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Key Stage 4

🧠 Psychology

The Pearson Edexcel International GCSE in Psychology introduces students to the scientific study of human behaviour and mental processes, covering memory, perception, social influence, and neuropsychology.

Overview

Psychology is a broad discipline that includes many areas of study such as cognitive development and clinical and social behaviour. During the GCSE Psychology course, students study memory, perception, communication and social influence, and explore neuropsychology, psychological problems, and the impact on the human mind.

What Students Study

International GCSE Psychology

Psychology is a broad discipline covering cognitive development, clinical and social behaviour. Students study memory, perception, communication and social influence, and explore neuropsychology and psychological problems. Students learn to use specialist vocabulary, understand the scientific method, and apply critical thinking to evaluate psychological evidence.

  • Memory, perception, and communication
  • Social influence and conformity
  • Neuropsychology and brain development
  • Psychological problems and clinical psychology
  • Research methods and data analysis
  • Ethical considerations in psychological research

Paper 1: Foundations in Psychology

Externally assessed written examination — 1 hour 30 minutes, 50% of the total IGCSE. Covers the core areas of psychological study including memory, perception, development, and research methods.

  • Memory
  • Perception
  • Development
  • Research methods and scientific enquiry

Paper 2: Applications of Psychology

Externally assessed written examination — 1 hour 30 minutes, 50% of the total IGCSE. Covers applied areas of psychology including social influence, cognition and development, brain and neuropsychology, and psychological problems.

  • Social influence
  • Cognition and development
  • Brain and neuropsychology
  • Psychological problems

Course Details

Assessment

100% external assessment covered by two written examinations. Paper 1: Foundations in Psychology — 1 hour 30 minutes, 50% of the total IGCSE. Paper 2: Applications of Psychology — 1 hour 30 minutes, 50% of the total IGCSE. All papers must be taken at the end of the course of study.

Course Duration

The IGCSE Psychology is a two-year programme. During those two years, students have access to live online classes, academic mentor support, and one-to-one subject support.

Course Outcome

International GCSE qualifications enable successful progression onto International A Level and beyond. Upon completing the course, students will achieve a Pearson Edexcel qualification, providing that all examinations have been completed and passed.

Entry Requirements

Students whose English is not their first language are required to either sit an internal English assessment or provide an English certificate at a minimum level B2 in all components. Two years of previous school reports are required.

FAQs

Frequently asked questions

Have questions about IGCSE Psychology? Here are some of the key things families often want to know.

Next steps

Take the next step towards your future

Our IGCSE programme prepares students aged 14–16 for internationally recognised qualifications and a smooth progression to Sixth Form.