BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate in Applied Psychology

Applications Open: - 3 November 2025 at 8.00am

Applications Close: - 2 June 2026 at 8.00am

Entry Requirements: - At least five grade 4s or above, which should include English and Maths.

How to Apply: - Please apply via KentChoices

Please note an Extended Certificate is the equivalent of one A-Level, a Foundation Diploma one and half an A-Level and Diploma the equivalent of two A-Levels. Students should apply for one Diploma and one Extended Certificate or three Extended Certificate subjects.

A broad basis of study for the Applied Psychology sector. Designed to support progression to higher education when taken as part of a programme of study that includes other appropriate BTEC Nationals or A Levels.

Applied Psychology is useful for most careers and with the use of the thinking skills it develops and the research opportunities it creates. Many Psychology students move on into Higher Education, where the subjects supports all degrees, but especially those in the Health Care sector, Science, as well as in Psychology itself.

Graduate recruiters are particularly interested in employing those with a Psychology background.

The specification complements other post 16 courses, such as Health and Social Care, Sports Studies and Applied Science. Psychology is usually appealing to students with a strong English and History background due to the similar study and essay writing skills employed. There is also a mathematics element so students will need a Level 4 or above in GCSE Maths or Science. Psychology students often choose careers in the public sector, such as health and social care, teaching and policing, sports and media. Psychology equips learners with a critical understanding of society.

BTEC Extended Certificte (2 year course) Equivalent in size to one A Level.

Mandatory Units

Unit 1: Psychological approaches and applications.

Unit 2: Conducting Psychological Research

Unit 3: Health Psychology

Optional Units:

1,Criminal and Forensic Psychology

2, Promoting Children’s Psychological Development

3,Introduction to Psychopathology

4, Applied Sport Psychology

Four units of which three are mandatory and two are external.

Mandatory content 83%.

External assessment 58%

To be accepted onto this course a student should have at least 5 GCSE's at Grade 4.

Strong essay writing skills are essential and whilst it is not absolute requirement, most students would be expected to have a GCSE minimum Grade 5 in English Language.

GCSE Citizenship at Grade 4 or above would benefit students taking this course.

Learners completing their BTEC Nationals in Applied Psychology will be aiming to go on to employment, often via the stepping stone of higher education.

This qualification carries UCAS points and is recognised by higher education providers as contributing to admission requirements to many relevant psychologoy courses.

It could lead into teaching, police, marketing, human resources, social work etc.