Previous Knowledge

Students do not need to have taken Psychology at GCSE in order to study Psychology at IB level. However, because the course requires students to be skilled at writing essays, it is desirable that students who wish to study Psychology at Standard Level have gained at least a grade C in English and/or History at GCSE level and students who wish to study at Higher Level have gained a grade B or above. All students must be proficient in English and competent at mathematics in order to cope with the demands of the course. Students who have not achieved the desired grades and who wish to study Psychology will only gain access to the course after an interview with the IB Coordinator and the Subject Leader of Psychology to assess their suitability. (see ‘Who is IB Diploma Programme for?’)

Psychology SL and HL
This course aims to provide students with a holistic understanding of the levels of analysis that help us to understand human behaviour, in conjunction with research methods and ethical practice. In addition, they are encouraged to develop critical thinking skills and to develop an awareness of how Psychology can be applied for the benefit of human beings. 

Studying this course will equip students with the skills required to display the following skills:
• Knowledge and comprehension of key terms, theories, concepts and studies in Psychology
• Application and analysis of psychological research and concepts to formulate an argument
• Synthesis and evaluation of psychological theories and empirical studies
• Selection and use of skills appropriate to Psychology in order to formulate an organised response

Standard Level students will study five topics:

Quantitative Research Methods
Biological Level of Analysis
Cognitive Level of Analysis
Sociocultural Level of Analysis
Abnormal Psychology

Psychology HL only
The Higher Level course aims to support and build upon the teaching and learning of the Standard Level course. In addition to the five topics above, Higher Level students will also study:
Qualitative Research Methods
Developmental Psychology

Assessment

All Psychology students will be formally examined at the end of the two year course. These written examinations are externally assessed. In addition, all students will be required to undertake an Internal Assessment. A summary of the assessment for HL and SL is as follows:

Psychology HL only
External Assessment (80%): 3 written examination papers – 5 hours in total

Internal Assessment (20%): A simple experiment

Psychology SL only
External Assessment (75%): 2 written examination papers – 3 hours in total 
Internal Assessment (25%): A simple experiment