A Level Psychology

Applications Open - 1st November 2026

Applications Close - 12th February 2027

Entry Requirements - Please refer to the Sixth Form Course Directory via the website www.knoleacademy.org

Option blocks and detailed subject information can be found in our course directory on our website www.knoleacademy.org

How to Apply - Via Kent Choices https://www.kentprospectus.co.uk/login

Level 3 Courses - select a minimum of 3 courses to study

Level 2 Courses - select 1 course only as each course is studied on a full time basis.

A Level Psychology offers students the opportunity to explore how and why people think, feel and behave. Students study explanations of behaviour from a range of psychological perspectives including biological, cognitive, and social, while considering how psychologists investigate human behaviour scientifically.

A Level Psychology is for curious students who want to understand human behaviour. You will question evidence, explore competing explanations and learn how psychologists investigate the mind and behaviour scientifically. It is a subject that, at its core, aims to improve the lives of humans. It is a challenging but supportive course that develops confident thinkers and introduces you to a subject that is constantly evolving. It is an academically rigorous subject that combines theory, evidence, practical research, statistics and debate, while developing skills that are valuable for university and employment.

Paper 1: Introductory Topics in Psychology

• Social influence (conformity, obedience and resistance).

• Memory and eyewitness testimony.

• Attachment and early relationships.

• Mental health, including phobias, depression and OCD.

Paper 2: Psychology in Context

• Different explanations of behaviour (learning, cognition, biology and psychodynamic approaches).

• The role of the brain, nervous system, hormones and genetics.

• Research methods and how psychologists conduct investigations.

Paper 3: Issues and Options in Psychology

• Key debates such as nature vs nurture and free will vs determinism.

• Cognition and Development.

• Stress and coping.

• Addiction and behaviour change.

Students complete three externally examined papers at the end of Year 13. The qualification is linear and there is no coursework component.

Each paper is 2 hours long, has 96 marks available and makes up 33.3% of the A Level

Minimum of 5 9-5 grades in GCSE examinations including English and Maths. Grade 6 or above in GCSE English , Maths and Science

• Biomedical science

• Sports Psychology

• Sports Science

• Sociology

• Economics

• Nursing

• Healthcare

• Business

• Education

• Criminal Justice

• Research

• Sports and Wellness