The A-Level Psychology course (specifically the AQA specification 7181/7182) is designed to give students a comprehensive understanding of the core concepts, theories, and research in psychology. This understanding should be broad and deep, covering a range of topics across the subject.

This course typically includes:

• Introductory Topics in Psychology: This includes social influence, memory, attachment, and psychopathology. Students will learn about classic and contemporary research, theories, and applications in these areas.

• Psychology in Context: This section covers approaches in psychology (including learning, cognitive, biological, psychodynamic and humanistic approaches), biopsychology, and research methods.

• Issues and Options in Psychology: This includes issues and debates in psychology, such as the nature-nurture debate, freewill vs determinism, and the ethics and implications of research. Additionally, students will learn about topics from a range of optional areas, which might include gender, cognition and development, schizophrenia, eating behaviour, stress, aggression, forensic psychology, and addiction.

Assessments for A-Level Psychology generally involve written examinations, with questions ranging from multiple-choice to longer essay-style responses.

Assessed by three exam papers, each contributing to the final grade. Here's a brief overview of the assessments:

• Paper 1: Introductory Topics in Psychology: This examination assesses the first section of the course content. Topics usually covered in this paper include social influence, memory, attachment, and psychopathology. Questions may range from multiple-choice to short answer and extended writing.

• Paper 2: Psychology in Context: This exam covers the second section of the course, including approaches in psychology, biopsychology, and research methods. The format of questions is similar to Paper 1, with a combination of multiple-choice, short answer, and extended writing questions.

• Paper 3: Issues and Options in Psychology: This paper assesses the final section of the course, including issues and debates in psychology, and the chosen optional topics. Again, questions can range from multiple-choice to short answer and extended writing.

Goals of the course: 

Courses derived from these specifications should inspire students to:

• Establish a fundamental knowledge and understanding of diverse areas of the subject and comprehend their interconnections.

• Cultivate and express a profound appreciation for the skills, knowledge, and understanding associated with scientific methodologies.

• Enhance competence and confidence in an array of practical, mathematical, and problem-solving skills.

• Ignite their interest in the subject, fostering a passion for further studies and careers related to the subject.

• Understand the societal decision-making process concerning scientific issues and appreciate how the sciences contribute to the prosperity of the economy and society.

Evaluation Objectives: Evaluation objectives (EOs), established by Ofqual, remain consistent across all AS and A-Level Psychology specifications, regardless of the examining body.

Examinations will assess students based on the following evaluation objectives:

EO1: Showcase knowledge and comprehension of scientific concepts, processes, techniques, and procedures.

EO2: Implement knowledge and comprehension of scientific ideas, processes, techniques, and procedures:

• within a theoretical context

• within a practical context

• while managing qualitative data

• while managing quantitative data.

EO3: Scrutinize, interpret, and appraise scientific information, ideas, and evidence, including in relation to issues, to:

• form judgments and draw conclusions

• enhance and fine-tune practical design and procedures.