Level 3 Psychology

Course Summary

If you are interested in the reasons why people behave in the ways that they do, psychology may well be the course for you! If you do decide to study psychology, you will learn more about yourself and understand others better, as well as gaining an understanding of the ways in which psychology is relevant to our everyday lives.

Key Topics

Year 1: Students will be introduced to key themes and contemporary debates by exploring psychological theories and research. Examples of key themes include the influence of biology on our behaviour, how humans and animals learn, the reliability of eyewitness testimony, the influence of childhood experiences, and the psychology of happiness.

There is a strong emphasis on research methods and statistical analysis throughout the course. You will plan, conduct, analyse and report several pieces of practical research across a range of experimental and nonexperimental methodologies and techniques.

Year 2: In the second year you will have the opportunity to explore a choice of topics including addictive behaviours, autistic spectrum behaviours, bullying, criminal behaviours, stress, and schizophrenia. You will also study five controversies in psychology and how they present problems in understanding human and animal behaviour: cultural bias, ethics of research, use of animals in research, psychology as a science, and sexism in psychology.

Assessment

• 100% examinations

Enrichment Opportunities

Event days at local universities, guest speakers including lecturers and professionals from the field of psychology and mental health.

Progression

Progression routes: Employment or higher education in psychology, mental health, counselling or social work.

Potential university courses: BSc degree in Psychology, Mental Health Nursing, Social Work

Potential career paths: Clinical and Counselling Psychologist, Sports and Exercise Psychologist, Forensic Psychologist, Educational Psychologist, Life Coaching, Social Work, Uniformed Protective Services

Entry Requirements

• Five GCSEs at Grades 4 – 9, to include either Maths, Science or English at Grade 5 or above.