Applied Psychology BTEC Level 3 Extended Certificate

Applications Open: - Monday 3rd November 2025

Applications Close: - Thursday 20th August 2026.

General Sixth Form Entry Requirements: - Minimum 4 GCSE passes at Grade 4 and above to study BTEC or vocational courses; 5 GCSE passes at 4 and above to study A level/BTEC combination; 5 GCSE's at Grades 5 and above to study straight A Levels.

*Please note there may be subject specific entry requirements which also need to be met.

How to Apply: - Please apply via KentChoices. Applications via email will not be accepted.

The Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate in Applied Psychology is intended to be an Applied General qualification for post-16 learners wanting to continue their education through applied learning, and who aim to progress to higher education and ultimately to employment, possibly in the applied psychology sector. The qualification is equivalent in size to one A Level and it has been designed as one third of a typical study programme, normally alongside A Levels or other applied general qualifications at Level 3. No prior study of the sector is needed but you should normally have a range of achievement at Level 2, in GCSEs or equivalent qualifications, including a GCSE in science.

The National Extended Certificate is the equivalent to one A Level qualification and requires the completion of 3 mandatory units and 1 optional unit of work relating to the field of psychology.

The mandatory units are as follows;

Unit 1 – Psychological Approaches and Applications

Unit 2 – Conducting Psychological Research

Unit 3 – Health Psychology.

Units 1 and 3 are externally assessed, written exam papers which are set and marked by Pearson

The optional unit is listed below;

Unit 6 – Introduction to Psychopathology

In Year 1 Units 1 and 2 will be completed.

In Year 2 Units 3 and 6 will be completed.

There are two units that are externally assessed. Unit 1 – Psychological Approaches and Applications which is assessed through a 90-minute exam. The first opportunity to sit this is in January of Year 12 and students are allowed two re-sit opportunities only.

The second externally assessed unit is Unit 3 – Health Psychology which is assessed in a 2-hour exam. The first opportunity to sit this is in January of Year 13 and students are allowed two re-sit opportunities only.

The remaining 2 units are internally assessed may also be required for external verification of marking. Although both remaining units are internally assessed, Unit 2 – Conducting Psychological Research is a synoptic assignment that build upon the knowledge developed from Unit 1 - Psychological Approaches and Applications.

Each unit of work will be graded as a Pass, Merit or Distinction and the final grade will be calculated based on the accumulation of these grades. The final grade awarded is an A Level equivalent.

4 GCSEs grade 4 or above including English and Maths

Psychology is one of the most versatile subjects and can help in almost every profession. Successful Psychology students will possess sound knowledge of underlying Psychological theories, how to conduct Psychological research and the ability to apply Psychology to other areas, such as mental health and general well-being. Alongside subject knowledge Psychology students will possess the ability to critically analyse a theory or piece of research, weighing up both the strengths and the weaknesses of a particular topic.

Psychology can be combined with several other subjects and can lead to a wide variety of different university courses and careers; for example:

Occupational Health

Sport Psychology

Education and Child Psychology

Forensic and Criminal Psychology

Clinical Psychology

Occupational Psychology

Counselling Psychology

Child and Developmental Psychology

Law

Education