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Head of Department
Miss A Scriven
Why study this A Level?
Psychology is the science of the mind. It looks at how individuals think, what they do and the way they are affected by their biological makeup and the wider social group. You will study how people interact, change and develop, how we think, how the nervous system works, how we differ from animals and how we decide what is normal. You will gain an insight into the workings of the human brain and explore a range of psychological explanations of behaviour.
Who is eligible?
Of course no previous study is necessary. Psychology requires a broad range of skills including good written communication skills, a retentive memory and analysis of research methods, studies and theories. Mathematics is not as important as good writing skills. You will need to be comfortable with a calculator and do a little statistical test.
Qualification Type: A Level (2 year) or AS Level (1 year)
Specification: Year 2023/2025 Advanced Level Award 7182 Examination Board : AQA
For info about the AS Level click here
In Year 1 key topics include; cognitive psychology (memory), developmental psychology (attachment), research methods, biological psychology, social psychology (how we are influenced by others) and psychopathology (mental health).
In Year 2 key topics include; forensic psychology, schizophrenia and relationships.
Social Influence; Memory; Attachment and Psychopathology, Approaches in Psychology; Biopsychology; Issues and Debates in Psychology; Relationships; Schizophrenia and Forensic Psychology, Research Methods.
Paper 1 | Social Influence; Memory; Attachment and Psychopathology, 2 hours, Multiple choice; short answer and extended writing
Paper 2 | Approaches in Psychology; Biopsychology; Research Methods 2 hours, Multiple choice; short answer and extended writing
Paper 3 | Issues and Debates in Psychology; Relationships; Schizophrenia and Forensic Psychology, 2 hours, Multiple choice; short answer and extended writing
A Level Psychology could be the first step towards an exciting career as it helps you prepare for university study. Your A Level Psychology course will develop core skills that universities and employers alike desire. These include: Independent thinking, Critical analysis, Strong research skills.
This course is commonly studied with:
As an A-Level subject, psychology complements several other A-Level courses, including business, sociology, English and biology.
Future Careers:
Academic Teaching and Research. Assistant Psychologist. Clinical Associate in Psychology (England) and Clinical Associate in Applied Psychology (Scotland) Clinical Psychologist. Counselling Psychologist. Educational Psychologist. Forensic psychologist. Health Psychologist.
Students can study psychology for just one academic year and achieve an AS qualification worth 40% of the UCAS points.
Year 2023/25 Advanced Subsidiary Award Examination Board: AQA 7181
Paper 1 | Social influence; Memory and Attachment. 1 hour 30 minutes, Multiple choice; short answer and extended writing.
Paper 2 | Approaches in Psychology; Psychopathology and Research Methods. 1 hour 30 minutes, Multiple choice; short answer and extended writing.
