Key Facts

GCSE Psychology

GCSE Psychology

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The Pearsons' specification provides the opportunity to study Psychology GCSE. Students will gain knowledge and understanding of biological, cognitive, social and developmental psychology. Through this subject students will be given the opportunity to develop analytical skills through critical analysis, research and independent enquiry. These are all desirable skills to have when when moving into further education. This course is for school leavers aged 16-18 and must be studied as part of the full time GCSE Retake programme.

  • Entry Requirements


    We will invite you to a Meet the Tutor event where you will receive information, advice, and guidance about the course you have applied for. This will be an opportunity for you to gain valuable information about the course and give you the opportunity to ask any questions you may have.

    You will provide a copy of your last school report and / or a reference from an employer or relevant professional other. This is to ensure we can support you to be able to achieve well on the course.

    4 x GCSEs at D/3 or above, (including a humanities GCSE subject) or a Level 1 qualification in a relevant subject.

    Your GCSEs must include either maths and / or English , or a Functional Skills qualification in maths and / or English.

    We are firmly committed to finding the right course for you to ensure you can flourish. Talk to us today if you have any concerns about the application process, we are here to help take you to the next level.

  • Course Content


    This is the linear 9-1 GCSE qualification. A linear qualification means that students must sit all their exams at the end of the course in June. There are no tiers in GCSE Psychology, so all students will sit the same exam papers.

    The GCSE Psychology content comprises the following elements:

    Topic 1: Development - How did you develop?

    Topic 2: Memory - How does your memory work?

    Topic 3: Psychological problems - How would psychological problems affect you?

    Topic 4: The brain and neuropsychology - How does your brain affect you?

    Topic 5: Social Influence - How do others affect you?

    Topics 6 to 10 are optional; students must study two of them. Topic 11 is compulsory.

    Topic 6: Criminal psychology - Why do people become criminals?

    Topic 7: The self - What makes you who you are?

    Topic 8: Perception - How do you interpret the world around you?

    Topic 9: Sleep and dreaming - Why do you need to sleep and dream?

    Topic 10: Language, thought and communication - How do you communicate with others?

    Research methods - How do you carry out psychological research?