GCSE Psychology

To make sure the course is right for you, we ask you to provide evidence of grades and/or achievements before enrolment can be completed.

Students who do not meet the entry criteria are expected to undertake diagnostic tests in literacy and/or number. You may also be asked to complete a written test in your chosen subject.

WHO IS THE COURSE FOR?
OPEN LEARNING is a way of studying by a 'non-traditional' method, where you can study at your own pace and fit in your learning with work and family commitments. It is ideal for anyone who is unable to attend classes on a regular basis. This course is perfect if you want to achieve a GCSE for further study, work or just out of interest

WHAT WILL I LEARN?
This course offers you the chance to find out more about our thought processes and how they translate into actions. You will be introduced to many key scientific skills and find out how to interpret the results, draw conclusions and write up reports. This course will help you:

• learn about the interdependence of individuals, groups, institutions and entire societies
• develop the ability to critically analyse the nature and source of psychological theories
• gain an understanding of social, developmental and cognitive psychological approaches
• learn about various different types of research methods and how to present results and theories

HOW WILL I LEARN?
The course has been written in a practical and interactive style with activities and self-check questions. The course materials are ?

• a study guide and student handbook containing valuable study skills advice
• a total of 6 units with 43 self-contained topics that are structured to help you learn
• an assignment guide to assist you in completing your 15 assignments
• a coursework guide to help you in planning and completing your coursework project
• a glossary and index so that you are never far from the information you need
• an exam book with important advice and guidance

WHAT CAN THIS COURSE LEAD TO?
AS Psychology

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Mode of study - open/distance learning.

Study time - each of the 43 topics is self-contained and takes about 1-2 hours of study time. If you intend to take the GCSE exam and plan on studying every topic, you will need to study for at least 3-5 hours per week for approximately 9 months. The course contains 15 assignments with advice on how and when to complete them. There is also a coursework project which you will need to complete if you wish to gain the GCSE qualification.

Duration - all GCSE subjects are studied over one academic year.

Start date - enrolment can take place anytime throughout the year but GCSE exams are set for May/June only. It is therefore a good idea to enrol at the earliest opportunity to give you the maximum amount of time to complete the course.

Examination structure - this course covers the GCSE specification for Psychology 3181 awarded by the Assessment and Qualifications Alliance (AQA). There are two tiers of paper. Students take either tier Foundation (grades C-G available) or tier Higher (grades A*-D available). The exam for both tiers lasts 2 hours, and consists of one paper containing 4 compulsory structured questions that accounts for 80% of the final mark. Your tutor can help you decide which tier to enter before you register for exams. All students must also complete a coursework assignment, divided into manageable coursework tasks, that accounts for 20% of the final mark. You will find more details included with your course materials. Exams take place in June.

Subjects covered -

Unit 1: Introductory skills
Are we all psychologists?
Psychology as a science
Psychological studies

Unit 2: Social psychology
Forming impressions of other people
Prejudice and discrimination
Social influence
Conformity
Obedience
Deindividuation

Unit 3: Developmental psychology
Attachment and separation (1)
Attachment and separation (2)
Cognitive development
Piagetian theory: a critical appraisal
Sex and gender
Psychoanalytic theory (1)
Psychoanalytic theory (2)
Social learning theory

Unit 4: Cognitive psychology
The eyes and the brain
Perception as an active process
Factors that affect perception
Classical conditioning
Features of classical conditioning
Operant conditioning (1)
Operant conditioning (2)
Applications of conditioning
Principles of social learning
Theories of memory
Improving memory and forgetting

Unit 5: Pro- and anti-social behaviour
The development of moral behaviour
Pro-social behaviour
Anti-social behaviour

Unit 6: Research methods
Different types of study
Experiments
Observations
Surveys and questionnaires
Selecting participants
How to use people in experiments
Hypotheses: how to ask questions
Presenting results(1)
Presenting results (2)
Experiments: final preparations
Correlations
Writing reports

Type of Study :: Course Duration :: Course reference number :: Start Date :: Tutorial Fees :: Material Fees :: Exam Fees
part time OL001 Please enquire TBC TBC TBC