A Level Psychology

Psychology is the study of the human mind and behaviour. It covers many aspects of life, including cognitive process, influences and motivations.  It is ideal for those fascinated by human nature.  If you are interested in finding out why people behave the way they do or how the brain works, then psychology could be for you. 

Current students find the course fascinating, as well as challenging due to its rigorous nature.  Students must be prepared to take on a subject with no coursework, but with embedded practical work as well as essays and scientific concepts requiring considerable independent learning to master.  Support is given throughout the course, including catch up sessions, but commitment and enthusiasm is imperative for success.     

This course covers a range of fascinating topics such as ‘memory’, which includes forgetting, models of memory, as well as eyewitness testimony; ‘attachment’, which includes theories, animal studies and neglect; ‘social influence’, including obedience and conformity; ‘psychopathology’, including the study of depression, phobias and obsessive compulsive disorder;  ‘biopsychology’, including the brain and sleep; approaches in psychology, research methods, schizophrenia, cognition and development and forensic psychology.     

Unit 1 (examination).  Introductory topics in psychology.  Social influence, memory, attachment, and psychopathology.  33.3% of the total A Level mark; 

Unit 2 (examination).  Psychology in context.  Approaches in psychology, biopsychology, and research methods.  33.3% of the total A Level mark; 

Unit 3 (examination).  Issues and options in psychology.  Issues and debates in psychology, schizophrenia, cognition and development and forensic psychology.  33.3% of the total A Level mark. 

5 GCSE's at grade 5 or above including Grade 6* in a humanities subject with Grade 5 in English and Grade 4 in Mathematics

*Students with a secure 5 in this subject may be considered for the A Level course, on a case by case basis and subject to availability of places.

Psychology A Level will be beneficial for a wide range of careers including both those specific to psychology (educational, clinical, occupational, sport psychologist or art therapy) as well as other sectors including law, medicine and business.