A Level Psychology

Applications Open: - 3rd November 2025

Applications Close: - 31st March 2026

Entry Requirements: - Our Sixth Form entry requirements are five GCSEs at Grade 4 and above for the 'A' Level Pathway (in addition to some individual subject entry requirements) and 4 GCSEs at Grade 4 and above for the Vocational (BTEC) Pathway. The course information gives specific details of course content and entry requirements. Please also refer to the Sixth Form Prospectus for the specific entry requirements for the chosen subjects.

Students need to select the equivalent of 3 A Levels or more. (Triple BTEC counts as 3, Double BTEC counts as 2). Subjects are grouped into option blocks, please be aware that not all combinations are possible.

In addition to academic requirements stated above a place will be dependent on the receipt of a satisfactory school reference.

How to Apply: - Please apply via Kent Choices if you area a student from another school.

Please visit our website www.stanselmscanterbury.org.uk for more information.

“I love this course. I find it fascinating and very interesting. The material is well presented, easy to follow and thought provoking”

In addition to helping students acquire subject knowledge, the course is designed to:

• Encourage students to engage with the subject by introducing new, contemporary topics
• Make conceptually demanding areas more accessible by setting them in context
• Allow teachers to select a route through optional topics that suits students’ interests
• Allow candidates to demonstrate their ability to utilise scientific methodology in the context of psychology
• Develop candidates critical thinking skills

Year 1

Candidates develop a broad knowledge, understanding and evaluation of the core areas of Psychology through a range of topics chosen for their accessibility and popularity.

Compulsory Content 1 includes: 5 psychological approaches with 5 classic pieces of research evidence and a contemporary debate.

Compulsory Content 2: To conduct 2 investigations in preparation for C2 exam.

Year 2 – A Level

This specification offers a range of topic based options which bring together explanations from different psychological approaches and engage students in issues and debates in psychology.

Compulsory subject content:

Option 1 subject content: Stress

Option 2 subject content: Schizophrenia

Option 3 subject content: Criminal Behaviours

Assessments

Component 1: Psychology: Past to Present; 2hrs 15mins (33.3% of A Level)

Component 2: Psychology: Investigating behaviour; 2hrs 15 mins (33.3% of A Level)

Component 3: Psychology: Implications in the Real World; 2 hrs 15 mins (33.3% of A Level)

Five GCSEs at Grade 4 or above including a Grade 4 and 5 from English and Maths.

Please note that Core Maths (1 year course) would be a beneficial addition to this subject (where Mathematics A Level is not studied) as it will aid the mathematical elements of the course.

Child Psychology, Clinical Psychology, Comparative Psychology, Counselling Psychology, Developmental Psychology, Educational Psychology, Engineering Psychology, Experimental Psychology, Industrial Psychology, School Psychology, Social Psychology.