IB Psychology (HL and SL)

Course Review

The DP Psychology course is currently undergoing its seven-year review. Updates to the curriculum include the internal and external assessment and framing of the course through a concepts-contexts-content model. The full specification will be released in early 2025.

Aims

1. Develop knowledge and understanding of psychological concepts, models and theories.

2. Think critically and creatively about behaviour and cognitive processes.

3. Engage with problems facing individuals, and groups by applying psychological literacies.

4. Engage in data analysis and interpretation (HL only).

5. Inquire into the role of culture, motivation and technology in human behaviour (HL only).

Curriculum Format

Class Practical Activities

Class practical activities ask students to engage in research like a psychologist. This includes experiments, surveys, observations and an interview. For each context there is a suggested approach to research with more information provided in the guide and support materials.

B. Contexts	Class Practical Activity
B1. Health and Wellness	Interview (Semi-Structured or Focus Group)
B2. Human Development	Naturalistic Observation
B3. Human Relationships	Survey
B4. Learning and Cognition	Simple Experiment

Assessment Model

Component	Overview	Question description
Paper 1 (SL/HL)	Concepts, contexts and content	Short response to two questions related to the content Two short answer questions requiring the application of a theory to a scenario One extended response question linking concepts and context.
Paper 2 (SL/HL)	Research in psychology	Four questions relating to class practical activities One extended response question requiring the use of concepts to discuss a research scenario.
Paper 3 (HL only)	Data interpretation and analysis	Four questions on the quantitative and qualitative data presented within one of the HL extensions: culture, motivation or technology.
Internal Assessment (SL/HL)	Research proposal	Qualitative or quantitative research proposals using one method explored in class practical activities.

Requirements

7 in GSCE English

Due to the course’s emphasis on advanced essay writing skills, we require that pupils have achieved a 7 or higher for GCSE English. IB Psychology is a rigorous, essay-intensive subject that requires students to analyse complex psychological theories, evaluate research studies, and construct well-reasoned arguments. The ability to write clearly, concisely, and analytically is crucial, as students are expected to present coherent essays that demonstrate critical thinking and a deep understanding of psychological concepts. 

Potential careers

Studying Psychology opens doors to diverse fields by providing insights into human behaviour, motivation, and interaction. Pupils would be well-positioned to pursue further education and employment in mental health, business, education, technology, criminal justice, and more, where understanding people is essential to success.

Such career prospects could include:

Mental Health: Clinical psychologist, counselor, social worker

Education: School psychologist, educational consultant, learning specialist

Business: HR specialist, organizational psychologist, training coordinator

Marketing: Market researcher, consumer behavior analyst, UX designer

Criminal Justice: Forensic psychologist, probation officer, legal consultant

Healthcare: Health psychologist, behavioral analyst, wellness coordinator

Sports: Sports psychologist, performance coach

Research: Academic researcher, lab assistant

Tech: UX researcher, AI ethics consultant, digital mental health expert.

Contact for further information

Mr D Rea: dr@wellingtoncollege.org.uk

Miss S Candappa: slfc@wellingtoncollege.org.uk