Psychology National 5

What is special about this course?

The course is suitable for anyone with an interest in developing knowledge and understanding of human behaviour, either to pursue study and career options related to psychology or to broaden your learning experience.

You may have little or no prior experience of studying psychology, but an interest in human behaviour and life experience provides a good foundation to progress to this qualification.

The National 5 Psychology course will help yu gain an insight into individual and social behaviour. Studying psychology enables you to find out some of the ways that thoughts and the environment can affect how we feel and behave.

The National 5 Psychology course is a recommended first step into the subject of Psychology prior to studying Higher Psychology.  This route will allow for a bettter understanding of each area of study as well as a good foundation in the subject and an increased level of confidence.

Entry requirements

You will have achieved a National 4 Pass in English or equivalent qualification prior to starting this course.

Psychology covers many different areas, three of which are covered within this course; individual behaviour, social behaviour and research.

Individual Behaviour – This area looks at the behaviour of one person in isolation. If you have ever wondered about the reasons for the need to sleep and why dreams happen; then you will find this out in the Sleep and Dreams topic. You will be asked to keep a sleep journal and dream diary.  The second topic is Personality where we look at how genes and the environment can impact on your own personality. You will look at different personality types and take part in a personality questionnaire.

Social Behaviour – This area looks at the behaviour of people in groups and their interactions. If you have ever changed your behaviour just to fit in and be liked then you will be interest in the first topic of Conformity. Within this topic we look at how things such as Culture or levels of self-esteem can impact on whether we conform or not. The second topic is non-verbal communication (NVC), here we look at how genetics and the environment can shape our NVC. We look at universal NVC such as smiling as well as different meanings culturally in such things as gestures.

Research – This area introduces you to the research process which is of great importance within psychology. You will learn about the different research methods, ethics and how participants are selected to take part in research. You will then plan and write up your own research plan.

Equipment

Internet connection and a suitable device with headphones, microphone and camera (minimum spec) is required. Please email us if you have any concerns about connectivity or equipment.
 

Fees

Funding

Funding

A Fee Waiver or funding of up to £200 could be available to help with payment of course fees, depending on your personal circumstances.

This support will be available for people who are 16 or over, living in Scotland and either in low paid work or actively seeking work. To be eligible, you must have income of £22,000 a year or less, or be on certain benefits.

You will also not be undertaking any secondary, further or higher education, SDS funded training or participating on the Community Jobs Scotland programme.

Please contact your local college centre for more information about eligibility, or call us on 01397 874000.