Applied Psychology (BTEC)

Course content and assessment

This course provides a broad basis of Psychological study through applied learning equating to one A Level which can be combined with studying other A Levels or BTECs. Three compulsory units are studied over two years (Psychological Approaches and Applications, Conducting Psychological Research, Health Psychology) and, in addition, one optional unit is studied (from a choice of Crime, Child, Psychopathology or Sport) with assessments following.

The BTEC brings together knowledge and understanding (the cognitive domain) with practical and technical skills (the psychomotor domain). This is achieved through learners performing vocational tasks that encourage the development of appropriate vocational behaviours (the affective domain) and transferable skills. Transferable skills are those such as communication, teamwork and research and analysis, which are valued in both higher education and the workplace.

Assessment is carried out both internally via case studies, practical write ups, or projects and externally through formal examinations.

Entry Requirements

Students must have a genuine interest in Psychology and an ability to manage regular deadlines in order to satisfy the requirements of the continual assessment in the course.

As with the A Level, a good level of spoken and written English is necessary for success.

Course Offered

Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate

Facilities and staff

The Psychology Department is located in the Fyffe Centre which has both excellent facilities and spectacular views across the Close. The department has two classrooms, each of which is equipped with interactive whiteboards. There is a wide range of resources, including Psychology books, magazines and DVDs.

The Psychology Department has two members of staff, with each class being taught by both teachers to ensure a diversity of skills and teaching styles.

Additional features

The Psychology Society meets roughly every third week and is largely student run; students are invited to present on a psychological topic of their choice and these are encouraged to be outside the syllabus so that students can gain an insight into how Psychology functions in the wider world.

As a department we have run several trips including visits to the Phobia Clinic at Bristol Zoo, university conferences and workshops at Bristol University.

The Psychology Department also offers regular revision clinics in the Lent and Summer Terms. These clinics help by offering extra support to those who require it but also develop the general written and analytical skills that students of all abilities should possess.

What subjects does Psychology combine with?

Psychology is taught as a science and therefore combines well with other science subjects. However, due to its written and analytical components, it also combines well with both creative subjects and the humanities. It is for this reason that Psychology is well regarded by universities.

Potential careers

Clinical psychologist, forensic psychologist, occupational psychologist, sports psychologist, health care professional, counsellor, researcher, teacher/ lecturer, human resources, business analyst, recruitment consultant, media, marketing.

“Studying Psychology will also help you to develop skills that will be beneficial to your other subjects.”

Susannah Griffin Head of Psychology