A Level in Psychology

Applications Open - Monday 27 October 2025

Applications Close - Open all year

How to Apply – Please apply through KentChoices and use your KentChoices login which your school should provide

PLEASE NOTE - Popular courses can fill up quickly so apply early to avoid disappointment

If you have any queries regarding the courses, please contact EKC Canterbury College

You can make up to 5 applications to Colleges within the EKC Group, that is:

• EKC Ashford College
• EKC Broadstairs College*
• EKC Canterbury College*
• EKC Dover College
• EKC Folkestone College*
• EKC Sheppey College

*Junior Colleges exist in these locations.

Please only add one course or T Level per application, except for A Levels at EKC Canterbury College, where up to 4 A Level courses can be added per application. At your interview, you and the tutors can discuss the best level and courses in order for you to progress.

Psychology is the scientific study of the mind and how it influences behaviour, from communication and memory to thought and emotion.

It is about understanding people and how this understanding can help us address and solve many of the problems in society. As a science psychology is dedicated to the study of human behaviour through observation, measurement, and testing, in order to form conclusions that are based on sound scientific methodology. Psychologists employ their knowledge and expertise in many areas of society, such as: Helping us prevent and overcome mental disorder, stress, and trauma; speeding up recovery from brain injury; improving performance both at school and in the workplace; assisting the police, courts, and prison services in the operation of their duties; and, analysing and improving athletic performance.

You will cover a range of topics such as:

• Social Influence ? This is the study of how society influences the individual. Why we do as we are told, why we do what everyone else is doing. Why some people rebel against society
• Memory ? Different types of memory. Why eyewitnesses to crime make such poor witnesses. Why we forget.
• Attachment ? How our relationships with our first carers influence all our future relationships. The impact of institutionalisation in childhood on relationships
• Approaches ? Different fields of psychology and how they explain human behaviour
• Psychopathology ? What is normal and what is abnormal. Explanations and treatments for phobias, depression and obsessive-compulsive disorder
• Research Methods ? The methods used by psychologists to investigate human behaviour
• Biopsychology ? How the brain, neurotransmitters, and other aspects of our biology influence our behaviours, thoughts, and feelings
• Forensic Psychology - Psychological expertise as it applies to the justice system

You will be continually assessed across the two years through class activities, homework tasks, practice exam papers and mock exams with feedback given for improvement.

The A Level grade is assessed via three written exams at the end of the second year.

General entry requirements:

To study this A Level, you’ll need a Grade Point Average (GPA) of 5 or above across your top six subjects with at least a grade 5 or above in Maths and English Language or Literature.

Please note: your GPA average can include English and Maths.

Subject-specific entry requirements:

To study Psychology, you’ll need a grade 5 in at least one other written subject (e.g. English Literature, History, Geography, Drama and Theatre, Business, Religious Studies etc).

Psychologists work in a number of fields, therefore a psychology degree offers good career opportunities.

These could include:

• Forensic psychology
• Clinical psychology
• Educational psychology
• Cognitive psychology
• Occupational psychology
• Neuropsychology
• Health psychology
• Sport psychology
• Counselling

In addition, people with psychology degrees go into a range of other professions as they have demonstrated an ability to be adaptable and hold a range of skills.