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Free Level 3 BTEC Applied Psychology Course in Manchester

CostFREE
Duration1 year
LevelLevel 3
DeliveryClassroom based
Start7 Sep 2026
Study modeFull-time
AttendanceDaytime
Awarding bodyPearson Edexcel awarding body
Apply now →

About this course

Free Level 3 BTEC National Extended Certificate in Applied Psychology Course in Manchester. Classes run at The Manchester College Openshaw Campus, full-time during the day. Over one year, you'll study psychological approaches, research methods, health psychology, criminal and forensic psychology, and children's psychological development. The course is designed for post-16 learners aiming to progress to university. It covers both theory and applied learning, giving you a strong foundation for higher education in psychology or related fields.

Who this course is for

The Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate in Applied Psychology is intended to be an Applied General qualification for post-16 learners wanting to continue their education through applied learning, and who aim to progress to higher education courses.

The course covers the following areas:

  • Psychological Approaches and Applications
  • Conducting Psychological Research
  • Health Psychology Criminal and Forensic Psychology
  • Promoting Children’s Psychological Development
  • Introduction to Psychopathology
  • Applied Sport Psychology

The qualification is the equivalent of 1 A Level and can be combined with other BTEC courses such as Childhood Studies, Health and Social Care, Sport and Public Services.

What you will learn

  • You'll explore core psychological approaches and how they're applied in real contexts.
  • You'll learn how to plan and conduct psychological research.
  • You'll study health psychology and how psychology relates to physical and mental wellbeing.
  • You'll examine criminal and forensic psychology, including how psychology is used in the justice system.
  • You'll learn about promoting children's psychological development across different stages.
  • You'll develop skills in analysing and evaluating psychological evidence.

How you will learn

You'll learn through classroom-based sessions at The Manchester College Openshaw Campus. The Pearson Edexcel BTEC format uses a combination of assignments, case studies, and research tasks rather than traditional exams. Assessment is largely coursework-based, with tasks tied to each unit of study. You'll build a portfolio of evidence across the year that demonstrates your understanding of applied psychology.

What you will need to bring

The centre will provide most materials. The Manchester College Openshaw Campus will confirm anything else you need before you start.

Where next

Jobs you could do

  • Support worker: assisting people with mental health or learning needs.
  • Healthcare assistant: supporting patients in clinical or community settings.
  • Teaching assistant: supporting children's learning and development in schools.
  • Youth worker: working with young people in community or educational settings.
  • Social care worker: supporting vulnerable adults or children in care settings.
  • Mental health support worker: helping people manage mental health challenges day to day.

What you could study next

  • BSc (Hons) Psychology: a full undergraduate degree for those wanting to qualify as a psychologist or work in research.
  • BSc (Hons) Criminology or Forensic Psychology: builds directly on the criminal and forensic psychology units.
  • Foundation Degree in Health and Social Care: a shorter higher education route into care and support roles.
  • Level 3 Diploma in Health and Social Care: if you want to move into practice-based care work rather than higher education.
Apply on tmc.ac.uk →
Apply now →

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