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August 6, 2020

Should I take GCSE Psychology?

Written by Adam Looker
SAC | Should I take GCSE Psychology | Header

We are often baffled by the behaviour of others. Why politicians lie, why people betray friendships or cheat on their partners.

Or why some experience acute anxiety or depression while others are seemingly immune from the ravages of mental health issues.

All of these and more are the domain of psychology.

Studying GCSE psychology is an excellent way to give yourself a foundational knowledge of how the human mind works, understand social behaviour and human development.

GCSE psychology will also give you the basis upon which to build deeper knowledge in the form of A Level psychology and an undergraduate degree.

Psychology is one of the most interesting and dynamic fields in the world currently. In part due to the growing awareness of mental health issues.

The subject also dovetails with sociology and other subjects. Combining the two can give you remarkable insight into society as well as the individual.

It can also lead to a rewarding career.

What you’ll learn in GCSE Psychology

Studying GCSE psychology, you will get to grips with the core principles and theories that underpin this social science.

Aside from an introduction to psychology you will also study:

Memory

This includes the process, structure and process of memory. You will explore the different kinds of memory – such as episodic, semantic and procedural and how they are formed.

You will also touch on how memories can influence our reality, including accuracy of memories, false memories and context.

Perception

Perception refers to the way we organise and interpret sensory information.

You will study the difference between sensation and perception, Gibson’s direct theory of perception including the role of motion parallax in everyday perception.

You will also explore Gregory’s constructive theory of perception, studying the influence of nurture and the perceptual effects of culture, motivation, emotion and expectation.

Development

SAC | Should I take GCSE Psychology | Development

Developmental psychology examines how and why human beings change over the course of their life.

You will understand the four stages of development and the role of these stages in education, egocentricity and social interactions.

Originally concerned with infants and prepubescent children, the field has expanded to include adolescence, adult development, aging, and the entire lifespan.

Research Methods in GCSE Psychology

This module teaches you how to carry out scientific research including how to form a testable hypothesis, the types of variables and sampling methods.

You will also understand planning research, ethical considerations and the importance of data.

Social Influence

Social influence explores the affect of conformity and major influence on an individual depending on a variety of factors. Including anonymity, peer group, personality and others.

You will also study the concepts of obedience and prosocial behaviour that influences the individual in order to alter behaviour.

Language, Thought and Communication

This module examines the relationship between language and thought and how this can alter your view on the world. You will study the differences between human and animal communication as well as the significance of non-verbal communication in human interactions.

Brain and Neuropsychology

You will study the structure and function of the nervous system. This is essential to understanding our fight or flight response and the James-Lange theory of emotion.

You will also study the structure of neurons and the brain itself and their respective roles to play in our conscious and unconscious lives.

Psychological Problems

SAC | Should I take GCSE Psychology | Psychological Problems

Psychological problems is an introduction to mental health issues, the significance of these challenges and the impact they can have on society.

You will also look at clinical depression, therapies, the characteristics of addition and theories underpinning that.

Why Study GCSE Psychology?

Studying psychology at GCSE will give you a solid foundation upon which to build your psychological knowledge.

While the course covers a lot of ground, this is just scratching the surface as you will discover should you study at A Level.

If you’re interested in human behaviour, then GCSE psychology can go some way to answering your questions and providing valuable insight.

It will help you to understand human behaviour and what compels people to make the decisions they do. You can then build on this knowledge, leading towards a number of exciting career opportunities including:

  • Clinical psychologist.
  • Counselling psychologist.
  • Educational psychologist.
  • Forensic psychologist.
  • Further education teacher.
  • Health psychologist.
  • High intensity therapist.
  • Occupational psychologist

The expertise that you will possess as a psychologist will assist you in a range of sectors, including mental health, social work, education, business and even sport and fitness.

Studying GCSE Psychology through Distance Learning

SAC | Should I take GCSE Psychology | Studying GCSEs through Distance Learning

Studying a GCSE through a distance learning provider gives you the same nationally recognised GCSEs as traditional college or sixth form. However, you have the benefit of studying your course when it suits you, rather than attending set classes.

This means that you can focus on your studies without distraction. Or having to try to fit a class and homework around a job or home commitments.

Which can be a lot easier said than done.

Because all your learning resources are online, you can set yourself up where you feel you’ll be most productive and get down to business.

Significantly, the course material isn’t repurposed from a course intended for 14-16-year olds. Rather it is tailored for an adult audience and therefore the learning will be on your level.

Between this and the flexibility to plan your studies, you can relax and actually enjoy studying your GCSE.

Furthermore, you have the choice to space your studies out over a 2-year period. This gives you the maximum flexibility, depending on how busy life gets.

The only date you’ll have to keep in mind is your exam date. GCSE exams are usually in May/June so make sure you’re prepared.

Although most students complete the course within 9 months but remember, you dictate the pace so do what’s right for you.

You will also be assigned a tutor to support you throughout your studies.

They will mark your assignments and provide you with detailed feedback, so you know what areas require improvement. They will also be available to answer any questions you have about the material or provide guidance if you’re struggling with assignments.

Getting Started with GCSE Pyshcology

Whatever your plans are for the future, studying GCSEs is a good start. They are a nationally recognised qualification that will allow you to work towards university via studying A Levels or an Access to HE Diploma.

You also have the advantage that you can tailor your courses either to meet academic requirements or your personal areas of interest.

Whichever GCSE courses you opt for, Stonebridge Associated Colleges can help you in your studies. All you need to do is get in touch with a member of the sales team or enrol online. There are flexible payment terms available to help you spread the cost.

You will also have access to a dedicated tutor who will help you through the process. Check out our blog for useful tips on how to get the most out of your study experience.

Click below to check out our GCSE psychology course and enrol today.

SAC | Should I take GCSE Psychology | CTA

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