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Ever wanted to explain other people’s behaviour, or even your own? Unsure about how we can know for sure what another person might be thinking? Considering a career in psychology, counselling, social care, mental health or in supporting people in general? This could be the course for you. This course provides you with a starting basis to the applied psychology sector by focusing on up to date theories and including the knowledge, understanding, skills and attributes required to succeed in the sector.
Crime and Environmental Psychology focuses on areas such as; environmental stressors and their impact on our biological responses. Biological rhythms and the impact of their disruption on our behaviour. Conservation behaviours and the factors which influence the tendency to conserve or recycle, cognitive overload and the impact of observation in the workplace environment. The impact of built environment and urban renewal on our wellbeing and territory and personal space in the workplace.
What will I study in Psychology (Crime & Environmental Psychology) A-level?
There are three components / modules taught over two years. All of these modules are assessed by exams at the end of the second year.
- Component 1 – Research Methods (30%, 2 hour exam)
- Component 2 – Psychological Themes Through Core Studies (35%, 2 hour exam)
- Component 3 – Applied Psychology (35%, 2 hour exam)
Component 1 – Research Methods
This module encourages students to become familiar with four techniques for collecting and analysing data: self-report, experiment, observation and correlation.
Component 2 – Psychological Themes Through Core Studies
This module allows students to explore different approaches to explaining behaviour including the physiological, cognitive and social approaches through studying ten pairs of key psychological studies, one classic and one contemporary study.
Component 3 – Applied Psychology
This module allows the exploration of specific areas of Psychology that students may wish to specialise in. All students will study mental health and forensic Psychology.
Mental Health Psychology includes the history of mental health; categorising abnormal behaviour; as well as the biological, behaviourist,and cognitive explanations and treatments of mental health disorders.
Forensic Psychology involves studying Psychology in application to the law including reasons why people turn to crime such as biology, the collection and processing of forensic evidence; the collecting and processing of evidence provided by witnesses and suspects; factors that affect jury decisions,and the effects of imprisonment. Students will then be required to choose one of the following modules to study :sport, child, or environmental psychology.
Environmental psychology focuses on areas such as; environmental stressors and their impact on our biological responses, biological rhythms and the impact of their disruption on our behaviour, conservation behaviours and the factors which influence the tendency to conserve or recycle, cognitive overload and the impact of observation in the workplace environment, the impact of built environment and urban renewal on our wellbeing and territory and personal space in the workplace.
Entry Requirements
At least five GCSEs at Grade 4 or above all from the core subjects, including Maths at Grade 5.
How will I learn?
We use a wide range of strategies to get you involved and deepen your understanding. These include traditional lecturing and note-taking, research and presentation, mind-mapping, discussion, games, quizzes and peer learning. You will be expected to think for yourself and be proactive in your learning!
How will I be assessed?
Assessment is through an examination at the end of the course although you will be assesed through a variety of methods during the course (including recap tests, discussions and presentations) to prepare you for these exams.
Component 1 – Research Methods (30%, 2 hour exam)
Component 2 – Psychological themes through core studies (35%, 2 hour exam)
Component 3 – Applied psychology (35%, 2 hour exam)
Any trips?
You will have the opportunity to attend a number of trips as an A-Level Psychology student. The trips are not compulsory but will help you to extend or apply the knowledge that you are gaining in the classroom. Recent trips include:
- Gloucester Prison - a tour and a talk from a prison officer
- Clink Restaurant - a visit to a restaurant that aids in the rehabilitation of offenders
- Various university trips including University of Worcester and University of Gloucestershire
Are there any costs involved?
You should expect some small costs for course booklets and stationery
FAQs
If you are considering studying Psychology at degree level you should be aware that some universities require a grade 6 in GCSE Maths. You should check entry requirements with individual universities.
Awarding Body
OCR
Available As
[56 UCAS pts. available]

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What can I do after I have taken this course?
Available As
[56 UCAS pts. available]

Add to Application
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