Psychology

Art Department

This course emphasises flexibility, personalisation, and skill application. It offers students a comprehensive understanding of psychology, focusing on analysing psychological explanations for individual and social behaviours. Through the course, candidates explore how thoughts and emotions influence actions, using psychological theories, concepts, and research methods to examine behavioural influences. The course also highlights the ethical aspects of research, enhancing critical thinking, reasoning, communication, and numeracy skills.

Assessment

The course is based on a two-hour exam worth 66% of the overall mark and a research assignment which is worth 33%.

The exam is based on three topics covered in class, two mandatory topics - Sleep and Dreams and Conformity and Obedience and another optional topic of the teacher's choosing. Each topic has a section worth 20 marks.

Ideal Candidate

Suitable for anyone interested in the human mind and behaviour, the course does not require prior psychology knowledge. The class is limited to senior pupils in S6 with a good level of English.

What you will learn

Understanding Individual Behavior: Students explore why people behave the way they do by looking into Sleep and Dreams. They learn about psychological theories and research that explain why we sleep and dream, and they apply these theories to better understand how a person thinks and acts.

Exploring Social Behavior: Students investigate how our interactions with others shape our behavior in social settings. They delve into psychological explanations for why we conform and obey (or not) and why we act the way we do around friends, family, and strangers. By using research findings, they will study everyday social situations and behaviours.

Research Skills: Students get to know the research process and various methods used in psychology. They develop important skills for conducting and evaluating research, including working with numbers and understanding psychological terms. Although there isn't a separate exam section for research, related questions can pop up anywhere in the exam. Plus, students will carry out their own research projects as part of their assignments.

Further Pathways

A career in psychology presents a wide range of opportunities. Typically, students begin their journey by obtaining a Bachelor's degree in psychology. With this foundational knowledge, graduates can explore various entry-level roles in sectors such as human resources, market research, or social services.

For those aiming for specialised positions, further education is often necessary. A Master's degree or a Doctorate is generally required for advanced careers. Clinical psychologists, for instance, must earn a Ph.D. or Psy.D. and obtain appropriate licensing to diagnose and treat mental health conditions.

For individuals drawn to research, pursuing a PhD in fields like experimental psychology or cognitive neuroscience can open doors to academic and research-based careers. Other specialised areas within psychology include forensic psychology, organisational psychology, and health psychology, each offering unique opportunities to make a meaningful impact on individuals and communities.