Psychology

The course ensures that students have a deep understanding of the key studies in psychology which form the basis for contemporary research. It presents a wide variety of perspectives that have led to the ways in which the subject has developed over time and we will critique each approach. You will also learn how research projects are conducted based on the same skills used at university level and, in turn, implement those same skills within your own projects during the course.

Psychology is taught through three different modules: Research Methods Students will understand how research is carried out, how to ensure it is carried out professionally, how each strand of their resulting data might be related and therefore, how their results might be interpreted and how all of this helps us better understand the subject. Psychological Themes We begin by understanding the key perspectives on the subject and some of the research that still forms the basis of contemporary research. For example, why are we violent? How is this linked to our childhood? Do internal biological mechanisms in which the brain operates actually control how we think and feel about things? How have these perspectives changed over time and do we still think they have relevance now? Applied Psychology Students start with looking at issues in mental health, but then can take their own direction in two options they want to develop further. You might want to look at how children develop from birth, not only in how they see the world, but also how they physically interact with it. Crime might be your passion, so taking this option looks at why we commit crimes, how the policing and the law is influenced by psychology and what we can do to prevent crime. Similarly, you might have an interest in the environment, which looks at how what is around us can influence our behaviour. You might want to examine how sports and performance can be enhanced through using psychological research and training.

5 grade 6s at GCSE including Maths, a Science and English.

Psychology provides an introduction to many of the key themes and topics taught at university. Students go on to careers in education, policing, law, social work and the health service.