Sociology A Level Applied Psychology BTEC Level 3 Criminology WJEC Level 3 Public Services (Social Sciences) BTEC Level 3
SOCIAL science
Psychology A Level
Psychology A Level When do I start studying for this qualification? September 2020.
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For how long will I study? For two years. What is this course about? This course aims to develop students’ understanding and awareness of psychological theories and research over a variety of different areas concerned with humans and animals. Students will learn about classic studies as well as contemporary research which will help them understand why people behave as they do. What topics will I study? There are three units: • Psychological Themes through Core Studies - You will look at ten different areas that psychologists have researched such as memory, responses to people in authority, moral development, understanding disorders, and regions of the brain. For each key theme you will look at two pieces of research - a classic study and a contemporary study. • Research Methods - You will become familiar with research methods that psychologists use such as experiments, observation, questionnaires and correlation studies. You will carry out
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research of your own and analyse your findings. Applied Psychology - You will study Issues in mental health and also look at two of the following areas in which psychological research has been applied in the understanding of real-world problems: Criminal Psychology (e.g. what makes a criminal, police interviews, imprisonment) Child Psychology (e.g. intelligence, brain development, the impact of advertising)
How will my work be assessed? All units will be assessed by examinations at the end of the second year. There are three examinations: Unit 1: Research Methods Unit 2: Psychological themes through core studies Unit 3: Applied Psychology Students may be assessed for an AS qualification in this course at the end of the first year as a measure of progress. What skills and interests do I need beforehand to be a successful applicant for this course? Ideally, students will have: • Good reading and writing skills, knowing how to structure sentences, for example, and how to read a textbook (though these study skills are further developed
as an integral part of the course).
• Confident in maths and dealing with data
• An interest in finding out about
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people would be really useful: do you like ‘people-watching’? If you do, you’ll like Psychology. An interest in life and people, an enthusiastic attitude to study and learning, and a willingness to work hard.
What skills will I need to develop during the course to succeed? Good reading skills are important for this subject. Students will need to develop good writing skills and an ability to write well under the pressure of timed conditions; an ability to evaluate studies and research, spotting the strengths and weaknesses. Students will also need to develop, over the duration of the course, an ability to listen to others in class. Students will need to develop excellent independent study skills and crucial to doing well in this course will be organisation: students will need to develop organisational skills, keeping a tidy file and looking ahead will stand them in good stead for life. Are there any specific entry requirements? You need a minimum of five GCSE’s at 9-4 or A*- C, including a grade 4 in GCSE English and Maths, though a 5 in either Maths or English would be preferred.
What are the lessons like? Lessons are varied: a range of teaching styles is used throughout the course to enable students with a variety of learning styles to succeed. In addition to teacher-led discussions in class, students will also engage in practical activities, such as small research investigations, debates, group presentations, internet researches. Students are also given the opportunity to visit a university conference specifically for A Level students, and possibly trips to other relevant, interesting places. Visiting speakers also come to tell us about their working role as psychologists. 1:1 support is available to all students. What do students say about this course? “It’s really interesting because you can relate personal experiences to the research you’re being taught, plus it is a fascinating subject.” “The course has never bored me, and there is a lot of variety in the way we are taught and learn things. I’m really pleased I took psychology.” “Its great because you do learn a lot about human behaviour, and it is very rewarding; but that does mean you have to work hard to cover all aspects of the course!” “Psychology is a very interesting subject that allows you to grasp an understanding of things you would
never think about, for example, mental illness. In all these topics you dig into the depths of psychological understanding that could possibly change your outlook on life.” “Being able to analyse things from a psychological point of view is an amazing thing to be able to do.” “I would recommend psychology to any student who is in two minds about taking it...don’t think it’s an easy subject because it does involve a lot of hard work and effort, but at the end of the day, what course doesn’t?” What have I got to do in order to do well? Have a conscientious approach to studies; keep to deadlines; read around the subject and be interested! Keep organised and proactive in your outlook. Ask for help when needed: don’t leave It to drag you down. Is there a similar qualification to this one? If so how do I choose between them? Sociology is often confused with Psychology. The two subjects overlap somewhat, but Psychology is classed as a science where Sociology is not. Psychology focuses more on how the individual functions, whereas Sociology looks at larger groups in society, for example, gender, the education system, etc. Psychology requires a 4 in Maths GCSE, but prefers a 5.
Are there any other qualifications which combine particularly well with this one? Psychology goes particularly well with lots of different groupings of subjects. Those going for Performing Arts and more ‘Arts’ subjects will add Psychology to their list after English, perhaps, or Art. As Psychology is classed as a science for university purposes, students interested in medical careers (e.g. doctors, midwives, nurses, physiotherapy, paramedics, etc.) may add Psychology to their list after Biology and Chemistry. Students interested in Law, for example, will often add History and Psychology. Whilst students interested in Sports will often add Biology and Psychology to their choices. What do people do with A Level Psychology? Psychology is recognised as an academic subject which counts as both an arts and a science subject for university entrance purposes. It is also useful for all careers dealing with people. It is particularly good for jobs in medicine (doctors, nurses, physiotherapists, midwives), sport (training and managing teams), education and law, as well as the more obvious psychology-related areas (e.g. educational psychology, or psychotherapy). However, as psychology is interesting and related to animals or humans, people take it to use wherever they may go!
Public services (Social sciences) BTEC Level 3 Certificate/ Subsidiary Diploma When do I start studying for this qualification? September 2020 For how long will I study? For two years. What is this course about? This course gives students an opportunity to gain knowledge and understanding of the widespread nature of public sector employment. Students will learn transferable skills such as teamwork, leadership and communication that will help prepare for higher education or employment in this sector. What topics will I study? Year One Unit 1: Government, Policies and the Public Services Students will look at the different levels of government in the UK and the impact of government policies on the public sector. Students will also be able to demonstrate how government policies are developed and understand the democratic election process. Unit 2: Leadership and Teamwork This involves exploring the principles of team leadership and team work in the public sector and developing teamworking skills.
Unit 18: Understanding Behaviour in the Public Sector This involves developing an understanding of research in psychology and how this can help in managing behaviour and minimising conflict in the public sector. Year Two Unit 3: Citizenship, Diversity and the Public Services This unit is concerned with understanding the meanings and benefits of citizenship and society. We develop our understanding both of legal and humanitarian rights and also the role of public services in enforcing diversity and providing equality of service. Unit 8: Understand the Impact of War, Conflict and Terrorism on Public Services This involves understanding the threat of international terrorism and how the UK Public Services have responded to keep the population safe. Unit 12: Crime and its Effects on Society This unit examines crime and disorder legislation. Students will study the effects of criminal behaviour on communities in addition to looking at approaches to reduce crime, disorder and antisocial behaviour.
How will my work be assessed? There is no final written examination as students achieve their qualification through coursework assignments. This may involve written work, presentations or practical tasks. The work completed in each unit is graded Pass, Merit, Distinction. Are there any specific entry requirements? You will need a minimum of four GCSEs at A*- C grade (or equivalent), including a grade 4 or above in a written subject, such as English. What skills and interests do I need beforehand to be a successful applicant for this course? An interest in social sciences is essential. Modules are aimed at developing understanding of the wider society, as well as psychological and sociological perspectives. An interest in current affairs is necessary so that students can give examples from real life to show an understanding of events that have an impact on the public sector. What skills and attitudes will I need to develop during the course to succeed? In order to do well on this course students will need to: • Develop a lively and enquiring attitude and a willingness to
explore new ideas.
• Participate fully and become a
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good team worker in order to enjoy and get the most out of lessons. Seek and act on feedback by learning to give and take regular peer assessment in class to develop your communication skills. The course is demanding, you will need to be organised, to develop good independent study skills and be able to meet deadlines.
Is there a similar qualification to this one? If so how do I choose between them? There are also a range of A Levels which have some similar subject content. Sociology looks at crime, Psychology looks in detail at leadership and behaviour and in Government and Politics you will study how government policies are developed and understand the democratic process. This BTEC course is suited to those students who prefer coursework assessment to exams and have a real interest in social studies, society and want to study it at advanced level.
Are there any other qualifications which combine particularly well this one? Students may take one or two A Levels or equivalent with this subject. Those who may wish to progress into social work may combine the course with CamTECH H&SC Extended Certificate before progressing into higher education. What do people do with Public Services (Social Sciences) BTEC Level 3 Subsidiary Diploma? This qualification provides a good foundation to move on to public sector careers in the health sector, education, prison and security services and other government departments. It will contribute to progressing to higher education courses and provide valuable skills to help with any career that involves working alongside others.
Sociology A Level When do I start studying for this qualification? September 2020.
and Methods - 33.3% of total mark.
For how long will I study? For two years.
All three exams are held in the summer at the end of the second year.
What is this course about? This course aims to develop students’ awareness and critical understanding of society. It’s about the way social factors such as families, the education system and beliefs shape our thinking and behaviour.
What skills and interests do I need beforehand to be a successful applicant for this course? No previous knowledge of Sociology is required, but students should have an enquiring mind and an interest in the world around them.
What topics will I study? In the first year students will study: • Education • Research Methods • Families and Households In addition to the topics covered in the first year, in the second year students’ will study: • Beliefs in Society • Crime and Deviance Theory and Methods
What skills will I need to develop during the course to succeed? To succeed in Sociology students will need to absorb theoretical information, apply it to contemporary society, and write about it in a fluent way. Students will also participate in small group or class discussions.
How will my work be assessed? By three exams held in the summer at the end of the second year. • Education with Theory and Methods - 33.3% of total mark. • Topics in Sociology (includes Families and Households and Beliefs in Society) - 33.3% of total mark. • Crime and Deviance with Theory
Are there any specific entry requirements? You will need a minimum of five GCSEs at grade 9-4 or A*-C, including a grade 4 in English Language. What are the lessons like? A range of teaching and learning styles is used during the course. Formal lessons are combined with discussion, task-based learning, Independent Learning
Tasks and video, all pitched at a level appropriate to students’ knowledge and understanding of sociological issues. 1:1 support is available to all students. What do students say about this course? “I like Sociology because the things we study relate to my own life.” “I enjoy listening to people’s opinions during class discussions.” “At first I found the sociological theories quite difficult to understand, but as I began to apply them to real life they started to make more sense.” “Sociology is good because it really makes you think about things which you’ve taken for granted before.” What have I got to do in order to do well? • Keep up to date with current affairs. • Complete your homework on time and to the best of your ability. • Be prepared to do extra reading around topics studied. • Learn from what you have done. Is there a similar qualification to this one? If so how do I choose between them? A Level Psychology focuses on the behaviour of individuals whereas Sociology focuses on groups of people. Psychology has different entry requirements.
Are there any other qualifications which combine particularly well with this one? Other social science subjects such as Politics, Psychology, History or Criminology combine well with Sociology. There is also some crossover between the topics covered at A Level with Law and Media, but this qualification can be successfully combined with a very wide range of A Levels. What do people do with A Level Sociology? Sociology helps students develop an analytical approach to issues, which is a useful life skill. It is a recognised academic subject and an excellent preparation for all social science and many other courses at university or college. It is particularly useful for careers in education, nursing, social work, the criminal justice system, local government, marketing and human resources.
Applied Psychology BTEC Level 3 Certificate/Subsidiary Diploma When do I start studying for this qualification? September 2020. For how long will I study? One year for the certificate, two years for the extended certificate. What is this course about? This course will give you an introduction to the psychology sector through applied learning: you will learn about theories of psychology, what makes us think and behave the way we do, and how we can research this.
and in psychological research methodology through their own psychological research project. This unit is internally assessed through a written report. Year Two: Unit 3: Health Psychology - Learners explore psychological approaches, theories and studies related to lifestyle choices, unhealthy behaviours and behavioural change, including stress, addiction and how to deal with these. This unit is externally assessed through a 2 hour exam.
What topics will I study? Year 1: Unit 1: Psychological Approaches and Applications: Learners will explore four key approaches in psychology – social, cognitive, learning and biological – and apply these approaches to issues relevant to contemporary society including aggression, business and gender identity. This unit is externally assessed through a 1.5 hour exam.
Unit 4/5/6/7: Optional Unit from: Criminal and Forensic Psychology Promoting Children’s Psychology Development Introduction to Psychopathology. Applied Sport Psychology This unit is internally assessed through a written report
Unit 2: Conducting Psychological Research Learners develop knowledge, understanding and skills in the scientific process
Are there any specific entry requirements? You will need a minimum of five GCSEs at 9-4 or A*-C including a
How will my work be assessed? Through both externally assessed exams and internally assessed work.
grade 4 in Mathematics and English Language. What skills and interests do I need beforehand to be a successful applicant for this course? In order to succeed on this course students will need: • Good reading and writing skills • Confidence in maths and dealing with data • An interest in finding out about people: do you like ‘peoplewatching’? If you do, you’d like Psychology. • An interest in life and people, an enthusiastic attitude to study and learning, and a willingness to work hard. What skills and attitudes will I need to develop during the course to succeed? You will need to develop the ability to: • Ask questions, evaluate and criticise theories and studies • To be organised and meet deadlines • Seek and act on feedback • Listen carefully to the views of others Is there a similar qualification to this one? If so how do I choose between them? In terms of content, there is a lot of overlap between this course and Psychology A Level. This course is more suited to you if you find linear, exam-based courses more of a challenge. If you feel that you don’t
give your best work in exams, then the Applied Psychology BTEC will be a great option for you. Are there any other qualifications which combine particularly well this one? Applied Psychology goes particularly well with lots of different groupings of subjects, because it counts as an arts or science subject. It is often studied alongside Biology, Sociology, Criminology, Law, Maths or English. Applied Psychology goes with almost any combination of subjects. What do people do with Applied Psychology BTEC Level 3 With Applied Psychology, many people will go to university to study Psychology or Psychology related subjects: Sports Psychology and Clinical Psychology, for example. It also is a great course for a wide range of other courses as it gives you strong research and critical thinking skills. Students who study psychology go on to a wide range of psychology and non-psychology related careers, e.g: clinical psychology, human resources, teaching, medicine, physiotherapy, law, social work and marketing - to name just a few.
Criminology WJEC Level 3 Certificate/Diploma When do I start studying for this qualification? September 2020. For how long will I study? For one year for the Certificate, and two years for the Diploma What is this course about? This course aims to provide, through applied learning, knowledge and understanding in real life contexts linked to the criminal justice system. It covers all aspects of crime, from what kinds of people commit crime, through crime scenes and courtrooms, to punishment and prisons. It has elements of psychology, law and sociology, and will be attractive to students interested in the social sciences or humanities. What topics will I study? In the first year you will study: Unit 1 – Changing awareness of crime Different types of crime, who commits crime, why some crimes are unreported, and the consequences of unreported crime; how campaigns can be used to change laws, attitudes to crime, and the influence of the media on this. You will create
your own campaign for change relating to crime. Unit 2 – Criminological Theories Social constructions of criminality; comparisons between criminality and deviance; psychological and sociological theories of criminality; causes of criminality; policy development to prevent reoffending, and how social change might affect crime and the law. In the second year you will study: Unit 3 – Crime Scene to Courtroom The process of criminal investigations, including personnel e.g. Scenes of Crime Officers, and techniques of processing evidence e.g. finger printing; the Crown Prosecution Service; the trial process and the rules involved; juries and magistrates; verdicts and miscarriages of justice. Unit 4 – Crime and Punishment Understand the criminal justice system in England and Wales; processes involved in law making; models of criminal justice; social control; aims and effects of punishment; agencies involved in social control and their effectiveness
How will my work be assessed? The qualifications are assessed using a combination of internal and external assessment. Units 2 and 4 are externally assessed through 90 minute exams using short and extended answer questions, both exams are synoptic. There is one resit opportunity for the exams.
Are there any other qualifications which combine particularly well with this one? Students may take two other courses with this one, which could be A levels or BTECs. This course combines particularly well with Psychology, Sociology, Politics, Law, History A levels.
Units 1 and 3 are internally assessed through an 8 hour controlled assessment for each unit, completed under controlled conditions. At the end of the course, the Certificate is awarded a grade A – E, and the Diploma is awarded a grade A* - E.
What do people do with a Diploma in Criminology? The main purpose of the Diploma in Criminology is mainly to use the qualification to support access to higher education degree courses, such as: Criminology; Criminology and Psychology; Criminology and Sociology; Psychology and Sociology; Criminology with Law, etc.
What skills and interests do I need beforehand to be a successful applicant for this course? Good reading skills are important for this course, and students will need to develop their writing skills over the duration of the course. Students should have a strong interest in crime, people and society and be able to express their ideas in class discussions, as well as listen to the views of others. Ideally students will have organizational skills, or at least be prepared to develop them over the course, and an ability to meet deadlines will be important. Are there any specific entry requirements? You will need a minimum of five GCSEs at 9-4 or A*-C, including a grade 4 in a written subject, such as English.
Alternatively, the qualification allows learners to gain the required understanding and skills to be able to consider employment within some aspects of the criminal justice system, e.g. the National Probation Service, the Courts and the Tribunals Service or the National Offender Management Service, or indeed the prison service or social work.
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