Psychology
Course Overview
Students of A Level Psychology will study features of human development using a range of methods and approaches including cognitive, social, biological, and developmental psychology. Using a scientific approach, Psychology enables students to use methods and statistics to analyse and draw conclusions in a critical way.
Entry Requirements
Psychology is a subject that requires students to argue effectively in essays and to describe and draw inferences from data. Therefore, a grade 5 in GCSE Maths is a minimum requirement.
A Level Topics and Assessment
- Social influence
- Memory
- Attachment
- Psychopathology - Phobias/OCD/Depression
- Approaches in Psychology
- Biopsychology
- Research methods
- Gender
- Schizophrenia
- Forensic Psychology
|
AQA Exam |
Paper 1 Introductory Topics in Psychology |
Paper 2 Psychology in Context |
Paper 3 Issues and Options |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Length |
Written exam 2 hours |
Written exam 2 hours |
Written Exam 2 hours |
|
Weighting |
96 marks in total 33.3% of A Level |
96 marks in total 33.3% of A Level |
96 marks in total 33.3% of A Level |
Beyond the Classroom and Future Prospects
Psychology appeals to a cross-section of students, regardless of whether they have studied the subject before. Extension activities include lectures by a Senior Neuroscientist and participation in a brain dissection, visits to the Maudsley Hospital and Freud Museum in London, and a Behavioural Lecture at Chester Zoo.
Psychology can lead to careers in Clinical Psychology, Educational Psychology, Forensic/Criminal Psychology, Business Psychology, Occupational Psychology and Neuroscience amongst others. Alternative careers for which Psychology would be useful include the Police, Armed Forces, Human Resources, Health and Social Care, and Psychotherapy.
Student Experience
I chose to study Psychology as I liked the idea of studying something brand new. I enjoyed studying the different themes proposed by psychologists such as Freud and Jung. I found it really rewarding to be able to offer a psychological explanation for human behaviour.”