Exam board
How is this subject examined?
Examined via three papers:
- Paper 1 – Introductory topics in Psychology, 2 hrs, 96 marks, 33.3% of course.
- Paper 2 – Psychology in context, 2 hrs, 96 marks, 33.3% of course.
- Paper 3 – Issues and options in Psychology. 2 hrs, 96 marks, 33.3% of course.
What is this course about? Why study this subject?
Psychology is the scientific study of the mind and human behaviour. This course will help you gain a comprehensive understanding of Psychology, its practical applications, and impact on society. If you are considering studying Psychology, you need to be curious about delving into questions such as: ‘How does memory work?’, ‘What causes phobias?’, ‘How can abstract concepts be investigated?’ By studying Psychology, you will develop subject specific and transferable skills, including drawing meaning from data where you will build analytical skills to interpret data, as well as enhancing critical thinking through the evaluation of published studies.
Where can this course take you?
Psychology is a broad scientific discipline and the British Psychological Society offers accredited postgraduate training programmes in the following areas: clinical psychology, counselling psychology, educational psychology, forensic psychology, health psychology, neuropsychology, occupational psychology and sport psychology. Psychology provides students with important transferable skills that are attractive in many disciplines outside of Psychology including law, consulting, human resources, accountancy and more.
Minimum GCSE grades: 6-9 in Biology, or 6-6 in Combined Science.
Complementary subjects:
- As Psychology involves data analysis, it complements Biology, Mathematics, Geography and Economics.
- As Psychology involves extended writing, it complements History, English Literature and Sociology.
How we elevate beyond the specification
- Every lesson ‘stretch’ private study is set in the form of wider reading i.e. a journal article from ‘the psychologist’.
- Two planned opportunities each half-term such as online conferences, degree level lectures, essay competitions etc.