Psychology
Psychology investigates why we behave in the manner we do, helping us understand the human psyche. It gives us insight into the motivations behind our actions. Students explore aspects of human behaviour that will help them to understand themselves and other people.
Sixth Form (Year 12-13)
Examination Board: AQA
Course Description
A Level Psychology includes some of the most popular and controversial psychology topics of study. Students will discuss key debates in psychology, such as gender, culture, free will, ethics and the nature-nurture debate. The course also explores the causes of and therapies for psychological disorders, including OCD, depression and phobias.
In Year 13, students will study forensic psychology, including criminal profiling; explanations for offending and dealing with offenders; as well as diagnosing, explaining and treating schizophrenia.
In addition, the course looks at children’s thinking and development, including the application of theories to education, social cognition and autism.
A Level Psychology involves a significant amount of Science and Mathematics content, requiring students to plan, carry out, present and analyse data from investigations, including statistical testing. Students will be taught about various research methods and develop an analytical approach to their work.
The subject builds psychological literacy, supporting knowledge of psychological concepts, theories and studies, and critical thinking in order to evaluate therapies and treatments in terms of their appropriateness and effectiveness.
Assessment
This is a linear course. This means that students opting for an A Level in this subject will be committing to a two-year course with all units examined at the end of Year 13.
Students will sit three written papers:
- Paper 1: Introductory Topics in Psychology (Social influence, Memory, Attachment, Psychopathology) (2 hours, worth 33.3% of qualification)
- Paper 2: Psychology in Context (Approaches to psychology, Biopsychology, Research methods) (2 hours, worth 33.3% of qualification)
- Paper 3: Issues and Debates (Cognition and development, Schizophrenia, Forensic psychology) (2 hours, worth 33.3% of qualification)
Entry Requirements
GCSE Psychology is not a requirement but where students have completed the course, a Grade 5 is required. A Grade 5 in GCSE Mathematics and a Grade 5 in GCSE Biology or a Grade 5-5 in GCSE Combined Science is required.
Where might it lead?
A Level Psychology can help open doors to careers in/as:
- Advice Worker
- Clinical Psychologist
- Counselling Psychologist
- Education Consultant
- Education Mental Health Practitioner
- Educational Psychologist
- Forensic Psychologist
- Health Psychologist
- Human Resources Manager
- Life Coach
- Market Researcher
- Mediator
- Neuroscientist
- Occupational Psychologist
- Policy Officer
- Psychological Wellbeing Practitioner
- Psychotherapist
- Social Researcher
- Speech and Language Therapist
- Sport and Exercise Psychologist
- Teacher
- Therapist
Student Destinations
Helen Rachael Gray
2024 Offers from:
- University of Bath – Criminology with professional placement
- Cardiff University – Criminology and Social Policy
- Durham University – Criminology
- University of Leeds – Criminal Justice and Criminology
- University of York – Criminal Justice and Social Policy
Rowan Chester
2024 Offers from:
- University of Exeter – Psychology
- Loughborough University – Psychology
- University of Southampton – Psychology
- University of Sussex – Psychology
- University of Warwick – Psychology
