Useful Information
Psychology is the scientific study of the mind and behaviour. Psychologists use research, theories and studies to predict and explain behaviour. In this course students will learn about the key aspects of scientific data collection and report writing and focus on the key approaches in psychology such as cognitive, learning, biological, psychodynamic and humanistic and the origins of psychology as a science. Students will investigate specific applied areas such as memory, social influence, psychopathology and attachment.
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Course Overview
Students will need to understand and evaluate the main principles of various approaches in Psychology, including Cognitive, Biological, Social and Behaviourist explanations and how these can be applied to modern day issues in society. This could include both clinical and forensic applications.
Students will also be expected to discuss the issues and debates raised in these themes and provide empirical evidence to support their arguments, which will draw on the content taken throughout the course.
There will be three exams at A Level. One of the assessments at A Level will be based on investigating behaviour and will assess a student’s ability to apply and evaluate various methods of research to specific scenarios. This will involve a large degree of data analysis using mathematical formulae, as well as planning and discussing how to conduct the research.
This is a new subject for most students, and therefore students must be prepared to learn a large number of new and complex concepts relatively quickly.
This would suit students who are:
Self-disciplined
Open to new ideas
Able to express ideas verbally
Able to analyse data
Able to work independently or as a group
Organised in the way they structure their class notes
Able to evaluate using empirical evidence
Students should be good at written and spoken communication, as well as competent with data analysis.
This course is 100% examination based. The exam board is AQA.
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Course Highlights
Course Specific Trips & Visits
Psychology A Level students have the opportunity to take part in a variety of course related experiences. In the last couple of years, this has included a visit to the Bethlem Royal Hospital and Bethlem Museum of the Mind to assess how psychological treatments of mental health have changed over time. Psychologists can also sign up for a theatre trip in the winter term to see Kinky Boots in preparation for units on social influence and gender (there is an extra cost for this trip).
In addition to course specific experiences, students also have the opportunity to get involved in the College’s Activities Programme.
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Career Opportunities & Further Study
The field of Psychology is vast as it encapsulates all human behaviour. It is an extremely well respected and valued subject by employers, businesses and higher education establishments. It is considered to be a Science, yet its students are required to have many other skill sets, including essay writing.
This qualification gives students transferable knowledge and skills which prepares them for university degrees. When taken alongside other A Level/BTEC Level 3 courses, students can progress onto degrees in Psychology, Teaching, Counselling, Health, Sport and Criminology.
Occupations that are commonly associated with Psychology include:
The Civil Service
Law
Sport
Clinical occupations
Education
Human Resources
Research Analysis
Police Force
Counselling Services
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Assessment
On this course students will develop a wide range of study skills, with particular emphasis on analytical, descriptive and organisational skills. At AS students will study 5 main approaches, 2 perspectives and research methods and at A2 students will build on this by taking a closer look at Forensic psychology and Health and Clinical psychology as well as Research Methods.
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Entry Requirements
Students wishing to include A Levels in their programme need to achieve at least five GCSEs at grade 4 or above, including English at grade 5, mathematics at grade 5 and double science science grade 6 (if taken biology grade 6).
Students will need a satisfactory school reference and also meet the following minimum GCSE requirement:
Alternatively, we can accept if taken GCSE psychology grade 4, core and additional science grade 5 or biology grade 5.
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