Colombo Institute of Research & Psychology - CIRP - Dual Qualification in Psychology

Course Overview

Dual qualifications series is a unique initiative by CIRP to ensure that it’s graduates are readily employable by the time they complete their bachelor’s degree. In a world where most in other fields start their careers soon after their graduation, it is essential that psychology graduates also have the same head start in their preferred field.

Dual qualifications series provides an opportunity to gain an internationally recognized Bachelor's degree in Psychology from a top UK university together with a Diploma of Higher Education in an applied field of psychology. This largely improves the employability of the graduate and provides an opportunity explore practitioner areas of psychology while they are reading for their BSc (Hons) in Psychology. By taking 4 extra modules worth 60 credits, you obtain two qualifications within three years.

Students will study core psychology modules of a BSc (Hons) in Psychology and applied psychology modules of a particular professional field in psychology of their preference (Counseling, Criminal, Child or Sports Psychology) through a diploma qualification. Upon completion their studies of 3 years, they will be awarded a BSc (Hons) in Psychology as well as Diploma of Higher Education in the preferred field.

This largely improves the employability of the graduate and provides an opportunity explore practitioner areas of psychology while they are reading for their BSc (Hons) in Psychology. By taking 4 extra modules worth 60 credits, you obtain two qualifications within three years

Dual Qualifications Available:

BSc (Hons) Psychology + Diploma of Higher Education in Counseling Psychology

BSc (Hons) Psychology + Diploma of Higher Education in Child Psychology

BSc (Hons) Psychology + Diploma of Higher Education in Criminal Psychology

BSc (Hons) Psychology + Diploma of Higher Education in Sports Psychology

What are the advantageous of a Dual Qualification?

1. Obtain two qualifications, a Degree and a Higher Diploma within a period of three (03) years.

2. Obtain an academic qualification and a professional qualification at the same time.

3. You have both the core knowledge and applied skills making you appealing for employers.

4. You increase your earning potential and the age you start working in psychology field.

5. Bachelor’s degree is an essential qualification that provides you academic recognition and opportunities in postgraduate education and professional licensing later on.

6. Higher Diploma is a Professional qualification that provides knowledge and skills in applying psychology in the particular field of your choice, so you could join an entry level job in counseling, child, criminal or sports psychology.

7. You have a definite advantage in applying for further education in the field of your choice as you already have a ground knowledge in the area.

Can I only study the BSc (Hons) Psychology?

Yes, You can. In fact most students do that. Upon completion of a degree you have good knowledge in psychology but not necessarily the knowledge and skills in applied or professional fields and this limits your employability. As a result most students do generic jobs until they complete their Master’s degree and start a psychology career. Or complete professional diplomas after their degree. These reduce your earning potential for some time and the age you start a profession related to psychology. Hence the Dual qualification is more advantageous.

Can I only do the Higher diploma in Counseling/Child/Criminal/Sports Psychology?

Yes. You can. But the main disadvantage is that a diploma in not considered a complete academic qualification. You will not be able to find employment is a reputed place or enter a master’s program at any university if you don’t have a bachelor’s degree. Therefore only obtaining a diploma will stall your career, progression and largely limit your employability. Hence the dual qualification is way more advantageous than a degree alone or a diploma alone.

How is the dual qualification awarded and the recognition of the qualifications?

You will receive two awards, BSc (Hons) Psychology and Diploma of Higher Education in Psychology in the respective field. You get two certificates and two transcripts.

BSc (Hons) Psychology is awarded by the partner university of CIRP and is recognized locally as well as internationally. 

(Click here for full details of the degree)

Diploma of Higher education in Counseling/Child/Criminal/Sports Psychology is awarded by CIRP and is fully recognized Locally (Registered with TVEC Sri Lanka) and will be attested by Foreign Ministry as a recognized qualification for any appropriate international purpose.

(Click here for full details of the Higher Diploma’s Counseling /Child /Criminal /Sports Psychology )

Program Structure & Details

Dual qualifications series provides the opportunity for students to complete two different programs at the same time. You are able to save time and money in doing so. However you will have to put in more effort during this time.

Details of the specific programs could be found their respective pages. Please visit the below links to find program details. It is best that you speak to a student advisor to understand the common modules, exceptions, credit transfers and other clarifications with regard to the dual qualifications.  

BSc (Hons) Psychology

Diploma of Higher Education in Counseling Psychology

Diploma of Higher Education in Child Psychology

Diploma of Higher Education in Criminal Psychology

Diploma of Higher Education in Sports Psychology

Assessments

Assessments are designed to ensure that the students have achieved the required learning outcomes. Students are provided opportunity to take a range of assessments including  written examinations, essays and assignments submitted online, individual and group presentations, social media projects, mini research projects and case studies. These will empower students to face the various different challenges and demands of their work life upon graduation.

Award & Certificate

CIRP International Foundation Diploma is a qualification awarded by CIRP and is recognized by TVEC Sri Lanka. Certificate is issued by CIRP and you are able to get the certificate attested by TVEC Sri Lanka as a registered qualification when you apply for foreign universities.