Psychology (IB)

Applications Open - 10th November 2025

Applications Close - 27th February 2026

Entry Requirements - Please refer to the Sixth Form Course Directory via the website www.knoleacademy.org

Option blocks and detailed subject information can be found in our course directory https://www.knoleacademy.org/3569/information-for-students-applying-for-september-2025

How to Apply - Via Kent Choices

PLEASE NOTE WHEN SELECTING COURSES THERE ARE FOUR POSSIBLE PATHWAYS

Vocational pathway - Select minimum of 3 vocational subjects

IBCP pathway - Select minimum 1 vocational and minimum 2 IB subjects

IBDP pathway - Select only the IBDP option from Block E. We will contact you about subject options

Level 2 pathway -Select either Culinary Skills or Hairdressing

Have you ever wondered why some people make friends easily or why you can remember some things and not others, or how some people are born leaders while others are happy to follow the crowd? Psychology is the systematic study of such behaviours and mental processes. It has its roots in both the natural and social sciences, which leads to a variety of research designs and applications, providing a unique approach to understanding modern society.

IB Psychology examines the interaction of biological, cognitive and sociocultural influences on human behaviour. This integrated approach helps you gain an understanding of how psychological knowledge is generated, developed and applied, thereby enabling you to achieve a greater understanding of yourself and the diversity of human behaviour.

Due to the stringent scientific investigation and in-depth analysis of behaviour, Psychology is a respected academic subject, which combines well with the Arts, Humanities and Sciences. It is good for progression to Higher Education and is particularly useful for any profession where an insight into human behaviour is beneficial.

Module 1—Learning & Cognition

• Cognitive Processes (Memory)
• Thinking & Learning
• Research Methods (Experiments)
• Data Analysis (Motivation, Culture & Technology)

Module 2—Human Development

• Models of Development
• Development of Self
• Research methods (Observations)
• Data Analysis (Motivation, Culture & Technology)

Module 3—Human Relationships

• Interpersonal Relationships (Social Relationships)
• Group Behaviour
• Research methods (Questionnaires)
• Data Analysis (Motivation, Culture & Technology)

Module 4 - Health & Wellbeing

• Mental Health Disorders (Major Depressive Disorder)
• Prevention and Treatment (Major Depressive Disorder)
• Health Problems (Social Media Addiction)
• Research Methods (Interviews)
• Data Analysis (Motivation, Culture and Technology)

Examination and Assessment:

Students are asked a range of questions across 3 tests sat in the summer term. This sits alongside an internally assessed piece of coursework.

Paper 1: Integration of the concepts, content, and contexts (25%)

1 hour 30 minutes. 35 marks.

Section A: two compulsory short-answer questions from two of the three content areas

Section B: two compulsory questions asking students to apply their knowledge of content to an unseen situation, each from one of four contexts

Section C: two concept-based extended response questions, each from a different context

Paper 2: Applying concepts and content to research contexts (25%)

1 hour 30 minutes. 35 marks.

Section A: four compulsory questions that focus on the class practicals

Section B: evaluation of an unseen research study with regards two or more concepts

Paper 3: Data analysis and interpretation of research data (30%)

1 hour 45 minutes. 30 marks.

Four source-based questions with quantitative and qualitative findings.

Minimum of five 9-5 grades in GCSE examinations including a grade 6 in English, Maths and Science.

See Careers Leader for more information.

Future courses & possible careers:

• Advertising & Marketing
• Management Training
• Sports
• Human Resource
• Education
• Occupational Health
• Counselling & Therapies
• Sales
• Criminal Investigation/Forensics
• Psychotherapy
• Armed Forces
• Neuroscience & Intensive Rehabilitation