Post A Job
Advertise Courses
Search Jobs
Search Courses

Free BTEC Level 3 Applied Psychology Course in Bury Saint Edmunds – West Suffolk College

CostFREE
Duration2 years
LevelLevel 3
DeliveryClassroom based
Start1 Sep 2027
Study modeFull-time
AttendanceDaytime
Awarding bodyPearson Edexcel awarding body
Apply now →

About this course

Free BTEC Level 3 Applied Psychology Course in Bury Saint Edmunds. Classes run at West Suffolk College, full-time over two years.

The course explores why people think, feel, and behave the way they do. You'll study key psychological theories, human development, and the psychology of crime and criminal behaviour. Topics include social influence, mental health, and how psychology is applied in real investigations. You'll need five GCSEs at grade 5 or above, including Maths and English, to join.

You'll finish with a Pearson Edexcel BTEC National Extended Certificate in Applied Psychology.

Who this course is for

Are you fascinated by why people behave the way they do? Do you want to understand what causes crime, how criminals are investigated, and how psychology can help us explain human thoughts, emotions and actions?This exciting Psychology and Criminology course gives you the opportunity to explore human behaviour and the world of crime from psychological and criminological perspectives. You will investigate key psychological theories that explain why people think and behave differently, exploring areas such as social influence, memory, development, individual differences and psychological disorders.Alongside Psychology, you will examine some of the most fascinating questions within Criminology. Why do people commit crime? Why are some crimes more visible than others? How does the media influence our perception of crime? What happens from the moment a crime is committed through to a case reaching the courtroom? You will explore different explanations of criminal behaviour and consider how society attempts to prevent crime, punish offenders and reduce reoffending.The course will also develop your ability to analyse evidence, investigate theories, conduct research, construct arguments and evaluate different explanations of behaviour and crime. You will be encouraged to question assumptions, consider different viewpoints and use evidence to reach justified conclusions.Psychology and Criminology is an excellent choice if you enjoy discussing real-world issues, investigating human behaviour and examining complex questions where there may not always be one simple answer.

Entry requirements

5 GCSE grade 5 or above including Math and English

What you will learn

  • You'll explore key psychological theories of human thought and behaviour.
  • You'll study the psychology of crime and criminal investigation.
  • You'll examine social influence and how groups affect individual behaviour.
  • You'll learn about mental health, including causes and treatments.
  • You'll investigate human development across the lifespan.
  • You'll apply psychological concepts to real-world scenarios.
  • You'll develop research and analytical skills used in psychology.

How you will learn

You'll learn through classroom sessions at West Suffolk College. The BTEC National Extended Certificate is assessed mainly through coursework and assignments rather than exams. You'll complete units with set tasks, building a portfolio of evidence over the two years. Some units may include external assessment set by Pearson Edexcel.

What you will need to bring

West Suffolk College will confirm what you need before you start.

Where next

Jobs you could do

  • Psychology research assistant, supports studies in academic or clinical settings.
  • Mental health support worker, assists people with mental health needs under supervision.
  • Criminal justice support worker, works within probation, courts, or offender services.
  • Social care worker, supports vulnerable adults or young people in community settings.
  • Teaching assistant, supports learning in schools alongside qualified teachers.
  • Youth worker, works with young people in community or charity settings.

What you could study next

  • BSc Psychology (Level 6 degree), the main route into professional psychology roles and a requirement for British Psychological Society graduate membership.
  • BSc Criminology or Criminal Justice (Level 6 degree), for those focused on crime and the justice system.
  • Higher National Certificate in Health and Social Care (Level 4), a shorter higher-education step if you want to enter the workforce sooner.
  • A-levels alongside or instead, if a university requires specific subjects for a psychology degree.
Apply on wsc.ac.uk →
Apply now →

Related courses at West Suffolk College

More courses near you