About this course
This course is ideal for learners who wish to learn more about the science of the mind and human behaviour. The course explores different psychological schools of thought to explain how individual behaviour can be influenced by a range of different factors. In Year 1, learners will cover a broad range of topics in Psychology such as Cognitive, Social, Developmental and Psychopathology whilst in Year 2, learners get to look in depth at topics such as Schizophrenia and Forensic Psychology. Research methods and approaches will be core modules throughout the course that are vital to success. You could complement your studies with additional activities including Social Action Society, Debating or by preparing for a career in medicine by joining the aspire and MDV programme.
What will you learn?
Social Influence: This approach will include types of conformity, explanations for obedience and resistance to social influence.
Memory: This is part of Cognitive psychology. Cognitive psychologists are concerned with the internal processes of the mind of which memory is one. Learners will have the opportunity to take part in numerous memory experiments and tests in order to develop understanding of types and functions of memory. This will include explanations for forgetting and factors affecting the accuracy of eyewitness testimony.
Attachment: Developmental psychology focuses on the behaviour of infants from birth through to adulthood. This includes explanations of attachment and how attachments vary across the globe. Learners will have the opportunity to study key case studies of deprivation and the effects of institutionalisation.
Biopsychology: Topics include the division of the nervous system. The structure and function of sensory, relay and motor neurons and the process of synaptic transmission. Learners will also study the function of the endocrine system and the fight or flight response.
Clinical psychology and Mental Health: This includes definitions of mental health. Disorders including phobias, depression and OCD, explained from different psychological perspectives and their corresponding treatments.
Research Methods: Students will learn scientific processes and techniques of data handling and analysis.
Issues and debates: The nature/nurture debate
Gender: The role of gender and gender development
Schizophrenia: Classification, diagnosis and treatment
Forensic psychology: Defining crime, explaining criminal behaviour and dealing with offending behaviour
Who is this course aimed at?
This course is aimed at students who:
Like science and are open-minded and interested in the world around them
Have an analytic mind and want to understand the reasons for behaviour using a scientific approach
Aim to work in practically any career where other people are involved
Are prepared to look beneath the surface of any claim/debate
Are willing to read ahead in preparation for class activities and work to weekly deadlines
Wish to progress in employment areas such as Medicine, Psychology, Teaching, Social Work, Counselling or the Police.
GCSE English, Maths and Biology at Grade 5 or above with an interest in current affairs and an average points score of 5 or above.
This course is assessed by exams.
Numeracy
Analysis
Evaluation
Problem Solving
Literacy
Organisation
Time management
Meeting deadlines
Resilience
Practice
Academic writing
Progression routes
Psychologist
Medicine (Doctor/Nursing/Biomed)
Speech and Language Therapist
Counsellor
Social Work
Teacher
Criminal Justice System
Related Courses
Looking for something that works well with this course? Here are some related courses to consider.
Criminology
Biology
