Psychology (Applied)
Course type: BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate
Awarding/exam body: Pearson Edexcel
Do you want to understand the human mind?
Are you interested in learning how to conduct psychological research?
With the BTEC Level 3 Psychology (Applied), you will learn psychology as it applies to real life – helping you understand people and the societies we live in today.
In this Psychology (Applied) course, you’ll learn all about the human mind and human behaviour, examining what makes us who we are, and why and how we make decisions. The course will increase your understanding of the world and people around you, and you will learn how to conduct psychological research, and review the accuracy of other people’s research.
Psychology (Applied) will also help you understand what to do to facilitate good mental health, as well as focusing on psychological disorders and mental health. It also offers optional units so you can choose topics such as Criminal and Forensic Psychology or Applied Sport Psychology, helping you tailor your course to what you want to study.
The BTEC Level 3 Psychology (Applied) is equal to one A level. It’s a less theoretical, more practical course than A level Psychology and has a 60% coursework element (in addition to exams). You can take it alongside two other A levels or Level 3 Extended Certificate subjects.
Unit 1: Psychological Approaches and Applications
Unit 2: Conducting Psychological Research
Unit 3: Health Psychology
Optional units
Criminal and Forensic Psychology
Promoting Children’s Psychological Development
Introduction to Psychopathology
Applied Sport Psychology
External (exams), internal (assessed work) and synoptic (exams at the end of each year).
Psychology is widely regarded as one of the most versatile degrees you can have when accessing the job market after university. You can study either a BSc (Bachelor of Science), or a BA (Bachelor of Arts) in Psychology, so check individual university courses, as they may vary.
The BTEC Level 3 Psychology (Applied) is useful if you are considering a career in counselling, therapy-based practices, business, healthcare, marketing, public relations, law, criminal and probationary services, criminology, child development or sport science.
5 GCSEs at Grade 4 or above, ideally including English Language at Grade 4 OR BTEC Level 2 Diploma at Merit with English Language at Grade 4.
Grade 4 or above in English Language, Maths and Double Science (if you took single sciences, you’ll need Grade 4 in two sciences).
- Trip to Freud Museum
- Trip to Bethlem Royal Hospital
Courses
Students can take any combination of 30 A level and Level 3 Applied Diploma subjects. Vocational programmes include 11 Level 3 Extended Diplomas, including BTEC, CTEC and University of the Arts courses, and 4 T Levels. We also offer BTEC Level 2 and Foundation options, along with GCSE Maths and English language retakes.
Students
At Saint Francis Xavier, we develop the whole person. Our commitment goes beyond academic achievement; we equip students with the confidence, values, and skills needed to thrive in higher education, employment, and adult life. With an extensive range of courses, our students receive expert teaching in our modern, state-of-the-art facilities.
Parents & Carers
Personal Tutors will work with both you and your student to overcome any obstacles and achieve their potential. We build a positive ethos around learning and behaviour, support students with discussion and advice, invite you to progress review evenings, provide each student with an Individual Learning Plan (ILP), and send you full reports.
Upcoming Events
Open Evening
Wednesday, 4th March · 4pm – 6pm
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Nursery
‘Happy staff make happy children’
Nightingale’s Nursery is set in the beautiful, secure grounds of Saint Francis Xavier Catholic Sixth Form College where children can play outside and help tend the vegetable patch. The nursery follows the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) statutory framework and provides a holistic learning environment, paying special attention to the transition from home to nursery, reassuring parents of their child’s wellbeing and progress on a daily basis.
Nightingale’s friendly team builds positive relationships with all the children and parents.
Latest News & Blog
Saint Francis Xavier Sixth Form College announces excellent 2025 Level 3 examination results
We congratulate all our students who received their excellent public examination results today. We are delighted to see results improving on last year’s impressive pass rates across A level, BTEC, CTEC and UAL courses. Our second year T Level results have also been excellent. The overall pass rate at Level 3 was 97%, including 50% […]
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Saint Francis Xavier Sixth Form College was filled with colour, flavour, and pride as we hosted our much-anticipated Culture Day — a joyful celebration of the rich diversity that makes our college community so special. We are proud to be a truly inclusive college, welcoming students and staff from a wide range of cultural and […]
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We’re incredibly proud to announce that our Young Enterprise team, Nexora, has won the Central, North & West London Final, held at the prestigious Samsung KX venue in King’s Cross. Representing St Francis Xavier Catholic Sixth Form College, students Guilherme, Nawid, Tiago, Ruan and Kevin competed against seven other schools in a high-pressure final that tested their innovation, professionalism and business […]
