Psychology Higher
Psychology is best defined as ‘the scientific
study of the mind and behaviour’ therefore
you should have, aside from a basic
interest in human behaviour, a good basic
grasp of scientific principles and the ability
to analyse and evaluate psychological
theories and research studies.
Assessment will involve describing relevant
knowledge and, equally importantly,
How will I be assessed?
analysing and evaluating this knowledge in
There are three internal assessments,
terms of its scientific content, practical
pass/fail and all three must be passed to
applications, ethical considerations etc.
enable sitting the final exam which is worth
There is also a requirement to complete
60% of the final mark. There is also a
one piece of practical coursework, which is prelim exam to allow students to see the
also beneficial to learning, as it helps to
layout of the exam paper and to identify
develop a knowledge and understanding of strengths and areas for improvement,
how psychology functions as a science.
these are marked internally and graded.
The course consists of three units which
will prepare you for the final exam:
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Moving on
Higher Psychology is suitable preparation
for entry to higher education courses in
Individual Behaviour Unit: One
psychology or further study in other
mandatory topic of sleep, sleep
disorders and dreams. Second topic is academic and vocational subjects.
stress.
How & where will I study?
Research Unit: Covers the research
6 periods per school week are allocated. 4
process, experimental and nonperiods: VC with lecturer; 2 periods: selfexperimental methods, descriptive
study/revision.
statistics, sampling methods and
This Higher is delivered face to face in
designs.
Social Behaviour Unit: One mandatory Ullapool.
topic of conformity and obedience and Entry requirements
one other topic such as love and
English and a science at Nat 5 or Higher.
attraction or aggression.
Acceptance will be based on your
As part of unit 2, students must design an application form and if necessary an
experiment/non-experiment based on SQA interview will be arranged.
candidate briefs and write up a research
report. This is worth 40% of the final mark
You will need to fill in an application form
and is marked externally.
which you can get from your school
guidance teacher.
How to apply
www.whc.uhi.ac.uk
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