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Applied Psychology (Post 16)

Curriculum Intent

Why is it important to study Psychology? Psychology studies allow us to acquire a variety of different skills ranging from the behaviour observed to the physiology of the brain. The aim is to understand how the human mind works and how it allows the implementation of different behaviours in different situations. 

Overall, psychologists assess, diagnose, and treat the psychological problems and the behavioural dysfunctions resulting from, or related to physical and mental health. In addition, they play a major role in the promotion of healthy behaviour, preventing diseases and improving quality of life. 

curriculum sequence map

Psychology is the study of the relationship between behaviour, performance and mental processes. Applied psychology is the application of this knowledge to understand events such as treating mental health issues, improving sporting performance, understanding how children develop and how to treat criminals. There is a wide range of possible employment opportunities following further study at degree level. 

Applied Psychology helps you understand yourself and other people by learning about aspects of human behaviour that will help you in daily life. You will develop knowledge and understanding of key approaches and theories in psychology and apply these to issues relevant to contemporary society, for example lifestyle choices and unhealthy behaviours such as addiction. You will learn about the types and characteristics of mental disorders, approaches to treatment, and the role of professionals in supporting and promoting mental health. In addition, skills will be developed to explore the scientific process in psychological research methodology through conducting your own psychological research pilot study. 

Within the Vocational Faculty, the aims of the Applied Psychology course are;

  • To develop subject specific knowledge
  • To develop your understanding of yourself and others
  • To increase pupil's awareness of their capabilities and an appreciation of individual differences
  • To gain a sense of achievement and develop positive attitudes towards yourself and others
  • To develop pupil’s communication skills
  • To develop the ability to research
  • To use cognitive skills to sustain an appreciation of psychological research through analysis and evaluation
  • To develop planning and organisational skills
  • To refine your critical thinking
  • To develop the ability to apply knowledge, skills and concepts appropriately and effectively in a variety of situations and to a variety of behaviours
  • To develop analytical and organisational skills and learn about scientific research methods, including collecting and working with data.

Curriculum Structure (overview)

Year 12Year 13

UNIT 1: PSYCHOLOGICAL APPROACHES AND APPLICATIONS – EXAM IN MAY 

  • Approaches and assumptions – Cognitive, Social, Biological and Behaviourist and Social Learning approaches
  • Key concepts – Cognitive, Social, Biological and Behaviourist and Social Learning key studies
  • Use of psychology to explain contemporary issues of aggression in society
  • Use of psychology in business to explain and influence consumer/employee behaviour
  • Application of psychology to explain gender identity
UNIT 2: CONDUCTING PSYCHOLOGICAL RESEARCH 

 

  • Understand Research Methods and their importance in Applied Psychology
  • Principles of research, key terms used in research and research processes
  • Review implications of reseacrh into psychological injury.
  • Review research process and finding and the implications into psychological injury                                                                                         
  • Research methods - qualitative research methods, quantitative research methods and mixed methods                                                                          
  • Plan research to investigate psychological questions
  • Developing research proposals
  • Carry out a pilot study to explore current issues in psychology
  • Data collection, data analysis and presenting findings to an audience                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                               
UNIT 6: INTRODUCTION TO PSYCHOPATHOLOGY 

 

  • Understand modern and historical concepts of Psychopathology in society
  • Examine causes, types and characteristics of mental disorders including personality disorders, non-suicidal self-injury, schizophrenia spectrum, psychotic disorders, phobias or anxiety disorders, depression, eating disorders and addiction
  • Explore professional approaches to the treatment of mental disorders
  • Research the signs and symptoms of one mental disorder, the casual factors and the approaches used by professionals in treating the disorder
UNIT 3: HEALTH PSYCHOLOGY - EXAM IN JANUARY

 

  • Psychological definition of health and ill-health, stress and addiction
  • Theories of stress, behavioural addiction and non-substance related addiction
  • Stress, behavioural addiction (gambling and shopping) and physiological addiction (smoking and alcohol)
  • Promotion of positive behavioural change - theories of persuasion
  • Treatment and management of addiction and stress
  • Maintenance of behavioural change

 

Careers

A BTEC National Extended Certificate in Applied Psychology develops the skills, knowledge and understanding needed to progress into a variety of careers or on to Higher Education at University. 

The following are some examples of the wide range of psychology jobs that are available; 

  • Clinical Psychologist
  • Counsellor
  • Educational Psychologist
  • Sports Psychologist
  • Forensic Psychologist
  • Health Psychologist
  • Occupational Psychologist
  • Child Psychologist
  • Criminal Psychologist
  • Psychological well-being practitioner
  • Therapist
  • Psychotherapist

Psychology can also be useful in a variety of jobs including;

  • Careers advisor
  • Border Force Officer
  • Play therapist
  • Mediator
  • Special Educational Needs Officer
  • Detective
  • Chaplain
  • Advice worker
  • Teacher

There are many websites dedicated to finding a career in Sport. Here are some examples;

The Guardian Jobs

https://jobs.theguardian.com/landingpage/2867373/jobs-psychology-html/

Jobs in Psychology

https://www.jobsinpsychology.co.uk/

Careers: Your journey in to Psychology

https://careers.bps.org.uk/

Useful Study Resources