Psychology GCSE Course

The Psychology GCSE Course looks at questions such as: Why do we like some people and not others? How can an individual overcome a fear of spiders? Can you improve your memory?

Psychology is the science of the mind and behaviour. No matter who we are or what we do, some greater insight into this field will be relevant, and this is one reason why Psychology is one of the most popular of all our courses.

The syllabus focuses on the methods of psychology and its practical applications. Step by step guidance is given with the necessary research projects.

Each lesson of the Psychology GCSE begins with a set of clearly stated objectives and an explanation of its place in the overall programme of study. Effective learning is encouraged through frequent activities and self-assessment questions, and there is guidance for the preparation of coursework and a large number of simply drawn and easy-to-copy illustrations. There are eleven tutor-marked assignments, including two practice exam papers.

The Psychology GCSE course prepares students for AQA 8182 GCSE Psychology Specification, for exams in May/June 2021 or later years. Assessment is by two examination papers. There is no coursework assessment with this specification.

• Paper 1 - Cognition and Behaviour (1 Hour, 45 Minutes) is 50% of the total marks. The exam consists of four compulsory sections which include multiple choice, short answer and extended writing questions and each section carries 25 marks each.

Summary of Content: Memory, Perception, Development and Research methods.

• Paper 2 - Social Context and Behaviour (1 Hour, 45 Minutes) is 50% of the total marks. The exam consists of four compulsory sections which include multiple choice, short answer and extended writing questions and each section carries 25 marks each.

Summary of Content: Social influence, Language, thought and communication, Brain and neuropsychology and Psychological Problems.

The Psychology GCSE Home Study Course is Divided into Nine Modules Containing 18 Lessons:

Additional Reading:

No additional textbooks are required to study the Psychology GCSE course, although there are recommendations for supplementary reading within the course materials.

There are no prerequisites for starting this course. We don’t recommend that you should study more than 5 GCSE or IGCSE courses at any one time.

Please Note: We cannot accept students who are under 16 years old on this course. All applications are subject to acceptance from our course advisory team.

Students will be supported until their chosen examination window. Every student receives a personal tutor with whom they should keep in regular contact. All tutors are fully qualified experienced teachers holding either a Postgraduate Certificate in Education or a degree in education. Most work from home and are able to offer flexible contact times. The tutor will contact students with an introductory letter and a telephone call to help decide on a study plan. They will also let the student know the best ways and times for contact.

There is no limit on how often you can contact your tutor. The advice and encouragement our tutors provide are an important part of your learning experience. You can contact your tutor by Phone, Post or Email. There are tutor-marked assignments (TMA's) in every course. These help the student to consolidate their learning and prepare for examinations.

All tutors have a Freephone 0800 telephone number and most will have Skype capabilities. Whilst you are still actively submitting assignments, you should expect to be in contact with your tutor regularly. Remember, to get the most out of your tutor, you will need to tell them when you need assistance.

All AQA specification GCSE Exams must be taken at a registered examination centre as a private candidate. We offer course materials and tutor support although we don't offer the examinations. An Examinations Officer can assist any registered student with finding centres and dealing with coursework forms, but we do not book exams on behalf of students and it is the students responsibility to book their own exams. 

Students are contacted in December/January and advised to start arranging their examinations. AQA have over 300 examination centres in the UK. If you would like to research exam centres prior to enrolment then you can visit the AQA page for private candidates which shows a small selection of centres set out geographically.

Private Candidates cannot complete AQA Specification Exams outside of the UK. Students wanting to sit exams outside of the UK should consider IGCSE Specifications. 

Examination Dates and Exam fees:

GCSE exams are available in the Summer examination window and examination fees need to be paid direct to your chosen exam centre. Prices for exams will vary depending on the exam centre's administration costs.

Please Note: The nearest examination window we can accept students aiming towards is now Summer 2022.

Any student aiming for the Summer 2022 examination window will need to be enrolled on the course by 14 November 2021. Students can aim towards Summer 2023 exams if that is their preference, providing the specification is still available.

• Summer 2021 Exam Timetable
• Summer 2022 Exam Timetable (The 2022 dates have not been confirmed yet)
• Information for Private Candidates
• Booking GCSE and IGCSE Exams
• The New GCSE and IGCSE Grading System
• What is the difference between GCSE and IGCSE

Predicted grades without a reference are available free of charge on request. If applying to a college or other further education establishment and you require a refernce with predicted grades then this is available at an additional cost of £45.00. A course advisor will discuss your predicted grades and progress with each individual tutor and put together a comprehensive reference that can be sent on your behalf. 

Please Note: Students need to have completed a minimum of four assignments per subject in order for us to have something to base our reference/prediction on.