Applied Psychology (BTEC National Extended Certificate Edexcel)

Wolfreton Sixth Form College

Who is the course aimed at?

Psychology is a popular subject, interesting to those who:

• Would like to understand more about what and why individuals behave as we do

• Are keen to learn about psychology as the scientific study of mind and behaviour

• Wish to develop the key skills of analysis, evaluation and application of research

The BTEC National Extended Certificate in Applied Psychology is equivalent to one A Level.

What will you learn?

You will study three mandatory units to complete this course:

• Psychological Approaches and Applications: You will explore four key approaches in psychology - social, cognitive, learning and biological - and apply these to issues relevant to contemporary society.

• Conducting Psychological Research: You will develop knowledge, understanding and skills in the scientific process and in psychological research methodology through completing your own psychological research project.

• Health Psychology: You will explore psychological approaches, theories and studies related to lifestyle choices, unhealthy behaviours and behavioural change, linking them to their specific contexts.

In addition, an optional unit must be completed from the following:

• Criminal and Forensic Psychology
• Promoting Children's Psychological Development
• Introduction to Psychopathology
• Applied Sport Psychology  

The course content will enable you to concentrate on the development of your knowledge and understanding of psychology, as well as the application of skills that are important in this subject area.  

How will you be assessed?

Assessment is as follows:

• Psychological Approaches and Applications: Written exam 1.5 hours, externally marked / 90 Guided Learning Hours (GLH)

• Conducting Psychological Research: Coursework, internally assessed / 90 GLH

• Health Psychology: Written exam 2 hours, externally marked / 120 GLH

• Optional Unit: Coursework, internally assessed / 60 GLH

How will you learn?

• Taking part in discussions and debates
• Group and pairs work
• Some teacher led activities
• Practical research - Plan and conduct experiments and then analyse data to draw conclusions
• Giving presentations about researched material
• Taking part in debate and discussion
• Variety of video and films
• Examination questions, mark schemes and past papers

Enrichment activities and independent learning?

Students will be expected to conduct four pieces of independent research and produce a report for each.

What or where next?

Future opportunities for work in the field of psychology involve:

Clinical psychology, counselling psychology, educational psychology, forensic psychology, health psychology, neuropsychology, occupational psychology, sport and exercise psychology, teaching and research.

Other careers for which psychology will be useful:

Nursing and other medical related careers, teaching, the police force and journalism.

More information

For more information about this course please see the specification below or contact the sixth form team.