IB Psychology

Applications Open - 3rd November 2025

Applications Close - 3rd April 2026

Entry Requirements -

IBDP - 6 Grade 6s

IBCP - 5 Grade 5s

Level 3 - 4 Grade 4s

Level 2 - dependent

How to Apply - Please apply via KentChoices

To apply for courses at TMS sixth form please select the subject combination you wish to apply for. The combinations as described are subject to change so please put in your ideal choices, even if they do not match the options grid.

All course options will be confirmed post interviews.

When you access the application page you will be shown a list of subjects only. Please note they will not be separated into the 3 different pathways (vocational, IBCP, IBDP)

For those wishing to apply for the level1/2 vocational pathway, please select this as an option. You do not need to select any further subjects and individual choices will be confirmed at interview.

For those wishing to apply for the IBCP or IBDP pathway please select the individual choices from the list.

Level1/2 Vocational pathway

Select the Level1/2 vocational pathway only

Psychology is the scientific study of the mind and how it dictates and influences our behaviour, from communication and memory to thought and emotion.

It's about understanding what makes people tick and how this understanding can help us address many of the problems and issues in society today.

As a science Psychology functions as both a thriving academic discipline and a vital professional practice, one dedicated to the study of human behaviour - and the thoughts, feelings, and motivations behind it - through observation, measurement, and testing, in order to form conclusions that are based on sound scientific methodology. (BPS 2020)

Ultimately, Psychology is the study of Human behaviour.

1. Both higher level and standard level students will study the three compulsory levels of analysis (biological, cognitive and sociocultural). This will be examined in paper 1 of the exam.

2. Higher level students study two options from a possible five including sport, abnormal, developmental relationships or health psychology. Standard level students study only one option. This will be examined in paper 2 of the exam.

3. Higher level students study qualitative research methodology. This will be examined in paper 3 of the exam.

4. Internal assessment: higher level and standard level students conduct and report upon an experimental study. Inferential statistical analysis and a more in-depth approach are required of higher level students but not required of standard level students.

Higher level

Paper 1

Section A: Three short-answer questions on the core approaches to psychology

Section B: One essay from a choice of three on the biological, cognitive and sociocultural approaches to behaviour. (49 marks) 40%

Paper 2

Two questions; one from a choice of three on each of two options (44 marks) 20%

Paper 3

Three short-answer questions from a list of six static questions on approches to research (24 marks) 20%

Internal assessment (20 hours)

This component is internally assessed by the teacher and externally moderated by the IB at the end of the course.

External study

A report on an experimental study undertaken by the studne (22 marks) 20%

Standard Level

Paper 1

Section A: three short-answer questions on the core approaches to psychology (27 marks)

Section B One essay from a choice of three on the biological, cognitive and sociocultural approaches to behaviour (22 marks)

(Total 29 marks) 50%

Paper 2

One question from a choice of three on one option (22 marks) 25%

Internal assessment (20 hours)

This component is internally assessed by the teacher and externally moderated by the IB at the end of the course.

Experimental study

A report on an experimental study undertaken by the student. (22 marks) 25%

General entry requirements:

International Baccalaureate Diploma: 6 x grade 6 or above, including Maths and English (GCSE or equivalent)

International Baccalaureate Career-Related Programme: 5 x grade 5 or above, including Maths and English (GCSE or equivalent)

We have a strong history of students progressing on to university or apprenticeships