BTEC Applied Psychology – Extended Certificate
Overview:
BTEC Applied Psychology enables students to explore how psychological theories and research are applied in real-world contexts. Students study how people think, behave, and interact, and how psychological knowledge is used in areas such as health, education, and the workplace.
Across the course, students develop skills in research, analysis, evaluation, and practical application. The qualification places a strong emphasis on independent learning, written communication, and applied assessment, preparing students for university study, apprenticeships, or employment in psychology-related fields.
Teaching staff:
- Miss A Hanson
Year 12
Summary of curriculum:
In Year 12, students are introduced to the foundations of applied psychology. They develop an understanding of core psychological concepts, research methods, and ethical issues, while learning how psychology is used to explain and support human behaviour in everyday and professional settings.
Main Topics:
- Unit 1: Psychological Approaches and Applications – Key approaches in psychology (including behaviourist, cognitive, biological and social), research methods, ethics, and applications of psychological theory to the topics of aggression, gender and consumer beahviour.
Unit 3: Health Psychology – The role of psychology in health, illness, addiction, stress, and behaviour change.
Assessment throughout the year:
- Low-stakes knowledge checks
- Extended Writes
- End of topic assessments
- PPE-style assessments
How parents/carers can support their child’s learning:
- Discuss real-world applications of psychology
• Support organisation and meeting assignment deadlines
• Encourage independent reading and revision of key terminology
Character enrichment opportunities:
- Analytical and evaluative thinking
• Ethical awareness and responsibility
• Confidence in academic and applied written communication
Year 13
Summary of curriculum:
In Year 13, students build on their knowledge of psychological theory and research by applying it to more complex and specialised areas. Students develop greater independence in managing coursework, synthesising research, and evaluating psychological applications in preparation for progression beyond sixth form.
Main Topics:
- Unit 2: Conducting Psychological Research – Planning research, data collection methods, analysis of data, and evaluation of research findings.
Unit 6: Introduction to Psychopathology – Looking at various ways of defining mental disorders and the development of psychopathology over time. Independent research on the classification, causes and treatments of one mental health disorder and the role of mental health professionals in treatment
Assessment throughout the year:
How parents/carers can support their child’s learning:
Research reports and coursework based assignments
Internal assessments- Assignment deadlines aligned with BTEC assessment criteria
- Encourage effective time management and independent study
• Support revision for externally assessed units
• Discuss ethical and applied issues in psychology
Character enrichment opportunities:
- Independent learning and self-management
• Ethical decision-making and empathy
• Confidence in applied research and professional communication
Subject contact:
Anita Hanson
ahanson@darlaston.graceacademy.org.uk
