International Baccalaureate (IB) Psychology Diploma

Applications Open: 3rd November 2025

Applications Close: 27th February 2026

Application Details: At Hartsdown Academy we run the International Baccalaureate Career-Related Programme https://www.ibo.org/programmes/career-related-programme/ . Prospective students need to choose 1 Vocational Course (BTEC or OCR) and 2 IB Diploma Courses.

Entry Requirements: 5 x Grade 4-9 including Maths & English. A good attendance and behaviour record is also essential.

How to Apply: - Please apply via KentChoices

Psychology is the rigorous and systematic study of mental processes and behaviour. It is a complex subject which draws on concepts, methods and understandings from a number of different disciplines. There is no single approach that would describe or explain mental processes and behaviour on its own as human beings are complex animals, with highly developed frontal lobes, cognitive abilities, involved social structures and cultures.

The study of behaviour and mental processes requires a multidisciplinary approach and the use of a variety of research techniques whilst recognising that behaviour is not a static phenomenon, it is adaptive, and as the world, societies and challenges facing societies change, so does behaviour.

Year 12

Biological Approach
- Do areas of the brain correlate with behaviour? When changes take place in the brain do changes take place in behaviour or is the reverse the case?

Cognitive Approach
- Does the brain process information like a computer? What affects our memory and how can we improve it?

Sociocultural Approach
- How do social and cultural influences shape thinking and human behaviour?

Year 13

Human Relationships

• factors influencing bystanderism
• causes and influencers of conflict and prejudice
• dynamics in a group

Developmental Psychology

• influences on cognitive and social development
• developing an identity
• developing as a learner

External Assessments (75%)

• Paper 1 Core units (SL)
• Paper 2 Options
• Paper 3 Research methods (HL)

Internal assessments (25%)

• Conducting your own psychological experiment

Just some of the psychology degree options you can take include:

• Anthropology and Psychology
• Applied Psychology
• Biology with Psychology
• Child Psychology
• Clinical Psychology
• Developmental Psychology
• Educational Psychology
• English and Psychology
• Experimental Psychology

UCAS Points:

• Level 7 -28
• Level 6 - 24
• Level 5 - 16
• Level 4 - 12
• Level 3 - 6
• Level 2 - 0
• Level 1 - 0

Careers directly related to psychology:

• Clinical psychologist
• Counselor
• Education mental health practitioner
• Forensic psychologist
• Further education teacher
• Health psychologist
• High intensity therapist
• Occupational psychologist
• Psychological wellbeing practitioner
• Sport and exercise psychologist

Careers where a psychology career will be useful:

• Dance movement psychotherapist
• Human resources officer
• Life coach
• Market researcher
• Mediator
• Neuroscientist
• Play therapist