PSYCHOLOGY BTEC
Course leader: Mr R Tuffin
BTEC Level 3 Extended Certificate in Applied Psychology
Aims of the course:
Learners will explore four key approaches in psychology – social, cognitive, learning and biological – and apply these approaches to issues relevant to contemporary society as well as develop knowledge, understanding and skills in the scientific process and in psychological research methodology through their own psychological research project.
In the second year of study, learners will explore psychological approaches and theories related to lifestyle choices, unhealthy behaviours and behavioural change. Optional units will allow learners to either explore different theories used to explain criminal behaviour and the application of criminal and forensic psychology in the criminal justice system or, develop knowledge of psychopathology, types and characteristics of mental disorders and approaches to treatment, and the role of professionals in supporting and promoting mental health.
What are lessons like?
Lessons are varied and activities are chosen to suit the Unit. You can expect to experience the following during the course of the full two year programme:
- Observations - Group work - Presentations
- Timed response - Essays
- Practical investigations - Internet research - Interactive quizzes
Year 12 Topics |
Unit 1 Psychological Approaches and Applications (Mandatory – External assessment) Unit 2 Conducting Psychological Research (Mandatory and Synoptic – Internal) |
Year 13 Topics |
Unit 3 Health Psychology (Mandatory – External) And either: Criminal and Forensic Psychology OR (Internal) Introduction to Psychopathology |
How you will be assessed:
Year 12 |
|
Unit 1 Psychological Approaches and Applications |
Written examination of 1.5 hours, set and marked by Pearson. |
Unit 2 Conducting Psychological Research |
Coursework marked internally and then moderated. Unit is assessed using a grading scale of Distinction (D), Merit (M), Pass (P), and Unclassified (U). |
Year 13 |
|
Unit 3 Health Psychology |
Written examination of 2 hours, set and marked by Pearson. |
Option - Criminal and Forensic Psychology OR Introduction to Psychopathology |
Coursework marked internally and then moderated. Unit is assessed using a grading scale of Distinction (D), Merit (M), Pass (P), and Unclassified (U). |
Cost of the course:
Access to textbooks and required resources will be provided by the college.
Recommended Prior Learning:
5 good passes at GCSE including Maths and English.
Where can this course lead to?
The qualification carries UCAS points and is recognised by higher education providers as contributing to admission requirements to many relevant applied psychology courses.
When combined with other qualifications within a two-year study programme, such as AS/A Levels or a BTEC National Foundation Diploma or Diploma in a complementary sector, you can progress to higher education to qualifications such as a:
• a BSc (Hons) in Occupational Health if taken alongside, for example, a Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Diploma in Health and Social Care
• a BSc in Education and Child Psychology if taken alongside, for example, a Pearson BTEC Level 3 Extended Certificate in Health and Social Care and an A Level in Biology
• a BSc (Hons) in Sport Psychology if taken alongside, for example, a Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Diploma in Sport and Exercise Science
• a BSc in Forensic and Criminal Psychology if taken alongside, for example, a Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Diploma in Forensic and Criminal Investigation
Why choose to study Psychology at St Mary’s?
Over the last 5 years Psychology has consistently been a top performing A Level at St Mary’s College. Throughout the course you will develop a basic level of understanding of the field of psychology through the use of varied teaching and learning approaches. Ranging from traditional teaching methods, you will also have the opportunity to conduct your own research. Group work plays an important part during the course and visits to places such as the local court also provide practical experiences of this applied science. Above all Psychology offers you a chance to gain answers to questions that all of us consider throughout life – why we behave like we do and what influences our behaviour.