Entry Requirements

At least one Science GCSE at grade 6 of higher PLUS GCSE English Language or Literature at grade 6 or higher. 

Exam Board: AQA

Why Study Psychology?

Psychology is the study of human behaviour which strives to help us understand the way we think, act and feel in our everyday lives. Psychology challenges students to apply scientific techniques to study a variety of human phenomena such as children’s development, mental disorders and Psychopathology.

Psychology has become one of the most popular A level in recent years because it is removed from the typical GCSE syllabus that pupils have been used to. Although this is the case it is still an extremely practical subject as students are required to carry out Psychological investigations and evaluate their findings. Students are able to draw upon their knowledge of Maths, English, PSE and Science to report on the behaviour of individuals and society as a whole.

What Topics Will I Study?

Paper 1: Introductory topics in psychology

• Social influence: States that behaviour is intentionally or unintentionally influenced by others through conformity and/or obedience. Here we examine these topics and apply them to historical examples of social change such as the suffragettes.

• Memory: Examines the nature of memory and how it works including practical aspects such as its use in eyewitness testimony and exam revision.

• Attachment: Covers how attachments are formed and the impact of forming different types of attachment in adult relationships such as secure or insecure.

• Psychopathology: Looks at both how we define abnormality and the possible explanations for these abnormalities. A variety of psychological disorders are covered to fully explore this topic area.

Paper 2: Psychology in context

• Approaches in Psychology: As a scientific discipline, psychology is relatively new. As a result there are many approaches to explaining human behaviour, each with a set of unique assumptions. Each major approach will be studied and applied to all areas of psychology.

• Biopsychology: A major approach in psychology, this section looks at the structure and function of the nervous system and its role in human behaviour.

• Research methods: As a scientific discipline, psychology follows the scientific method using a variety of methods to study human behaviour. This unit teaches the importance of experimental design and more importantly how to be critical about the findings of research.

Paper 3: Issues and options in psychology

• Issues and debates in Psychology: Issues and debates such as Freewill and Determinism underpin all psychological theory. This section examines these in detail and helps us to understand how to relate them to psychological theory.

• Optional content, where we select one topic from option 1, another from option 2 and a final one from option 3. Some of our more popular choices of the years have included:

Ø  Relationships: One important aspect of social behaviour is our ability to form romantic relationships. We look at the lifecycle of relationships and how culture can affect our behaviour.

Ø  Schizophrenia: A detailed study of a complex and fascinating disorder. This topic covers explanations and therapies for schizophrenia.

Ø  Forensic Psychology: This unit examines the link between crimes and the psychological perspective.

How Will I Be Assessed?

A level: Three written examinations, consisting of multiple choice, short answer and extended writing, each lasting two hours.

An Example/Illustration of the Type of Work Involved

During the psychology course students will develop essential knowledge and understanding of different areas of the subject and how they relate to each other and demonstrate a deep appreciation of the skills, knowledge and understanding of scientific methods. In addition they will develop competence and confidence in a variety of practical, mathematical and problem-solving skills and understand how society makes decisions about scientific issues and how the sciences contribute to the success of the economy and society. 

Skills that will be Developed Are

• Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of scientific ideas, processes, techniques and procedures.

• Apply knowledge and understanding of scientific ideas, processes, techniques and procedures.

• Analyse, interpret and evaluate scientific information, ideas and evidence, including in relation to issues:

• in a theoretical context

• in a practical context

• when handling qualitative data

• when handling quantitative data

• when making judgements and reaching conclusions

• when developing and refining practical design and procedures

What Careers or Higher Education Follow from this Subject?

A Level Psychology provides a solid foundation for those interested in careers as clinician/counselling psychologist, educational psychologist, teacher, police, social worker and Neuropsychologist.