Psychology

Introductory Video from Mrs. Buchner
Psychology Video
Course Details
Psychology A Level

What kind of student would enjoy this course?

As Psychology is the scientific study of human mind and behaviour, anyone who is interested in the motivations behind our thoughts and actions would enjoy this course. You should be confident in English as you will need to write well supported essays, and secure in mathematics as a significant part of the examination is mathematical skill and research methods. More importantly, you need an inquiring mind and an open attitude to conflicting explanations of human behaviour – often there are no ‘right’ answers, and we do enjoy a good debate to help sort through the differing opinions and approaches studied.

What will I study?

We use the AQA Specification for Psychology. It is a linear course, meaning that there will be no external examination at the end of year 12 but three two-hour examinations at the end of year 13. The course content includes:

Year 1

Social Influence, Memory, Attachment, Approaches in Psychology, Psychopathology and Research methods.

Year 2

Issues and Debates in Psychology, Biopsychology, Relationships, Schizophrenia and Forensic Psychology.

Through studying this course you will have opportunities to understand how and why we remember some things but not others, how we develop attachments to key people around us and what these attachments mean for our development and relationships in later ife. You will also explore mental health and illness, including the different treatments and therapies available. Above all you will find that every topic has some relevance to people and everyday life.

What skills will I learn?

You will learn to become more independent in your research skills and approaches to study, and more confident in analysing and writing about the strengths and limitations of theories and research studies in a focussed way. The skills you learn will prepare you for Higher Education. Psychology is compatible with most other A Levels.

What could I do at the end of my course?

You could go on to study Psychology at University, which could lead to a variety of careers within Psychology such as Criminal or Educational Psychology. It is also a useful subject if you wish to study any subject related to people, for example within medicine, health and social care, law, media and organisations and management.