IB Psychology sits inside the teaching group of Individuals and Society.

The aims of the psychology course are for students to:

• Develop knowledge and understanding of psychological concepts, content and contexts including models and theories

• Think critically and creatively about behaviour and cognitive processes

• Engage with problems facing individuals, groups and societies using psychological understanding and skills.

The course is taught via the contexts (Health and Wellbeing, Human Development, Human Relationships, Learning and Cognition), and the concepts and content are embedded throughout.

The internal assessment will require SL and HL students to create a research proposal to investigate a topic with a population of interest. Reading empirical research and everyday claims in the media are opportunities to identify concepts and further the knowledge of psychological content applied within a context. Students will be required to think critically about data analysis and interpretation in psychological research and everyday claims (for example, in social media). HL students will have the opportunity to study four extensions: the role of culture, motivation and technology in shaping human behaviour, and data analysis and interpretation.

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Taught in: Year 12 & 13
Course Title: Applied Psychology 
Exam Board: Pearson  
Qualification: BTEC National Level 3 Extended Certificate

About the course 

This study programme is a two-year course and is equivalent to one A Level. It consists of three mandatory units and one optional unit, the content of which has been designed to ensure it supports learners with a keen interest in working in Psychology. It has been designed to support learner’s progression to higher education and employment. Universities recognise the research skills and the understanding of human behaviour that a Psychology qualification brings. Psychology forms a large part of several degree courses including nursing and healthcare, social work, teaching, criminal justice, sports science and business studies. 
 

• The units you will be studying are: 
• Psychological approaches and applications (Biological, Social, Learning and Cognitive) 
• Conducting Psychological Research 
• Health Psychology 
• Introduction to Psychopathology. 

 
Structure 

Unit 1:  Psychology Approaches and Application  

In this unit learners explore 4 key approaches in Psychology – social, cognitive, learning and biological and will apply them to contemporary issues in society. Learners will apply their knowledge of psychological research and concept to the three issues of aggression, consumer behaviour and gender.  

Section A: Gender 

Application of four key approaches in Psychology and their related research to gender 

Section B: Consumer Behaviour 

Application of four key approaches in Psychology and their related research to consumer behaviour  

Section C: Aggression 

Application of four key approaches in Psychology and their related research to aggression 

Contribution to final grade: 25% 

How it is assessed: 1 ½ hour written exam 

Unit 2:  Conducting Psychological Research Methods 

Learners develop knowledge, understanding and skills in the scientific process and in psychological research methodology through planning and conducting their own pilot study research project. This element of the qualification would give learners a distinct advantage if they intend to study social science in Higher Education. 

Contribution to final grade: 25% 

How it is assessed: Internal Assessment.  

Unit 3:  Health Psychology 

How is stress linked to illness? Why do people become addicted to behaviours or substances? Which factors influence whether people engage in healthy or unhealthy behaviours? These are the questions addressed by Health Psychologists, who are interested in how psychological and physiological factors affect health and ill-health. In this unit you will explore psychological concepts and research into stress and addiction. This unit explores the motivation behind healthy and unhealthy behaviours and the factors that might persuade individuals to finally change a behaviour or to follow the advice given by medical professionals. 

Section A: Physiological Addiction 

Application of Psychological approaches and research to physiological addiction 

Section B: Stress 

Application of psychological approaches and research to stress 

Section C: Behavioural Addiction  

Application of psychological approaches and research to behavioural addiction 

Contribution to final grade: 33% 

How it is assessed: 2 hour written exam 

Unit 6:  Introduction to Psychopathology 

The study of psychopathology explores the nature and causes of mental disorders that have their roots in social, genetic or psychological explanations. This unit explores the essential knowledge and skills used by professionals who support those experiencing mental health problems. In this unit, learners will examine modern approaches to defining psychopathology and the changing attitudes to treatment, from ancient beliefs through to the advent of confinement in asylums and to modern community care practices. Learners will study the types and characteristics of different mental disorders and the factors that can cause mental ill health, exploring the approaches adopted by professionals when treating mental disorders. 

Contribution to final grade: 17%  

How it is assessed: Internally assessed.  

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