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Life & Health Sciences

Staff

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Mrs G Craig BSC GTP

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BTEC Applied Psychology Extended Certificate

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Why Study Applied Psychology?

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Psychology is the scientific study of mind and behaviour, and it is a fundamental part of our everyday lives. This course allows you to gain a clear insight into how and why certain behaviours occur, from social interactions to internal biological processes.

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  • Engaging Content: Explore four key approaches—social, cognitive, learning, and biological—and apply them to contemporary issues like aggression, gender, and consumer behaviour.

  • Practical Application: Unlike purely theoretical courses, this BTEC focus is on applied learning, where you develop the interpersonal and thinking skills required for both higher education and employment.

  • Scientific Rigour: You will learn about the scientific process, including how to collect and analyse primary data to describe, explain, and predict human phenomena.

  • Future Opportunities: This qualification is a "passport to success," recognized by over 150 UK universities and valued by employers for developing work-ready skills like teamwork and research.

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Course Structure

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The Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate consists of four units

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​Year 13

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  • Unit 1: Psychological Approaches and Applications - Explore how different psychological perspectives explain human interaction and contemporary societal issues.

  • Unit 2: Conducting Psychological Research - Develop your own research project, learning to plan, conduct, and analyse a pilot study while considering ethical guidelines.

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Year 14

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  • Unit 3: Health Psychology - Examine the psychological and physiological factors behind lifestyle choices, stress, and addiction, and how to promote positive behavioural change. 

  • Unit 6: Introduction to Psychopathology - In this unit of coursework, learners will develop practical and evaluation skills as they explore how mental health disorders are understood, explained and treated.

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Who should study Applied Psychology?

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This subject is ideal for students who are curious about why people behave the way they do, enjoy applied learning and real-world examples, like carrying out research and analysing information and want to develop skills useful for university and the workplace

 

Recommended qualities and interests include:

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  • An Enquiring Mind: A desire to understand the deeper reasons behind human actions, such as why people become addicted or how they manage stress.

  • Research Interest: A willingness to engage in the scientific process, involving objective, empirical evidence and data analysis.

  • Self-Management: The ability to work autonomously, manage deadlines, and stay organised while maintaining a portfolio of assignments.

  • Ethical Awareness: An understanding of the importance of discretion, confidentiality, and professional codes of conduct when working with human participants.

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You might enjoy Applied Psychology if... You also enjoyed subjects like Biology/Science, Child Development, Health and Social Care, or PE, and you are interested in applying scientific theories to real-world vocational contexts.

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Assessment in Applied Psychology EXAM BOARD: PEARSON BTEC

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The course is assessed through a combination of external examinations (58%) and internal assignments.

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  • Unit 1: Psychological Approaches and Applications- External Written Exam (1.5 hours) – 90 GLH.

  • Unit 2: Conducting Psychological Research-  Internal Research Project (Synoptic) – 90 GLH.

  • Unit 3: Health Psychology- External Written Exam (2 hours) – 120 GLH.

  • Unit 6: Introduction to Psychopathology- Internal Assignment – 60 GLH.

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Note: Internal assessments include written reports, research findings, and extended projects. All examination papers are a combination of short, structured answers and extended writing questions.

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Career Options

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The study of applied psychology provides a foundation for many professional sectors including:

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  • Healthcare: Nursing, Midwifery, and Social Care.

  • Criminal Justice: Law Enforcement, Probation Services, and Offender Management.

  • Education: Teaching, Educational Psychology, and Childcare.

  • Business: Marketing, Consumer Research, and Human Resources.

  • Sports: Sports Coaching and Performance Consultation.

  • Clinical Services: Mental Health Support and Talking Therapies.

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