Truro and Penwith College

Higher National Diploma in Applied Psychology

UCAS course code 008C
Institution code T85
Duration

2 years
Course type

Full-time, Part-time route available
Study location Truro and Penwith College
Apply at UCAS.com
Rated Ofsted Outstanding (2016), Truro and Penwith College provides a range of quality degree courses with employer needs in mind. All students benefit from an excellent support network that helps to put them on the best footing for a successful future after graduating. Finding themselves at home in purpose-built buildings with expert lecturers and access to industry-standard equipment, students can study a quality university course right here in Cornwall.
A variety of people enter higher education with an assortment of experiences and commitments, but with the flexibility at the heart of our programmes, the College offers a compressed timetable and small class sizes to allow students to study in a relaxed and supportive environment. Whatever your background, studying University courses at Truro and Penwith College means an opportunity to study locally, the chance to fit home or part-time work around your lectures and the one thing all our students have in common – the shared experiences of a quality education right here in Cornwall.
For more information visit the Truro and Penwith College website.

Course details

  • Year 1

  • Core modules

    TRUR1251
    Research Methods

    This module introduces the concept of scientific method and how this is applied to psychological research. It will develop and understanding of quantitative and qualitative techniques and will introduce basic statistical analysis and interpretation.

    TRUR1252
    The Great Debate

    Different schools of thought and debates within psychology are examined from both a historical and applied approaches, including the evolution of religion.

    TRUR1253
    Biological Psychology

    This module introduces students to the biological basis of behaviour. The role of the nervous and endocrine systems in producing behaviours, as well as genetics, will be investigated.

    TRUR1255
    Relationships

    This module examines the major influences on current Social Psychology and the implications of these influences in the way in which this approach attempts to deal with real world problems. There will be a focus on communication styles and personal space.

    TRUR1256
    Personal and Professional Development

    This module aims to develop the student in both academic and career terms. Through experiences of a range of specific study and research skills and a focus on current research and career opportunities. Examination and presentation of classic case studies will develop students’ critical reading skills, and teach how to extract the relevant issues, and to expand their powers of critical analysis.

    TRUR1254
    Information Processing

    This module will develop an understanding of the history, assumptions and methodologies of cognitive psychology. It will examine a range of theories from within the approach that explain cognitive functioning.

  • Final year

  • Core modules

    TRUR2251
    Group Project

    This module is an opportunity for students to put into practice their research knowledge and skills. Students will work in small groups researching predetermined topics. Emphasis will be placed on the student developing transferable skills appropriate to contemporary employment contexts or further higher education.

    TRUR2252
    Educational Psychology

    This module will cover the application of developmental theory and research applied to the educational setting. It will develop a critical appreciation of the problems of putting theory into practice.

    TRUR2253
    Mental Health and Well-being

    To familiarise students with key definitions, concepts and models in the area of clinical psychology. To describe a range of core disorders and conditions, and to consider theories relevant to their aetiology, treatment and management. An appreciation of the changing nature of disorders and treatment approaches.

The modules shown for this course are those currently being studied by our students, or are proposed new modules. Please note that programme structures and individual modules are subject to amendment from time to time as part of the University’s curriculum enrichment programme and in line with changes in the University’s policies and requirements.

Fees, costs and funding
As this course is delivered by one of our partner colleges, please contact the college directly for information on fees and funding.

* UK Government announcement on tuition fees

On Monday 4 November 2024, the UK Government announced a proposal to increase tuition fees for home undergraduate students from £9,250 to £9,535 per annum from September 2025 onwards. The University of Plymouth intends to apply this new fee from September 2025. However, implementation of this increase will be subject to parliamentary procedure. This change applies to new students starting their studies in September 2025. For current and returning students, the University is reviewing fees and will update you as soon as possible.

How to apply
All applications for undergraduate courses are made through UCAS (Universities and Colleges Admissions Service).
UCAS will ask for the information contained in the box at the top of this course page including the UCAS course code and the institution code.
To apply for this course and for more information about submitting an application including application deadline dates, please visit the UCAS website.

Progression routes

Completing this course enables you to progress onto these related courses and programmes with the University of Plymouth at level 5 or level 6, as specifically defined by this programme’s progression agreement.

For further information, including the progression from foundation degree form, please visit https://www.plymouth.ac.uk/business-partners/partnerships/academic-partnerships/study-guide/progression-to-honours-degree

Our partnership with Truro and Penwith College
The University of Plymouth has developed partnerships with institutions around the world with the sole purpose of making higher education more accessible to those people who need something just a little different.

Our Academic Partnerships enable students to enrol for a degree at a partnership institution closer to home, or engage in distance learning – even when they’re in the middle of the ocean. They are there for those people looking to return to education, or enhance their professional development. Full- or part-time; foundation degree to masters-level – we cater for a huge variety of needs and aspirations.

Many of our partners offer specialist degrees, unique facilities, and smaller class sizes at a competitive price. And as a student of two institutions, you get the best of both worlds; a supportive learning environment as part of a close-knit community, and a university-level qualification awarded by the University of Plymouth. You’ll enjoy not only the facilities and services your partnership institution provides, but also all of the additional support and resources you need from us, and you’ll automatically become a member of our Students’ Union, too.

We are continuing to grow the number of partner institutions and expand our academic community to new locations around the UK and overseas. Why not visit the Academic Partnerships page on our website for a full list of partners and for more details on studying with us?

One of our partners delivers this particular course – so please visit their website for full course details, entry requirements, tuition fees and information on what student life is like there. 

Open days

Partner college open days

This course is run at one of our partner colleges. Open days are held at the college and more details of these can be found on the college website. You'll find contact details below, on this page.

University of Plymouth open days

You are also very welcome to attend a University of Plymouth open day, to get a flavour of the courses you can progress to from a partner college. There will however be limited information on this specific course and college.

Studying with Truro and Penwith College

We’re one of the leading colleges in the country, delivering teaching and learning to the highest level. With three modern campuses at Truro, Penwith (at Penzance) and Tregye, we provide you with a unique university experience.
Plymouth students working on a group project