There are two routes when studying Psychology, either A-Level Psychology or an Applied General in Psychology.

Why Choose A-Level Psychology?

Psychology is the study of the human mind and behaviour. This course will introduce you to different theories and methods used in psychology, and will give you the chance to understand the ways in which psychologists explain human behaviour. As an A-Level psychology student, you will be concerned with explaining the reasons behind human behaviour. For instance, why do some people develop mental illness? Why do we attach with our parents? Why are people willing to inflict pain in the name of authority and obedience? If you have an analytical mind, and enjoy discussions incorporating science and mathematical skills, then this is the course for you.

What Will I Study and Learn?

A-Level psychology has been designed to provide candidates with an introduction to psychology. It will cover various approaches in psychology with an emphasis on practical implications and research methods. The content has been designed to inspire, nurture and develop learners.

Throughout this two-year course, learners will:

• Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of psychological ideas, processes, techniques and procedures.
• Apply the above in a theoretical and practical context, using both qualitative and quantitative data.
• Analyse, interpret and evaluate psychological information and evidence, making judgements and reaching conclusions.
• Develop and refine practical design and procedures.
• Develop a lifelong interest in psychological issues.

How is the Course Assessed?

You are assessed through three examinations at the end of the second year of your course. Each paper is worth 33.33% of your total A-Level.

• Paper 1: Introductory Topics in Psychology. Topics consist of Social Influence, Memory, Attachment and Psychopathology.
• Paper 2: Psychology in-context. Topics consist of Approaches in Psychology, Biopsychology and Research Methods.
• Paper 3: Issues and Options in Psychology. Topics consist of Issues and Debates, and one topic from each of the following sections:
• Relationships, Gender or Cognition and Development
• Schizophrenia, Eating Behaviour and Stress
• Aggression, Forensic Psychology and Addiction

Why Choose BTEC Applied Psychology?

This course has been designed to provide candidates with an introduction to psychology. It will cover various approaches in psychology with an emphasis on practical implications and research methods. You will explore the link between psychology and health, and the different theories used to explain criminal behaviour and the application of criminal and forensic psychology in the criminal justice system.

How is the Course Assessed?

Unit 1: Psychological Approaches and Applications (Written exam, 1.5 hours)

Develop an understanding of how psychological research and concepts can explain gender, aggression and consumer behaviour. Social psychology explains how human behaviour occurs in a social context and how people, society and culture can affect behaviour. Cognitive psychology focusses on human information processing and how it can influence, and be influenced by, perception and memory. The learning approach in psychology explains how behaviour is learnt from the world around us.

Unit 2: Conducting Psychological Research (Coursework/controlled assessment)

Learn about the importance of research in psychological enquiry and about the types of research that take place. Learn how to plan a pilot study exploring a current psychological topic, using qualitative and quantitative methods, and taking account of issues, such as ethics, that researchers need to consider when conducting research on human individuals.

Unit 3: Health Psychology (Written exam of 2 hours)

Use psychological approaches to examine specific behavioural and physiological addictions and to explain the reasons why it can be difficult to overcome these addictions. Study psychological theories that explain why individuals may experience high levels of stress, together with the physiological effects of stress and the impact on health. Explore how health psychologists can help improve health behaviours using psychological theories of persuasion.

Unit 4: Forensic Psychology

In this unit, you will examine all areas of criminal behaviour from the causes of crime; discovering whether there is a biological cause for offending or whether it is related to our upbringing and early childhood experiences. The treatment of offenders: Debating whether the prison system in the UK meets its aims of rehabilitation or whether other methods of punishment are seen to be more effective, such as restorative justice. How to approach catching offenders; looking at the different techniques used in the UK to profile and catch offenders are effective. Alongside this, you will be looking into real-life case studies of criminals such as Fred West. Ted Bundy and Jeffrey Dahmer.