IB Psychology (HL and SL)

Course description

IB Psychology explores how biological, cognitive, and sociocultural factors shape human behaviour, emotion, and thought. Students examine major theories and research through a critical, evidence-based lens, developing insight into the methods and ethics of psychological inquiry. By connecting ideas across diverse contexts such as health, learning, development, and relationships, students learn to apply conceptual understanding to real-world issues. The course encourages reflective engagement, curiosity, and intercultural understanding, helping learners appreciate both the universality and diversity of human experience while building essential skills in analysis, research, and ethical reasoning that extend far beyond the study of psychology itself.

Course Content

All students study concepts, content and contexts, which together develop psychological literacy.

Concept Content Context
•    Bias•    Causality

•    Change

•    Measurement

•    Perspective

•    Responsibility

 ·      Biological Approach•    Cognitive Approach

•    Sociocultural Approach

•    Research Methodology

 •   Learning and Cognition•   Human Development

•   Health and Wellbeing

•   Human Relationships

Assessment Practicals

All students undertake a minimum of four class practicals, engaging directly with core research methods through hands-on investigation. These include an experiment, an interview, an observation, and a survey.

HL Extension

HL students further explore how culture, motivation, and technology influence human behaviour, deepening their understanding within each of the four contextual areas. They also develop advanced skills in data analysis and the interpretation of psychological research, enhancing their ability to evaluate evidence and draw meaningful conclusions.

Assessment Model

Standard Level (SL)

Paper 1: Integration of Concepts, Content and Contexts (90min) – 35%

  • Section A: two compulsory short-answer questions from two of the three content areas.
  • Section B: two compulsory short-answer questions applying content to unseen contexts.
  • Section C: one concept-based extended response from a choice of two questions.

Paper 2: Applying Concepts and Content to Research Contexts (90min) – 35%

  • Section A: four compulsory questions focusing on the class practicals.
  • Section B: evaluation of an unseen research study with regard to two or more concepts

Internal Assessment: Research Proposal (20hrs/2200words) – 30%

  • Students design a psychological research proposal investigating a population of interest using one of the four approved research methods.

Higher Level (HL)

Paper 1: Integration of Concepts, Content and Contexts (90min) – 25%

  • Same structure as SL but with greater depth of analysis.

Paper 2: Applying Concepts and Content to Research Contexts (90min) – 25%

  • Same structure as SL but assessed at a higher analytical level.

Paper 3: Data Analysis and Interpretation of Research Data (105min) – 30%

  • Four source-based questions on quantitative and qualitative findings linked to the HL extensions: culture, motivation, and technology.

Internal Assessment: Research Proposal (20hrs/2200words) – 20%

  • As above, internally assessed and externally moderated.

See the IB Psychology Subject Brief for more information.

Requirements

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.

Beyond Wellington

Studying Psychology opens doors to a wide range of fields by deepening understanding of human behaviour, motivation, and interaction. Students develop insight into what drives people and how they connect, skills that are essential in almost every profession. Graduates are well-prepared to pursue further study and careers in mental health, business, education, technology, criminal justice, and beyond – anywhere that understanding people leads to success.

Possible career pathways include:

  • Mental Health: Clinical psychologist, counsellor, social worker
  • Education: School psychologist, learning specialist, educational consultant
  • Business: HR specialist, organisational psychologist, training coordinator
  • Marketing: Market researcher, consumer behaviour analyst, UX designer
  • Criminal Justice: Forensic psychologist, probation officer, legal consultant
  • Healthcare: Health psychologist, behavioural analyst, wellness coordinator
  • Sports: Sports psychologist, performance coach
  • Research: Academic researcher, lab assistant
  • Technology: UX researcher, AI ethics consultant, digital mental health expert

IB Psychology provides outstanding preparation for degrees in Psychology, Medicine, Education, Law, Neuroscience, Sociology, and Business. Students gain highly transferable skills in critical analysis, communication, research design, and data interpretation, equipping them for success in fields such as healthcare, management, marketing, and public policy.

Contact for further information

Mr D Rea: dr@wellingtoncollege.org.uk

Miss S Candappa: slfc@wellingtoncollege.org.uk