A Level Psychology
Subject Leader:
Mrs V Yeo
Exam Board:
AQA
Entry Requirements:
Grade 5 5 in GCSE English and Science. Grade 5 in 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? Why does my behaviour change in a crowd? How can we treat mental health issues?
If so then you will probably enjoy Psychology. Psychology is a relatively new science and so you really need to be open minded and the sort of person who can accept that there are no straight forward answers. Psychologists prepare theories and then conduct research to test these ideas. They then use their findings to help people in the real world. It is a practical research based science and so you will 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. You will deepen your understanding about human behaviour which will benefit you in your choice of work and ultimately in your relationships with others.
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 obedience and conformity. 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. How to understand mental health and treatments for mental health coniditons.
During the second year course you will study:
- Gender development, Aggression and Stress in depth. Issues and key debates within psychology. Your knowledge and understanding of research design will be developed further.
How you will be assessed in A Level Psychology.
|
Paper 1 Introductory Topics in Psychology |
2 hour exam 96 marks worth 33.3% |
Memory, Attachment, Social influence, Clinical Psychology and mental health. |
|
Paper 2 Psychology in Context |
2 hour exam 96 marks worth 33.3% |
Approaches, Bio-psychology, Research methods |
|
Paper 3 Issues and Options in Psychology |
2 hour exam 96 marks worth 33.3% |
Issues & debates, Gender, Stress, Aggression |
Progression and Careers linked to A Level Psychology.
A vast range of careers await postgraduate psychology students:
- Clinical psychologist
- Research psychologist
- Occupational psychologist
- Sports psychologist
- Educational psychologist
- Probation work
- Children’s services
- Human resources
- The police force
A psychology degree is looked on favourably in many more careers because of the extensive research skills it provides. Another Science A Level or Maths will be required by some universities.
Additional Information:
Psychology is a fascinating subject because human beings are amazing and very interesting to study. Please be aware that psychology is a multidiscipline subject you will need SOUND English skills to be able to answer longer 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.