Social Science

At Queen Ethelburga’s College, an independent senior school near York, you can explore a wide range of Social Science subjects through GCSE, A Level and WJEC qualifications. These courses are ideal if you're curious about human behaviour, society, health care or crime.

Students who previously studied a Social Science subject at Queen Ethelburga’s have continued to pursue Social Science subjects, such as Psychology, Education Studies in Psychology, Global Health and Social Science at universities like:

Teacher in a Social Science lesson.

Study Psychology or Criminology at Queen Ethelburga’s.

For the 2025/2026 academic year, you can study Psychology at Key Stage Four (GCSE) and choose from Psychology or Criminology at Key Stage Five (Sixth Form).

Psychology Courses in York: GCSE & A Level

Psychology is the scientific study of the human mind and behaviour. Psychologists seek to understand and explain why people act the way they do.

“Psychology is the most useful subject I take due to its real-life applications. The subject is filled with riveting experiments, and I often find myself thinking about research questions and variations of studies in my free time. As an international student, this subject helps me understand both Western cultural values and my own culture.”

GCSE Psychology
In this course, you’ll study: Cognition and Behaviour: memory, perception, development, and research methods Social Context and Behaviour: social influence, language, thought and communication, brain and neuropsychology, and psychological problems You’ll learn how biological, cognitive, and social factors influence human behaviour and develop your critical thinking skills by analysing credible scientific evidence. You'll also become familiar with key psychological theories and research methods, building your ability to evaluate evidence thoughtfully and logically.
A Level Psychology
This course will encourage you to apply psychology to real-world issues while developing your scientific thinking and analytical skills. You will evaluate studies from areas such as cognitive, developmental, and social psychology, as well as psychopathology. Topics include: Year 1: Social influence, memory, attachment, approaches in psychology, psychopathology, and research methods Year 2: Issues and debates in psychology, biological psychology, cognition and development, schizophrenia, addiction, and advanced research methods “I chose Psychology because the course is fascinating and relates to so many aspects of life, especially topics like social influence. Learning how to understand people makes me more empathetic and better able to see things from others’ perspectives. Studying A Level Psychology has led me to apply for a university course in the subject, all thanks to the engaging and thought-provoking lessons here.”

GCSE Psychology

In this course, you’ll study:

Cognition and Behaviour: memory, perception, development, and research methods
Social Context and Behaviour: social influence, language, thought and communication, brain and neuropsychology, and psychological problems

You’ll learn how biological, cognitive, and social factors influence human behaviour and develop your critical thinking skills by analysing credible scientific evidence. You'll also become familiar with key psychological theories and research methods, building your ability to evaluate evidence thoughtfully and logically.

A Level Psychology

This course will encourage you to apply psychology to real-world issues while developing your scientific thinking and analytical skills. You will evaluate studies from areas such as cognitive, developmental, and social psychology, as well as psychopathology.

Topics include:

Year 1: Social influence, memory, attachment, approaches in psychology, psychopathology, and research methods
Year 2: Issues and debates in psychology, biological psychology, cognition and development, schizophrenia, addiction, and advanced research methods

“I chose Psychology because the course is fascinating and relates to so many aspects of life, especially topics like social influence. Learning how to understand people makes me more empathetic and better able to see things from others’ perspectives. Studying A Level Psychology has led me to apply for a university course in the subject, all thanks to the engaging and thought-provoking lessons here.”

Criminology Course: WJEC Level 3

If you're interested in understanding crime and justice, Criminology may be the right path for you. You'll explore questions like: What is considered criminal? Why do people commit crimes? How does society control criminal behaviour?

Topics include:

Year 1: Changing Awareness of Crime and Criminological Theories
Year 2: Crime Scene to Courtroom and Crime and Punishment

You’ll study real-life cases and gain a deeper insight into the criminal justice system, from investigations to sentencing, while also considering how society maintains law and order.

Expand Your Knowledge with Social Sciences

If you choose to study a Social Science subject, then you may be interested in studying courses like Law, Economics or Humanities.

Join a school that tailors subject choices to your interests and strengths. With GCSE, A Level, and BTEC pathways available, there is something for every learner. Discover a personalised timetable that fits your ambitions by contacting our Admissions team today.

Social Science

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