2ZPSY

NCEA Level 2 Psychology

Course Description

Head of Faculty - Kaihautuu: Mr B. Silk.

Psychology is a captivating subject that delves into the complexities of human behaviour and the workings of the mind. This NCEA Level Psychology course offers students a unique opportunity to better understand themselves and others. Exploring topics like personality, cognition, and social interactions, students develop valuable skills that foster self-awareness, empathy, and effective communication.

Critical thinking and analytical skills are honed through the evaluation and interpretation of scientific research, statistical data, and empirical evidence. This course equips students with the ability to analyse information, enhancing their problem-solving and decision-making capabilities. Evidence-based reasoning is encouraged, providing a solid foundation for academic pursuits and real-life situations.

Students will look at 3 key approaches to Psychology and then apply their understanding of those approaches to a specified behaviour. Students will conduct their own Psychological research following a scientific method. Students will look at how a key debate in Psychology has changed over time and then students will look at ethics - using an unethical study to discuss improvements. 

Studying psychology opens doors to diverse career paths, serving as a stepping stone for professions such as counseling, social work, human resources, education, marketing, and research. This course provides a strong basis for personal and professional growth in an ever-changing world that highly values interpersonal skills, adaptability, and emotional intelligence.

Course Overview

Term 1
91844 – Examine different psychological approaches used to explain a behaviour (6 credits) 7 weeks

Term 2
91846 - Conduct psychological research with guidance (4 credits) 10 weeks

Term 3
91845 – Examine how a Psychological debate has changed over time (3 credits)

91848 with an exploration of Ethical issues in psychological research (3 credits)

Term 4
91848 with an exploration of Ethical issues in psychological research (3 credits)

Recommended Prior Learning

It is HIGHLY RECOMMENDED that students taking Psychology have a good English ability and an inquisitive mind. Psychology at Level 2 relies heavily on understanding Scientific research, reading and writing. An ability to think for themselves and apply knowledge to scientific theories and concepts is also a must. 

Contributions and Equipment/Stationery

A personal laptop is essential for this course. If obtaining one is a barrier, please contact Ben Silk, the Kaihautu/Head of Social Sciences, at .

Pathway

Interest in Psychology is on the up and places for tertiary courses are very competitive (especially for specialised areas such as clinical psychology). This course would start your journey in psychology and allow you to gain a foundational knowledge of what future tertiary courses will entail.

Assessment Information

Research and report writing required in all standards

Credit Information

You will be assessed in this course through all or a selection of the standards listed below.

This course is approved for University Entrance.

Total Credits Available: 16
Internal Assessed Credits: 16
External Assessed Credits: 0
Assessment
Description
Level
Internal or
External
Credits
L1 Literacy Credits
UE Literacy Credits
Numeracy Credits
A.S. 91844 v1
NZQA Info

Psychology 2.1 - Examine different psychological approaches used to explain a behaviour


Level: 2
Internal or External: Internal
Credits: 6
Level 1 Literacy Credits: 0
University Entrance Literacy Credits: 6r
Numeracy Credits: 0
A.S. 91845 v1
NZQA Info

Psychology 2.2 - Examine how a psychological debate has changed over time


Level: 2
Internal or External: Internal
Credits: 3
Level 1 Literacy Credits: 0
University Entrance Literacy Credits: 3r
Numeracy Credits: 0
A.S. 91846 v1
NZQA Info

Psychology 2.3 - Conduct psychological research with guidance


Level: 2
Internal or External: Internal
Credits: 4
Level 1 Literacy Credits: 0
University Entrance Literacy Credits: 4r
Numeracy Credits: 0
A.S. 91848 v1
NZQA Info

Psychology 2.5 - Examine ethical issues in psychological practice


Level: 2
Internal or External: Internal
Credits: 3
Level 1 Literacy Credits: 0
University Entrance Literacy Credits: 3r
Numeracy Credits: 0
Credit Summary
Total Credits: 16
Total Level 1 Literacy Credits: 0
Total University Entrance Literacy Credits: 16
Total Numeracy Credits: 0