What Is IGCSE Psychology?

If you’re considering taking IGCSE Psychology, you might be wondering what the course involves, which exam boards offer it, and whether it’s right for you.

This guide tells you exactly what you need to know to make an informed decision about your IGCSEs options.

Key Takeaways

• Cambridge International Education (CIE) (opens in a new tab) and Oxford AQA (opens in a new tab) are the two exam boards currently offering IGCSE Psychology

• IGCSE Psychology includes topics like memory, perception and research methods

• Assessment is two exam papers taken at the end of Year 11

• IGCSE Psychology is ideal for A Level Psychology, psychology-related degrees, and careers in therapy, Human Resources (HR) and education

What is IGCSE Psychology?

IGCSE Psychology is a two-year qualification involving topics like memory and perception. You’ll be introduced to the scientific study of the human mind and behaviour.

Most students take it across Years 10 and 11, with no coursework. Your final grade comes entirely from two exam papers sat at the end of Year 11.

Which exam boards offer IGCSE Psychology?

CIE and OxfordAQA are the two exam boards currently offering IGCSE Psychology.

What do you study in IGCSE Psychology?

CIE IGCSE Psychology is divided into seven topics:

1. Memory and forgetting 
2. Sleep and dreams
3. Prosocial behaviour
4. Visual perception
5. Motivation and needs
6. Language development
7. Research methods

OxfordAQA also has seven topics covering similar areas. For more information on topics for both exam boards, see our list of IGCSE Psychology topics by exam board.

How is IGCSE Psychology assessed?

Both exam boards split their assessment of IGCSE Psychology into two papers:

How is IGCSE Psychology different from GCSE Psychology?

IGCSE Psychology is the international version of GCSE Psychology. It is typically taken by students who study or live abroad, whereas GCSE Psychology is normally for UK students.

The exam boards for both differ: while CIE and OxfordAQA offer IGCSE Psychology, AQA, Pearson Edexcel and OCR offer GCSE Psychology. GCSE Psychology topics are very similar to those for IGCSE Psychology, including memory, perception and research methods.

For more information, read our guide on the difference between IGCSE and GCSE.

How hard is IGCSE Psychology?

Though it’s usually not listed among the hardest IGCSEs, some students find IGCSE Psychology hard.

It’s a content-heavy subject, requiring knowledge of a lot of studies you’ll need to recall under exam pressure. You'll also write a lot – especially in the longer evaluation questions, where strong argument matters as much as knowledge.

Our article on whether IGCSE Psychology is hard gives you an honest insight into the demands of the qualification.

What can you do with IGCSE Psychology?

Here are just some of the pathways IGCSE Psychology can open up:

Further Study

• A Level Psychology

• Degrees in Psychology or joint honours, such as Psychology and Child Development

Careers

• Therapy, e.g. psychotherapist or occupational therapist

• HR

• Education, e.g. psychology teacher

Is IGCSE Psychology right for you?

If you’re genuinely interested in people’s behaviour and want a scientific, humanities-style subject, IGCSE Psychology is well worth considering.

If you prefer practical, problem-solving subjects and don’t like memorising specific studies, it’s likely not for you.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is IGCSE Psychology the same as GCSE Psychology?

No, but they are treated as equivalent. IGCSE Psychology is usually taken by international students, whereas GCSE Psychology is typically taken by UK students. They cover similar content, but are offered by different exam boards.

Do you need to have studied Psychology at GCSE to take A Level Psychology?

No. While IGCSE Psychology will provide you with a good foundation for A Level Psychology, it isn’t required.

Is IGCSE Psychology a science?

Yes, but unlike biology, chemistry or physics, it's a social and behavioural science. It’s a humanities-style subject that takes a scientific approach to the study of the human mind and behaviour.

Is there coursework in IGCSE Psychology?

No. Both exam boards involve two written exams taken at the end of Year 11.

If you want a scientific course that improves your understanding of the human mind and behaviour, IGCSE Psychology is an ideal choice. Consider the best IGCSE subject combinations to help you make an informed decision about your IGCSE options.