Understanding human personality is central to effective psychological practice, personal development, and interpersonal relationships. The OSHAA 30-Hours Professional Diploma in Personality Theory offers an in-depth exploration of key personality models, frameworks, and applications, designed for those seeking to develop a comprehensive understanding of how personality influences behaviour, cognition, and emotion.
Personality theory provides a foundation for interpreting human motivation, behaviour patterns, and emotional responses. This professional diploma introduces participants to classical and contemporary personality theories, examining how they apply to real-world contexts such as mental health, education, workplace dynamics, and therapeutic settings. The course blends academic insight with practical relevance, equipping participants with a nuanced understanding of personality development, structure, and variation.
This 30-hour structured programme guides participants through the evolution of personality theory, from early psychoanalytic models to modern trait-based and cognitive-behavioural perspectives. It highlights the influence of biological, social, and environmental factors on personality and explores how different theoretical frameworks explain individual differences.
The OSHAA 30-Hours Professional Diploma in Personality Theory is designed with both theoretical depth and practical relevance in mind. It allows participants to explore the rich landscape of personality psychology while connecting those insights to everyday challenges in professional and personal settings. Delivered to UK academic and professional standards, this course offers a flexible and intellectually stimulating learning experience for those committed to understanding what makes us who we are.
The course opens the door to a deeper understanding of self and others—an essential step for anyone committed to making a meaningful difference in people’s lives.
OSHAA 30-Hours Professional Diploma in Personality Theory
Study Units
Learning Outcomes
Foundations and Historical Perspectives in Personality Theory (3 hours)
- Understand the origins and evolution of personality theory within psychology
- Identify key thinkers and foundational models in the study of personality
- Recognise how historical contexts shaped the development of major personality frameworks
- Build a foundational vocabulary for engaging with advanced personality concepts
Psychoanalytic and Neo-Freudian Approaches (4 hours)
- Explain the core ideas of Freud’s psychoanalytic theory, including the unconscious mind, defence mechanisms, and psychosexual development
- Evaluate the contributions of Neo-Freudian theorists such as Adler, Jung, and Horney
- Analyse the role of early childhood experiences in personality formation
- Compare traditional psychoanalytic ideas with modern adaptations in personality theory
Humanistic and Existential Theories of Personality (5 hours)
- Explore the key principles of humanistic theories, including self-actualisation and unconditional positive regard
- Understand existential views on personal responsibility, freedom, and meaning
- Discuss the contributions of Carl Rogers, Abraham Maslow, and Rollo May
- Apply humanistic and existential perspectives to case-based personality analysis
Trait and Type Theories: Eysenck, Cattell, and the Big Five (4 hours)
- Identify the structure and significance of trait and type theories in personality research
- Examine Eysenck’s dimensions of personality and Cattell’s 16 personality factors
- Understand the Five-Factor Model (Big Five) and its empirical foundations
- Apply trait theory to personality profiling and behavioural prediction
Behavioural and Social-Cognitive Perspectives (5 hours)
- Analyse how learning, conditioning, and reinforcement shape personality development
- Understand Bandura’s concept of reciprocal determinism and self-efficacy
- Explore the role of observational learning and environmental feedback in behaviour
- Evaluate behavioural and cognitive approaches through real-world examples
Biological, Genetic, and Evolutionary Influences on Personality (3 hours)
- Understand the role of genetics and neurobiology in shaping personality traits
- Discuss how evolutionary psychology explains personality differences
- Evaluate research linking temperament, brain function, and behaviour patterns
- Explore nature versus nurture debates within contemporary personality science
Personality Development Across the Lifespan (4 hours)
- Explore how personality changes and stabilises throughout different life stages
- Understand the influence of life transitions, relationships, and life events
- Examine Erikson’s psychosocial theory of development
- Discuss the interaction between personality traits and developmental tasks
Cultural, Social, and Environmental Impacts on Personality (2 hours)
- Identify how culture shapes values, behaviours, and personality expression
- Evaluate cross-cultural research on personality traits and assessments
- Understand the role of social environment and family systems in personality formation
- Discuss the implications of cultural bias in personality theories and testing
Course Benefits – OSHAA 30-Hours Professional Diploma in Personality Theory
- Gain a well-rounded understanding of major personality theories from classical to contemporary perspectives
- Develop the ability to critically analyse individual differences using psychological frameworks
- Enhance professional skills in counselling, coaching, education, or organisational development through personality insights
- Learn to apply personality theory to real-world contexts including mental health, personal development, and team dynamics
- Build knowledge of widely used personality assessment tools and psychometric instruments
- Strengthen communication and interpersonal understanding by recognising diverse personality structures
- Foster greater self-awareness and emotional intelligence for both personal and professional growth
- Explore the biological, social, and cultural influences that shape personality across the lifespan
- Receive a recognised diploma that adds value to careers in psychology, HR, social care, and behavioural research
- Establish a strong theoretical foundation for further academic study or advanced therapeutic training in psychology and related fields
The OSHAA 30-Hours Professional Diploma in Personality Theory is designed for participants who wish to deepen their understanding of human behaviour through the lens of psychological theory. It is particularly suited to:
- Participants working in counselling, psychotherapy, coaching, or psychology-related roles
- Professionals in education, training, or career development who support personal and academic growth
- Human resource specialists and organisational leaders interested in team dynamics and personality profiling
- Participants involved in social care, youth work, or community support roles
- Anyone with a strong interest in understanding how personality influences thought, emotion, and behaviour
- Participants preparing for further academic or professional qualifications in psychology or mental health
This course is ideal for those seeking to apply personality theory in practical, ethical, and culturally informed ways across personal, clinical, or professional settings.
