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Applied Psychology

What is BTEC Applied Psychlogy?

Psychology is the scientific study of mind and behaviour. The Applied Psychology BTEC Level 3 Extended Certificate offers you thorough understanding in applying the principles and theories of psychology.

What Will You Study in Applied Psychology?

e course has 4 units that will be studied over 2 years

Year 12

Unit 1 – Psychological Approaches & Applications – externally assessed via a 90 minute exam

You will study the assumptions, some key concepts and research from:

Social approach
Cognitive approach
Biological approach
Learning approach
You will also apply these approaches to explain:

Aggression
Gender
Consumer behaviour
Unit 2 – Conducting Psychological Research – internally assessed via written assessment tasks

You will develop an understanding of the whole research process
You will learn about research methods and need to be able to describe and evaluate:
Quantitative methods of collecting data
Qualitative methods of collecting data
You will develop an understanding of

How to gather samples
How to conduct ethical research
You will learn how to analyse data

As part of your internal assessment you will be required to design, conduct and write up your own piece of Psychological Research

Year 13

Unit 3 – Health Psychology – externally assessed via a 2 hour exam

You will study:
Stress
Behavioural addiction (gambling & shopping)
Physiological addiction (alcohol & smoking)
Theories of persuasion
Treatment and management of stress and addiction
Unit 4 – Criminal and Forensic Psychology – internally assessed via written assessment tasks

You will learn about:

Different explanations for criminal behaviour including:
Biological
Individual differences
Socio-psychological
Dealing with crime
Offending profiling
Overall – External assessment = 58% internal assessment = 42%

What Next after Completing BTEC Applied Psychology?

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, you can progress to higher education to qualifications such as:

  • A BSc in Forensic and Criminal Psychology
  • BSc (Hons) in Occupational Health
  • A BSc in Education and Child Psychology
  • BSc (Hons) in Sport Psychology

(You should always check the entry requirements for degree programmes at specific higher education providers.)

What is the Exam Board for BTEC Applied Psychology?

Pearson

What is the Course Type for Applied Psychology?

BTEC Extended Certificate, this is equivalent to 1 A Level

What are the Entry Requirements for BTEC Applied Psychology?

At least five 4s at GCSE, including at least a grade 4 in English Language and Maths at GCSE

What Enrichment is on offer in this subject?

Psychology Society
Day trips / visits, for example, Think Forensic, Chester Zoo, Universities
Guest speakers, for example Sports Psychologist, Forensic Psychologist, Addiction workshop
Residential trips - 24/25 - London (3 days) & Vienna (3 days)

What other subjects go well with this subject?

Criminology, BTEC Applied Law, Sociology, Health & Social Care