Students begin the course in Year 12 by covering social influence, memory and attachment. Students then move on to the approaches in psychology, biopsychology and research methods).
In Year 13, students cover the issues and debates unit and the options unit (eating behaviour and forensic psychology. In answering questions on issues and debates in psychology, students illustrate their answers with knowledge and understanding of topics studied elsewhere in the specification.
The topics become more biological in nature as students progress through the curriculum and move from Year 12 to Year 13. However, the expectation for each unit is similar. Students are expected to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of psychological concepts, theories, research studies, research methods and ethical issues in relation to each unit. They are also expected to apply psychological knowledge to a range of contexts and analyse, interpret, and evaluate psychological concepts, theories, research studies and research methods. These skills prepare students to excel in further education.