What is this course about?
Psychology is the study of individuals behavior and how the mind works. This subject will allow you to gain a greater understanding of various aspects of individuals, and factors that influence their behaviours, actions and choices.
You will develop your critical thinking skills and learn relevant theories and psychological research as well as becoming analytical and being able to apply your knowledge to the real world.
How you will be assessed?
Assessment is all through examination. You will be required to complete three 2 hour examinations at the end of the two year course assessing all aspects of the curriculum you have studied, with regular written assessments throughout the course.
What you will study?
You will cover key elements of psychology from the underpinning approaches to biopsychology and human relationships. Psychology involves elements of biology and mathematics so it is vital that you have an understanding of both. Research methods in psychology are embedded across all exam papers as well as having a dedicated element within your exam. This will develop your understanding of how research is carried out and how it contributes to psychology’s scientific status.
In the first year of A-Level Psychology you will cover:
- Social influence
- Memory
- Attachment
- Research methods
- Psycho pathology
- Approaches in psychology
- Biopsychology
The skills acquired through A-Level psychology are transferable across many different subjects.
Within your second year of study, you will develop your knowledge of optional topics in psychology such as relationships, schizophrenia and forensic psychology.
What will it prepare you for?
The subject is useful for careers in education, police/crime, health care, social work.
It is a degree that can be applied to a variety of subjects.
The skills developed in Psychology will prepare you for a vast amount of subjects at degree level.
It is a strong progression path for students wanting to access higher education.
Subject entry requirements:
- GCSE grade 5 or above in English & mathematics.
Scheme of Learning