Applied Psychology (Level 3 AAQ BTEC National - Extended Certificate)

Applications Open: Now

Applications Close: 27 February 2026

Entry Requirements: - 5 GCSE's 4 or above including English and Maths

How to Apply

Internal students - Please apply via Applicaa using this link - https://skinnerskentacademy.applicaa.com/year12

External students - Please apply via KentChoices using this link - https://www.kentprospectus.co.uk/login. Please note - after sending your application, you'll receive a welcome email from Applicaa asking for further information.

The Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate in Applied Psychology, is 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 other applied general qualifications at Level 3. No prior study of the sector is needed but you should normally have a range of achievement in GCSEs, including a GCSE in science.

The qualification provides the knowledge, understanding and skills that will prepare students for further study or training. Everyone taking this qualification will study three mandatory units, covering the following content areas:

• applications of psychological approaches
• conducting psychological research
• health psychology.

The mandatory content allows development of knowledge and understanding of psychology, as well as the application of skills that are important in psychology, over an extended period.

Students choose one optional unit, which has been designed to support progression to more specialist applied psychology courses in higher education and to link with relevant occupational areas, such as:

• criminal and forensic psychology
• principles of children’s psychological development
• psychopathology and treatment
• applied sport psychology.

The Level 3 AAQ BTEC National in Applied Psychology is assessed through a combination of externally assessed units and internally assessed units

The Skinners' Kent Academy General Sixth Form Entry requirement

The content of this qualification has been developed in consultation with academics to ensure that it supports progression to higher education. The qualification provides the knowledge, understanding and skills that will prepare you for further study or training.