Diploma in Abnormal Psychology
Understand psychological disorders, their causes and approaches to treatment.
- Accredited Course
Course Overview Abnormal psychology
Abnormal psychology explores how psychological difficulties are understood, classified and explained. This Diploma moves beyond lists of symptoms to examine the theories, evidence and human experiences behind diagnosis.
Across six focused units, you will study major approaches to abnormality, personality and mood disorders, anxiety and trauma, psychosis, and coercive control. The course also challenges common myths and media stereotypes, helping you develop a more accurate, balanced and compassionate understanding of mental health.
FORMAT
Fully online and self-paced, with all materials available through your course dashboard.
STRUCTURE
Six units combining core reading, short videos and applied case material.
ENTRY
Open to beginners and those working in psychology, healthcare, education or related fields.
Course Content
FOUNDATIONS
Models of abnormality; diagnosis and classification; the history of treatment; popular misconceptions.
PERSONALITY, PSYCHOPATHY & NARCISSISM
Personality disorders; antisocial personality, psychopathy and narcissism; stalking; myths.
ANXIETY & TRAUMA-RELATED DISORDERS
Anxiety disorders; PTSD and related conditions; the body’s alarm system; myths about trauma.
PSYCHOTIC DISORDERS
Psychosis; schizophrenia spectrum disorders; psychosis and risk; film and media portrayals.
MOOD DISORDERS
Depression; bipolar spectrum disorders; warning signs and appropriate responses; common myths.
COERCIVE CONTROL & DOMESTIC ABUSE
Coercive control; reasons people stay; patterns of controlling behaviour; common myths.
What you will Learn
♦️ Understand the major models used to define and explain psychological abnormality.
♦️ Explore how diagnosis and classification work, including their strengths and limitations.
♦️ Recognise key features across major categories of psychological disorder.
♦️ Distinguish between commonly confused conditions and concepts.
♦️ Evaluate popular claims and stereotypes about mental health more critically.
80 CPD Hours.
Receive full accreditation for your professional development."
Lifetime Access.
Study at your own pace with permanent access to all materials.
London Accredited.
Recognized by the CPD Certification Service in London.
How the course works
The Diploma is delivered entirely online. Once enrolled, you receive access to a dedicated course dashboard containing the learning materials for all six units. You can work through the programme at your own pace and revisit the content whenever needed.
♦️ Accessible core material introduces the concepts, debates and diagnostic frameworks. | ♦️ Short videos reinforce key themes and bring psychological ideas into focus. |
♦️ Case studies and reflection connect psychological theory with human experience. | ♦️ Your written assignment is marked with feedback by Dr John Crimmins. |
Who is this course for?
No formal qualification is required — suitable for personal interest or professional development.
♦️ Beginners & students: Considering further study or a career in psychology, counselling or psychotherapy.
♦️ Helping professionals: Counsellors, psychotherapists, nurses, social workers, occupational therapists and support workers.
♦️ Related professions: Teachers, coaches, probation staff and others whose work touches on behaviour and wellbeing.
♦️ Personal interest: Anyone wanting a structured, evidence-based grounding in psychological conditions and diagnosis.
Frequently Asked Questions
Abnormal psychology is the study of psychological difficulties, including how they develop, how they affect people’s lives and how they are understood and classified. It explores conditions such as depression, anxiety, personality disorders and psychosis, considering the biological, psychological and social factors that contribute to them.
Abnormal psychology is an area of study concerned with understanding psychological disorders and the theories and evidence used to explain them. Clinical psychology is a professional field that applies psychological knowledge to assessment, formulation and treatment. This diploma provides an introduction to abnormal psychology that can support personal learning, professional development or further study.
No. The Diploma in Abnormal Psychology is a CPD-accredited educational course designed to develop your knowledge and understanding of psychological disorders. It does not confer professional registration or qualify you to practise independently as a psychologist. It can complement your existing professional knowledge or provide a foundation for further study.
Yes, the course is delivered entirely online, so you can study from anywhere in the world. All you need is an internet connection and a computer, tablet or smartphone to access your learning materials and study at your own pace.
No. The promotional price is all-inclusive. This price covers all course content (available 24/7 for your study), all assignments graded personally by Dr. Crimmins, and your tutorials. Upon successful completion, a Digital Certificate and an Official Letter of Completion will be emailed to you at no extra cost.
No. The promotional price is all-inclusive. This price covers all course content (available 24/7 for your study), all assignments graded personally by Dr. Crimmins, and your tutorials. Upon successful completion, a Digital Certificate and an Official Letter of Completion will be emailed to you at no extra cost.
We recommend an average of two to three hours per week, depending on your learning style. The course is self-paced, so you can study in shorter, regular sessions or longer, more concentrated periods—whichever suits you best.
This is entirely up to your own schedule and personal commitments. While most students complete a course within 3 to 6 months, there is no fixed deadline. Our platform is designed for maximum flexibility—you can fast-track your studies or take a break between modules with absolutely no pressure. You set the pace that works for your life.
Yes. You will have lifetime access to all course materials and toolkits. This allows you to return to the content whenever you need to refresh your knowledge in your professional practice.
No. While you are enrolling in a bundle, we recommend completing each course individually. This ensures you fully absorb the clinical techniques and theory before moving on to the next specialism.
The Diploma in Abnormal Psychology is assessed through one written assignment of approximately 1,500 words and a final quiz. You submit your assignment through the online learning platform, and Dr. John Crimmins provides personalised feedback.
Dr. John Crimmins (PhD) personally reviews, grades, and provides constructive feedback on every assignment submitted.
We recognize that our students lead busy, complex lives. Our programs are designed with maximum flexibility. If you need to step away, simply send us an email and we will facilitate a break in your studies at no extra cost.
Yes. All diplomas are fully accredited by the CPD Certification Service in London UK. ensuring the hours spent studying contribute toward your professional development and credentials.
No. At the Behaviour Institute, we value real-life experience just as much as a school certificate. Our students come from all walks of life—some are looking for a completely fresh start, while others already have a Master’s degree. We’ve designed these courses to be easy to follow for beginners, but deep enough to keep experts interested. Your past doesn’t define your potential here; if you’re ready to learn, you’re ready to enroll.
When you complete the course with either Pass or Distinction you will be entitled to obtain your Diploma Certificate. The Diploma is emailed to your registered email address within one week.
Diploma in Abnormal Psychology
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CPD-Accredited Online Diploma
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Diploma Certificate on Completion
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Tutorial Support from Dr. John Crimmins
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Flexible, Self-Paced Study




