CHRISTOPHER WHITEHEAD
LANGUAGE COLLEGE AND SIXTH FORM
WELCOME TO CWLC SIXTH FORM!
JOSIE BALLARD | SIXTH FORM STUDENT
I chose Psychology because it was something that really interested me when looking at which subjects I wanted to take, and wanted to explore the subject further. I have really enjoyed studying psychology and have found it so interesting learning about human behaviour. I have particularly enjoyed being able to complete my own research study! In psychology I have developed a number of skills such as time management when I have to meet deadlines, assignment writing which will be extremely useful for me in further education.
Next year I want to study Psychology at university. Before taking psychology as a subject at this level I didn’t have an idea of what I wanted to do after sixth form, however after doing this course I have strong ambitions to become a psychologist!
WHY CHOOSE LEVEL 3 BTEC EXTENDED CERTIFICATE IN APPLIED PSYCHOLOGY
Psychology is the scientific study of the mind and behaviour, and as such it is central to our everyday lives. The Extended Certificate in Applied Psychology course involves three mandatory units which explore the study of psychological approaches, health psychology and a practical research-based project. In psychological approaches, students will examine the cognitive, social, learning and biological methods associated with studying the human mind and behaviour. Health psychology looks at the motivation behind healthy and unhealthy behaviours, considers how stress links to illness, and why people become addicted to behaviours or substances. In the research-based unit, students will learn how to work to deadlines, manage their time, find information for themselves, and hone basic skills such as using an index correctly, and referencing. One optional unit will also be completed, which for 2024-2026, will be Forensic Psychology.
It is not necessary to have studied Psychology before undertaking this course, but students will need to be organised, be able to work independently and meet regular deadlines.
This course is particularly suitable for those students who would like to be involved in the more practical aspects of Psychology and enjoy a combination of both coursework and examinations.
WHY STUDY LEVEL 3 BTEC EXTENDED CERTIFICATE IN APPLIED PSYCHOLOGY AT CWLC?
The BTEC in Applied Psychology, is taught by a dedicated staff team, who have experience of working within Psychology and its allied professions.
Students can expect to experience a variety of different delivery methods if they opt for this course, including lectures, flipped learning, class discussions, debates and report writing.
Given the very nature of Applied Psychology, students will be expected to be able to work independently, meet regular deadlines and have the maturity to deal with challenging and sensitive topics. Students will be supported in order to do this, and staff will guide them appropriately.
Throughout the course, students will be given the opportunity to enrich their learning experience in several ways. Over recent years, the Department has had guest speakers from the University of Worcester and Birmingham City University; lecturing on topics such as Geographical Profiling and Forensic Psychology and students have also visited the National Museum in Liverpool, specialising in dementia care.
WHAT COULD YOU DO NEXT?
The BTEC in Applied Psychology links well to both humanities and science-based subjects, including A-levels in Biology, English Literature, History, Religious Studies and Sociology and BTEC’s in Health and Social Care, Sport and PE and Criminology. The qualification is recognised by universities as contributing to the admission requirements for a range of applied psychology courses including: Occupational Health, Social Work, Education, Child Psychology, Forensic and Criminal Psychology and students in the past have gone on to study for a BSc in Psychology, a BSc in Forensic Psychology and a BSc in Criminology. In addition to this, students have also undertaken Police Apprenticeships and degrees not associated with Psychology, but those which benefit from the transferable skills gained, for example Environmental Science and Animal Management.