Psychology

BTEC / 2 year Course / Pearson

Psychology is the scientific study of the human mind and behaviour: how we think, feel, act and interact individually and in groups. Psychologists will study human behaviour by observing, measuring and testing, resulting in conclusions about the motivations underlying behaviour which are rooted in scientific methodology. Psychology is a thriving academic discipline and a vital professional practice.

More On This Course

The course covers a range of key psychological concepts and methodologies, providing students with a deep understanding of human behaviour and the application of psychological theories in real-world contexts.

Units Overview:

Unit 1 – Psychological Approaches and Applications: Students explore key psychological approaches, including cognitive, social, biological, and behaviourist/social learning theories, and their real-life applications.
Unit 2 – Conducting Psychological Research: Learners develop practical skills in conducting psychological research, including designing and carrying out their own research project.
Unit 3 – Health Psychology: This unit examines psychological theories related to lifestyle choices, unhealthy behaviours, and strategies for behavioural change in various contexts.
Unit 6 – Introduction to Psychopathology: Students gain an understanding of mental health disorders, their causes, symptoms, and treatment, while exploring the diagnostic and classification systems used in psychopathology.

Teaching and Learning Methods

Students will be taught by specialist teachers and will learn through a variety of methods, but there will be a focus on application and analysis of information, good essay-writing skills and the ability to evaluate between competing psychological approaches in the external assessed units. In the internal assessed units, students will also be required to become familiar with a wide range of psychological studies and research methods. Additionally, students will develop knowledge, understanding and skills in the scientific process and in psychological research methodology through their own psychological research project.

Assessment

The course is designed to provide students with both theoretical knowledge and practical research skills, assessed through a combination of exams and coursework across the two-year program.

Year 12:

Unit 1 – Psychological Approaches and Applications: Externally assessed through an examination (90 GLH).
Unit 2 – Conducting Psychological Research: Internally assessed through coursework (90 GLH).

Year 13:

Unit 3 – Health Psychology: Externally assessed through an examination (120 GLH).
Unit 6 – Introduction to Psychopathology: Internally assessed through coursework (60 GLH).

Skills and Careers Insight

Studying BTEC Psychology equips you with highly transferable skills such as critical thinking, research and data analysis, communication, and problem-solving, all essential in today’s job market. You'll gain a deep understanding of human behaviour, decision-making, and mental health, making you a valuable asset in industries like healthcare, business, law enforcement, education, and social work. Career opportunities range from mental health support, HR, and market research to forensic psychology, social work, and teaching. Whether you want to pursue further study in psychology or step straight into a people-focused career, BTEC Psychology opens doors to a wide range of fulfilling and impactful professions.

Labour Market Information

Subject Combination

BTEC Psychology complements subjects like Criminology, Health and Social Care, Law, Sport, and Mathematical Studies by exploring human behaviour, mental processes, and their impact on social issues, health, legal systems, and performance, while also providing analytical skills useful for data interpretation and problem-solving.

Criminology

Health and Social Care Diploma

Law

Sport Single

Mathematical Studies

Student Testimonials

What do our students think about studying here?

I really enjoy psychology, both the content and lessons, and have really progressed during my time here at Durham Sixth Form Centre. I aim to go to university to study Criminal Psychology.

Samantha Barella

Former DSFC Student from Biddick Academy

Psychology is a good subject to study because it increases your understanding of human behaviour. We learn about a large variety of topics, so if you are planning to study criminology, biology, sociology, health and social care, then psychology will definitely link. We learn a lot about memory, so we essentially learn how to remember things better! This helps in every subject and teaches us the best ways to revise.

Ellie Davis

Former DSFC Student from Framwellgate School Durham

I think the best thing about Durham Sixth Form Centre is the fact that it’s a mature environment and it gives you the independence you need.

Sam Henig

Previous school - Wellfield School

I think Durham Sixth Form Centre is a perfect choice because the lessons are well planned and there is a brilliant balance between independent learning and support from all teachers.

Hannah Warwick

Previous school - Hermitage Academy

When I was in Year 11, the biggest worry for me was the transitional period between Year 11 and Year 12. But the support and the teachers made this so much smoother for me moving from my secondary school to Durham Sixth Form Centre.

Jenni Fairish

Previous school - Whitworth Park Academy

The atmosphere and quality of teaching at Durham Sixth Form Centre is very impressive and you can see a great deal of passion from the educators, which is something I believe is very important.

Logan Aitchinson

Previous school - Park View School