Course Content
Component 1: Physiological factors
The purpose of this component is to give a solid grounding in some of the basic core aspects of psychology. The intention therefore is to allow the learner, through the study of classic research, to gain an appreciation that psychology continues to develop and evolve.
Component 2: Psychology past to present
The central aspect for this component is that of psychological research, from the initial planning stages through to analysing and evaluating. It is designed to introduce learners to the methodologies used by psychologists and to gain an appreciation of the impact of choices made on the outcomes of the research. Learners should appreciate the limitations of scientific research and when dealing with the complexities of humans as test material, there are several issues which need to be considered.
Component 3: Investigating behaviour
Having learnt about the various psychological approaches in Component 1, learners are expected to apply this knowledge and understanding to human/animal behaviours. Learners should be able to explain and draw conclusions about the possible causes of these behaviours and understand that psychology has the potential to impact on society as a whole by developing methods of modifying behaviour.
| Component | Assessment | Duration | Weighting |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1: Physiological factors | Written exam | 2h 15m | 33% |
| 2: Psychology past to present | Written exam | 2h 15m | 33% |
| 3: Investigating behaviour | Written exam | 2h 15m | 33% |
Year 12
Half Term 1 (Sept-Nov)
Half Term 2 (Nov – Dec)
Half Term 3 (Jan – Feb)
Half Term 4 (Feb – March)
Half Term 5 (April – May)
Half Term 6 (May – July)
Half Term 1 (Sept-Nov)
Focus and Topic
- Cognitive approach
Core Knowledge
- AO1 – Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of scientific ideas, processes,
- techniques and procedures
- AO3 – Analyse, interpret and evaluate a range of scientific information, ideas and evidence,
- including in relation to issues, to:
- make judgements and reach conclusions
- develop and refine practical design and procedures
Core Skills
- Use of subject specific terminology.
- Skills in evaluation (PEE)
- Elaborative technique in Psychology.
- Analysis of therapies and classic research.
- Application of ethical and social implications.
- Analysis of key debates in Psychology.
Assessment
- Describe assumptions of approach (AO1)
- Evaluate classic evidence (AO3)
Half Term 2 (Nov – Dec)
Focus and Topic
- Psychodynamic approach
Core Knowledge
- AO1 – Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of scientific ideas, processes,
- techniques and procedures
- AO3 – Analyse, interpret and evaluate a range of scientific information, ideas and evidence,
- including in relation to issues, to:
- • make judgements and reach conclusions
- • develop and refine practical design and procedures
Core Skills
- Use of subject specific terminology.
- Skills in evaluation (PEE)
- Elaborative technique in Psychology.
- Analysis of therapies and classic research.
- Application of ethical and social implications.
- Analysis of key debates in Psychology.
Assessment
- Describe therapy (AO1)
- Evaluate approach (AO3)
Half Term 3 (Jan – Feb)
Focus and Topic
- Research methods
Core Knowledge
- AO1 – Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of scientific ideas, processes,
- techniques and procedures
- AO2 – Apply knowledge and understanding of scientific ideas, processes, techniques and procedures:
- in a theoretical context
- in a practical context
- when handling qualitative data
- when handling quantitative data
- AO3 – Analyse, interpret and evaluate a range of scientific information, ideas and evidence,
- including in relation to issues, to:
- make judgements and reach conclusions
- develop and refine practical design and procedures
Core Skills
- Understanding and evaluation of key research methods techniques utilised in Psychological research.
- Mathematical skills for interpreting data.
Assessment
- Component 2 mock
Half Term 4 (Feb – March)
Focus and Topic
- Behaviourist approach
Core Knowledge
- AO1 – Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of scientific ideas, processes, techniques and procedures
- AO3 – Analyse, interpret and evaluate a range of scientific information, ideas and evidence,
- including in relation to issues, to:
- make judgements and reach conclusions
- develop and refine practical design and procedures
Core Skills
- Use of subject specific terminology.
- Skills in evaluation (PEE)
- Elaborative technique in Psychology.
- Analysis of therapies and classic research.
- Application of ethical and social implications.
- Analysis of key debates in Psychology.
Assessment
- Describe therapy (AO1)
- Evaluate classic evidence (AO3)
Half Term 5 (April – May)
Focus and Topic
- Biological approach
Core Knowledge
- AO1 – Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of scientific ideas, processes, techniques and procedures
- AO3 – Analyse, interpret and evaluate a range of scientific information, ideas and evidence,
- including in relation to issues, to:
- make judgements and reach conclusions
- develop and refine practical design and procedures
Core Skills
- Use of subject specific terminology.
- Skills in evaluation (PEE)
- Elaborative technique in Psychology.
- Analysis of therapies and classic research.
- Application of ethical and social implications.
- Analysis of key debates in Psychology.
Assessment
- Describe classic evidence(AO1)
- Evaluate classic evidence (AO3)
Half Term 6 (May – July)
Focus and Topic
- Positive approach
Core Knowledge
- AO1 – Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of scientific ideas, processes, techniques and procedures
- AO3 – Analyse, interpret and evaluate a range of scientific information, ideas and evidence,
- including in relation to issues, to:
- make judgements and reach conclusions
- develop and refine practical design and procedures
Core Skills
- Use of subject specific terminology.
- Skills in evaluation (PEE)
- Elaborative technique in Psychology.
- Analysis of therapies and classic research.
- Application of ethical and social implications.
- Analysis of key debates in Psychology.
Assessment
- Describe therapy (AO1)
- Evaluate approach (AO3)
- Final Mock
Year 13
Half Term 1 (Sept-Nov)
Half Term 2 (Nov – Dec)
Half Term 3 (Jan – Feb)
Half Term 4 (Feb – March)
Half Term 5 (April – May)
Half Term 6 (May – July)
Half Term 1 (Sept-Nov)
Focus and Topic
- Addiction
Core Knowledge
- AO1 – Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of scientific ideas, processes,
- techniques and procedures
- AO2 – Apply knowledge and understanding of scientific ideas, processes,
- techniques and procedures:
- in a theoretical context
- in a practical context
- when handling qualitative data
- when handling quantitative data
- AO3 – Analyse, interpret and evaluate a range of scientific information, ideas and evidence,
- including in relation to issues, to:
- make judgements and reach conclusions
- develop and refine practical design and procedures
Core Skills
- Use of subject specific terminology.
- Understand characteristics of the target subject.
- Understand a range of explanations for the target subject.
- Skills in evaluation (PEE)
- Elaborative technique in Psychology.
Assessment
- Describe biological/social/individual difference explanation Addiction.
- Evaluate biological/social/individual difference explanation Addiction.
Half Term 2 (Nov – Dec)
Focus and Topic
- Addiction
Core Knowledge
- AO1 – Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of scientific ideas, processes,
- techniques and procedures
- AO2 – Apply knowledge and understanding of scientific ideas, processes,
- techniques and procedures:
- in a theoretical context
- in a practical context
- when handling qualitative data
- when handling quantitative data
- AO3 – Analyse, interpret and evaluate a range of scientific information, ideas and evidence,
- including in relation to issues, to:
- make judgements and reach conclusions
- develop and refine practical design and procedures
Core Skills
- Use of subject specific terminology.
- Understand characteristics of the target subject.
- Understand a range of explanations for the target subject.
- Skills in evaluation (PEE)
- Elaborative technique in Psychology.
Assessment
- Describe biological/social/individual difference explanation Addiction.
- Evaluate biological/social/individual difference explanation Addiction.
Half Term 3 (Jan – Feb)
Focus and Topic
- Schizophrenia
Core Knowledge
- AO1 – Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of scientific ideas, processes, techniques and procedures
- AO2 – Apply knowledge and understanding of scientific ideas, processes,
- techniques and procedures:
- in a theoretical context
- in a practical context
- when handling qualitative data
- when handling quantitative data
- AO3 – Analyse, interpret and evaluate a range of scientific information, ideas and evidence, including in relation to issues, to:
- make judgements and reach conclusions
- develop and refine practical design and procedures
Core Skills
- Use of subject specific terminology.
- Understand characteristics of the target subject.
- Understand a range of explanations for the target subject.
- Skills in evaluation (PEE)
- Elaborative technique in Psychology.
Assessment
- Describe biological/social/individual difference explanation Schizophrenia.
- Evaluate biological/social/individual difference explanation Schizophrenia.
Half Term 4 (Feb – March)
Focus and Topic
- Schizophrenia
Core Knowledge
- AO1 – Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of scientific ideas, processes, techniques and procedures
- AO2 – Apply knowledge and understanding of scientific ideas, processes,
- techniques and procedures:
- in a theoretical context
- in a practical context
- when handling qualitative data
- when handling quantitative data
- AO3 – Analyse, interpret and evaluate a range of scientific information, ideas and evidence, including in relation to issues, to:
- make judgements and reach conclusions
- develop and refine practical design and procedures
Core Skills
- Use of subject specific terminology.
- Understand characteristics of the target subject.
- Understand a range of explanations for the target subject.
- Skills in evaluation (PEE)
- Elaborative technique in Psychology.
Assessment
- Describe biological/social/individual difference explanation Schizophrenia.
- Evaluate biological/social/individual difference explanation Schizophrenia.
Half Term 5 (April – May)
Focus and Topic
- Bully/controversies
Core Knowledge
- AO1 – Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of scientific ideas, processes, techniques and procedures
- AO2 – Apply knowledge and understanding of scientific ideas, processes, techniques and procedures:
- in a theoretical context
- in a practical context
- when handling qualitative data
- when handling quantitative data
- AO3 – Analyse, interpret and evaluate a range of scientific information, ideas and evidence, including in relation to issues, to:
- make judgements and reach conclusions
- develop and refine practical design and procedures
Core Skills
- Use of subject specific terminology.
- Understand characteristics of the target subject.
- Understand a range of explanations for the target subject.
- Skills in evaluation (PEE)
- Elaborative technique in Psychology.
- Understand the issue and why it is controversial
- Apply knowledge and understanding to controversies in psychology.
- Make judgements and come to conclusions about the controversies from a
- psychological perspective.
Assessment
- Describe biological/social/individual difference explanation bullying.
- Evaluate biological/social/individual difference explanation bullying.
- Describe and evaluate the chosen controversy.
Half Term 6 (May – July)
Focus and Topic
- Bully/controversies
Core Knowledge
- AO1 – Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of scientific ideas, processes, techniques and procedures
- AO2 – Apply knowledge and understanding of scientific ideas, processes, techniques and procedures:
- in a theoretical context
- in a practical context
- when handling qualitative data
- when handling quantitative data
- AO3 – Analyse, interpret and evaluate a range of scientific information, ideas and evidence, including in relation to issues, to:
- make judgements and reach conclusions
- develop and refine practical design and procedures
Core Skills
- Use of subject specific terminology.
- Understand characteristics of the target subject.
- Understand a range of explanations for the target subject.
- Skills in evaluation (PEE)
- Elaborative technique in Psychology.
- Understand the issue and why it is controversial
- Apply knowledge and understanding to controversies in psychology.
- Make judgements and come to conclusions about the controversies from a
- psychological perspective.
Assessment
- Describe biological/social/individual difference explanation bullying.
- Evaluate biological/social/individual difference explanation bullying.
- Describe and evaluate the chosen controversy.
Key Info
- Start Date: September 2026
- Awarding Body: Eduqas
- Study Mode: Full Time
- Course Length: 2 Years
Entry Requirements
TBC
Complementary Subjects
Career Opportunities
Studying psychology gives you a broad range of skills that span both science and the arts and opens up opportunities with a variety of employers. Specific areas of employment include clinical, educational, forensic and occupational Psychology. Careers in counselling and further education are also available.