A-Level Psychology
SUBJECT LEADER
Mrs H Gibb
EXAM BOARD
Edexcel
SPECIFICATION LINK
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
Grade 6 in GCSE Science and Grade 5 in GCSE English and Maths.
Why choose A-Level Psychology?
Are you interested in why people behave the way they do?
Do you want to know the answers to questions such as how do I think? Or why are some people good leaders?
If so then you will probably enjoy Psychology. However in order to be successful in psychology you really need to enjoy reading, because there are so many fascinating studies to learn about. Psychology is a relatively new science and so you really need to be the sort of person who can accept that there are no straight forward answers. Psychology is a practical research based science and so you will need to be prepared to conduct research and analyse your findings. The practical skills and understanding of methodology that A level psychology nurtures are really useful in a wide range of career options.
What you will study in A-Level Psychology?
Psychology is the study of human behaviour.
During the first year course you will study:
Critical issues around, Social influences on behaviour such as groups and leaders. Cognitive psychology such as how the memory works. You also examine the methodology used in psychological research. Key psychological theories such as the Behaviourist/Learning approach will be examined along with Biological theory.
During the second year course you will study:
Criminal and Clinical psychology. Issues and key debates within psychology.
Your knowledge and understanding of research design will be developed further along with extensive work on data analysis so that you can fully assess your findings.
How you will be assessed in A-Level Psychology?
Paper 1
Foundations of psychology 2 hour exam 90 marks Worth 35%:
Social psychology
Cognitive psychology
Biological psychology
Learning approach
Paper 2 Applications of psychology 2 hour exam 90 marks Worth 35%:
Clinical psychology
Criminal psychology
Paper 3
Psychological skills 2 hour exam 80 marks Worth 30%:
Review of methodology/studies
Review of issues and debates
Additional Information
Psychology is a fascinating subject because human beings are amazing but please be aware, psychology is a multidiscipline subject you will need to answer essay questions, short answer questions, scientific knowledge based questions as well as complete data calculations and analysis. You will be expected to apply your knowledge and assess issues from a number of viewpoints. It is a challenging life science.