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Inspiring Young People

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

  1. Social influence 
  2. Memory 
  3. Attachment 
  4. Psychopathology - Phobias/OCD/Depression
  5. Approaches in Psychology 
  6. Biopsychology
  7. Research methods
  8. Gender
  9. Schizophrenia
  10. 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.”