Oxford Online School

International GCSE Psychology – Explore Human Behaviour Online

Psychology is a broad discipline which includes many areas of study such as cognitive development, and clinical and social behaviour.

During the course of your GCSE Psychology you will study memory, perception, communication and social influence. You will have the opportunity to explore neuropsychology, psychological problems and the impact on the human mind.

What You’ll Gain from This Course

You’ll learn to use specialist vocabulary and psychological concepts to engage in the process of psychological enquiry. As you acquire knowledge and understanding of psychology, you’ll develop insights into yourself and others—discovering how psychological understanding can help explain everyday social phenomena.

A key part of the course is understanding how psychological research is conducted, including the scientific method and data analysis. You’ll practise presenting information, developing arguments, and drawing conclusions using a critical approach to psychological evidence—helping you grow as a reflective thinker.

Alongside exploring the relationship between psychology and personal, moral, social, and cultural issues, you’ll examine important ethical considerations in psychology. This course also encourages you to think about how psychological issues contribute to individual, social, and cultural diversity, and how psychology benefits society as a whole.

The Role of Scientific Method and Data Analysis in International GCSE Psychology

A key part of your International GCSE Psychology journey involves discovering how psychologists investigate human behaviour using a rigorous scientific approach. You’ll learn how the scientific method underpins psychological research, ensuring that studies are reliable and findings are trustworthy.

From designing experiments to collecting evidence, you’ll see how data analysis helps turn raw observations into meaningful insights about the mind and behaviour. By working through examples and interpreting data

Making Connections: Psychology in Everyday Life

GCSE Psychology goes beyond theory, inviting you to consider how psychological concepts play out in the world around you. You’ll look at how our thoughts and behaviours are shaped by family, friends, and wider cultural influences—shedding light on the ways we make decisions, form values, and interact in society.

Throughout the syllabus, you’ll also grapple with real-life ethical dilemmas. By exploring questions like “How should psychologists treat patients?” or “What are the moral implications of studying human behaviour?”, you’ll build awareness of the impact psychology has on personal choices and broader social issues—from tackling prejudice to promoting mental wellbeing.

This understanding helps you not only interpret your own actions but also fosters empathy for others, equipping you with critical insight into the moral and cultural challenges we all face.

The Pearson Edexcel Level 1/Level 2 GCSE (9–1) in Psychology consists of two externally-examined papers. Students must complete all assessments in May/June in any single year.

IGCSEExaminationMarks
Paper 1Externally assessed55% of the qualification
Paper 2Externally assessed45% of the qualification

For online students, all International GCSE Psychology exams are taken in person at an approved examination centre near your location, such as those registered with Pearson Edexcel or online via Pearson Invigilation. This means you can choose a convenient test centre—often found in local schools or established exam venues—where your assessments will be formally supervised or undertake the exams from the comfort of your home.

When it comes time to sit your GCSE Psychology exams, you’ll need to select an exam centre. Each autumn—typically around October/November—parents and guardians will be prompted to confirm which exams you’ll be taking and your preferred exam location.

If you need help locating a suitable centre, support is available to guide you through the process. Early communication and planning are key, so be sure to reach out for assistance if you have any questions about the process.

As an online GCSE Psychology student, you have access to a flexible exam process designed to suit individual needs and circumstances. Here’s how it works:

Choosing Your Exam Centre

Each year, students and their families are invited to select which GCSE exams they plan to take, as well as their preferred exam location. If you need help finding an appropriate, approved examination centre—such as those run by Pearson Edexcel.

Once you choose a centre, registration and payment of exam fees are completed directly with that centre. Fees can vary by location, so it’s best to check with your chosen venue for details.

Special Access Arrangements

If you have physical, medical, or learning needs, special access arrangements may be available to help you succeed in your exams. Depending on your circumstances and professional assessment, possible adjustments can include:

  • Extra time (typically 25% or, in some cases, up to 50%)
  • The use of a reader or a scribe
  • Rest breaks during the exam
  • Sitting in a separate room
  • Use of a laptop
  • Enlarged print exam papers

Please note: Access arrangements are subject to approval by the examination board. You may be required to undergo an assessment with an educational psychologist or a qualified specialist, so we recommend beginning the process well in advance, as final approvals can take several months.

Taking Exams Overseas

Although you’ll study from anywhere, you’ll need to attend an in-person exam centre for the final exams. International students can often find a registered Pearson Edexcel examination centre in many countries

If you have physical, medical, or learning support needs, there are various access arrangements available to help ensure a fair exam experience. These adjustments are designed to remove unnecessary barriers and provide the support you need to demonstrate your knowledge effectively.

Depending on your individual requirements, you may be eligible for:

  • Additional time, such as 25% or, in some cases, up to 50%
  • The assistance of a reader during the exam
  • Support from a scribe to write your answers
  • Supervised rest breaks to allow you to recharge during longer assessments
  • A separate room for added comfort and reduced distractions
  • Use of a laptop to type your responses
  • Enlarged print versions of exam papers for those with visual needs

To access these arrangements, you will need to complete a formal application process, which includes assessments by an educational psychologist or specialist assessor. Please note, these assessments can take considerable time—sometimes up to 18 months—so it’s important to plan ahead. Applications to the exam board must be completed by February in the year you intend to sit your exams.

The International GCSE Psychology  is a two-year program. During the two years of studies, students will have access to live online classes as well as they will have academic mentor support and, one to one subject support.

International GCSEs enable successful progression to Level 3 qualifications (such as the International A Level in Psychology).

Students whose English is not their first language, are required to either sit an internal English assessment or provide an English certificate at a min level B2 in all components.

FAQs

  • Access to learning materials
  • Live online classes
  • One to one subject support
  • Weekly academic mentoring support
  • Examination fee
  • University application support and guidance

Students are required to undertake 6 hours of self-study per subject. In addition, students will also be required to attend 50 min of live lessons per subjects.

Oxford Online School is a fully recognised online school for the delivery of GCSE/IGCSE, A level, and International A-Level courses and examinations. It is also a co-educational school offering a blended full-time syllabus to students from all over the world including home students.

We welcome new students to our online community throughout the year. Upon joining, each student participates in a supportive induction programme designed to ensure a smooth start to their studies. Our induction includes:

  • An introduction to the online learning platform and navigation tips
  • Guidance on accessing live classes, course materials, and assignment submissions
  • Dedicated sessions to meet academic mentors and key support staff
  • Opportunities to connect with peers and participate in orientation activities

This thorough onboarding helps new students quickly settle in, understand expectations, and feel at home within our vibrant, global classroom.

Currently, we are offering: Economics; Biology; Chemistry; Physics; Mathematics and Further Mathematics and Spanish A-level, Psychology, History, Business, Turkish Language, Russian Language, Geography, Music, EPQ.

At a glance

  • Official International GCSE subject awarded by Edexcel 
  • Level 2 qualification 
  • Open to International and Home student 
  • Achieve a qualification recognized by universities worldwide
  • Progression to A-level
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Fees

We understand the importance of financial flexibility. Our school provides options to either settle tuition in full or spread the cost across terms for your convenience.

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How to apply

For any queries about signing up for Oxford Online School or going through the enrolment steps, connect with our admissions team for more details.

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