Level 3 National Certificate in Applied Psychology 2025-26

Applied Psychology is the scientific study of behaviour, and this course applies the theories of multiple different approaches to explain human behaviour. Psychology is a research based subject that uses evidence to support theories of human behaviour. The course will provide students with research, analytical and critical thinking skills that are important for those wanting to progress on to University.

The course is ideal if you have an interest in explaining why people behave the way they do, how aggressive behaviours and genders are formed, an explanation of health in relation to psychology, how mental disorders develop and how they are treated.

The National Certificate covers two mandatory units:
- Applications of Psychological Approaches
- Conducting Psychological Research

The National Extended Certificate will also include a further mandatory unit, Health Psychology. Additionally, a further unit which will be chosen from:
- Criminal and Forensic Psychology
- Principles of Children’s Psychological Development
- Psychopathology and Treatment
- Applied Sports Psychology

This will allow you to choose a specific specialist area in which you wish to develop your knowledge and skills.

There is a wide range of possible employment opportunities following further study at degree level, including:
• Psychology Roles (forensic and clinic psychology)
• Education
• Research
• Legal Professions
• Social Work
• Counselling
• Health Care
• Advertising and Business

Psychology can effectively be applied to almost every part of life!

This course can lead to multiple areas of study at University including:
BSc Psychology
BSc Psychology and counselling
BSc Forensic psychology
BSc Psychology and criminology
BSc Criminology
BSc Psychology and Sociology
BA Sociology
BSc Applied Psychology
BSc Child development
BA Education
BA in Child studies
and many more

You will need a minimum of five GCSE at grade 9-4 (A*-C), including English, maths and science to study this course.

Our entry requirements are in place to support our students in achieving the qualifications they have chosen to study. In addition to the entry requirements, all students will be regularly assessed by East Durham College at an early stage in their study programme. This is to ensure that students are enrolled onto courses which suit their abilities – following assessment, there may be occasions when students are transferred to a relevant course at a higher or lower level in order to ensure they are enrolled on to the right course for them to achieve and progress.

Entry onto any course at EDC may have entry requirements in addition to exam results; this includes but is not limited to DBS checks, references, fitness to practice and at times physical requirements to be capable of achieving the practical elements of the course without assistance. Entry onto any course at East Durham College is subject to final approval from the Assistant Principal.

First year of the course will be assessed through 3 pieces of coursework based on research methods, which you will have to carry out your own research. You will also be assessed by a 1 and a half hour exam at the end of the academic year, based on approaches and applications

Second year of the course you will be assessed though two pieces of coursework on the option module, and then you will be assessed through a 2 hour exam in January, this is based on Health Psychology.

September 2025

2 years, full-time

This course is only available to study alongside other A Levels in our Sixth Form.