaching, places on courses are necessarily limited, and where an offer is made, places can only be confirmed subject to availability.
A Course Director may also feel that a higher level course is not the best fit for you. In this case, the Course Director may recommend another more suitable Certificate-level course or a non-award bearing short course or online course. This is, by no means, a rejection, but a way for us to help you to prepare more fully for study at a higher level.
Do I need to have completed the Certificate-level course before applying for a place on the Diploma?
The Certificate and Diploma courses have been designed to provide a progression path for your studies, and some students on the Diploma will have previously completed the Certificate; however, completion of the Certificate is not a requirement for entry onto the Diploma. It very much depends on your experience, the information you provide in your Personal Statement, and on your writing sample.
If you apply for a place on the Diploma, our Course Directors will let you know if they would recommend you complete the Certificate first. Please don’t be deterred – ultimately, we want you to find the course that is the best fit so that you are comfortable and feel a sense of achievement throughout.
Can I transfer credits/CAT points from a course completed elsewhere?
For queries regarding credits please visit European Credit Transfer and Accumulation
Is the course accredited by the University of Cambridge?
All qualifications offered by ICE are qualifications of the University of Cambridge, endorsed by the relevant Faculties or Departments and approved by the University’s Academic Standards and Enhancement Committee.
Will I become the member of a College by undertaking a Certificate/Diploma/Advanced Diploma course?
Enrolment on a Certificate, Diploma or Advanced Diploma level course does not lead to College affiliation.
Can I pay in instalments?
Yes. When you come to confirm your course place with payment, you will be given the option to pay in instalments. Course fees for Certificate, Diploma and Advanced Diploma courses are normally split into three equally weighted instalments spread throughout the year, with the first instalment due by way of deposit at the point of confirming your course place.
How many hours of study are required to complete a Certificate/Diploma/Advanced Diploma course?
The course webpage in each case should provide you with an idea of the study hours you can expect - see ‘Teaching and Assessment’ tab.
Certificates, Diplomas and Advanced Diplomas equate to 60 credits. Credit is generally calculated in terms of hours of study and assumes that each credit is awarded for around 10 hours of successful learning; so, by this calculation, a 60-credit course will involve around 600 hours of successful study. Examples of how study may be broken down are: pre-class preparation, classroom time (lectures, seminars, discussion, presentations, debates, case-studies etc.); engagement with the VLE; peer-to-peer interaction, preparations for assignments, assignment writing and feedback etc.
