BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate

The qualification covers key areas of psychological theory and concepts, combined with the opportunity to design and carry out a small-scale research project.  Its applied element also looks at the everyday use and application of psychological theory, exploring current issues such as gender identity, aggression in society, mental health and advertising.

This qualification has four components with a mixture of internally assessed coursework, practical work and external examinations

Year 1
Unit 1:  Psychological Approaches and Applications – 25% of marks, externally assessed
Unit 2:  Conducting Psychological Research – 25% of marks, internally assessed

Year 2
Unit 3:  Health Psychology – 33.3% of marks, externally assessed
Unit 4:  Introduction to Psychopathology – 16.7% of marks, internally assessed

Assessment (Exam Board – Pearson)
External assessment is through 2 written exams with a mixture of short and long answer questions (1.5 hrs and 2 hrs)

Internal assessment is through the completion and written report of research projects.

Entry Requirements
To study this course students would normally be expected to achieve 7 Higher Grades including:

• Grade 4 or above for Maths
• Grade 4 or above for English
• Grade 4 or above for other GCSE subjects
• 1 BTEC (or equivalent) at Merit or above may be included within the 7 grades

Further Information

Tom Watkins
Subject Lead for Psychology/Sociology/Politics
Send an email