Psychology at Advanced PSP level offers students an intellectually rich, empirically grounded, and ethically engaged academic experience. Although not offered before the Sixth Form, the pathway builds on analytical, evaluative, and reflective skills developed through subjects such as Biology, RS, and English, enabling students to explore the human mind and behaviour with confidence and intellectual curiosity.

The curriculum encompasses both breadth and depth across key areas of psychology: cognitive, biological, behavioural, psychodynamic, and humanistic approaches; applied areas such as schizophrenia, forensic psychology, and gender; and core themes of research methodology, ethics, and debates in psychology. Students investigate memory, social influence, attachment, and psychopathology, as well as contemporary issues including cultural bias, the impact of neuroscience, and the implications of diagnosis and treatment in mental health.

At the heart of the pathway is the development of critical thinking and analytical writing. Students evaluate research studies with reference to reliability, validity, and ethics; apply contrasting theoretical perspectives to real-world scenarios; and construct sustained, balanced arguments in essays and discussion. They learn to use psychological terminology precisely, analyse quantitative and qualitative data, and conduct their own small-scale investigations through the Independent Research Project. The IRP nurtures key academic competencies including hypothesis design, variable control, sampling, data analysis, and reflective evaluation.

Beyond the classroom, students engage in enrichment through Psychology Society, Get Psyched events, and external competitions. Many pursue personal research interests, present findings to peers, or write articles and podcasts for school publications. The department actively promotes interdisciplinary dialogue, with students frequently exploring links with medicine, philosophy, criminology, and social policy. Ethical debate is embedded throughout the course, fostering maturity, empathy, and civic awareness.

This pathway prepares students for university study in Psychology, Medicine, Neuroscience, Education, Sociology, Criminology, and a wide range of social sciences. More broadly, it cultivates skills in research literacy, argumentation, ethical reasoning, and interpersonal insight—positioning students to become reflective, informed thinkers capable of contributing meaningfully to society.

Steps

These are the badges you need to earn, in any order:

Advanced PSP Psychology

school Apply

currency_pound No cost

schedule Takes years to complete

or

Advanced PSP Psychology - Perpetua

school Teach

currency_pound No cost

schedule Takes years to complete

or

Advanced PSP Psychology - Excelsa

school Lead

currency_pound No cost

schedule Takes years to complete

1

Continue your learning in this area with a course

2