Psychology

Applications open: 3rd November 2025

Applications close: 21st July 2026

Please make all applications through Kent Choices.

If you have any questions please email sixthform@fulstonmanor.kent.sch.uk.

WHY TAKE THIS COURSE?

Psychology A Level is a good basis for progression into employment in many fields, particularly those dealing with people. These include areas such as health, social care, child care, customer service, the police and other emergency services, armed forces, advertising, sales, market research, personnel management and many others. Many Psychology A Level students choose to study Psychology at University, with opportunities for further professional training in clinical, educational, forensic, organisational and counselling Psychology. Psychology also offers an excellent foundation for Higher Education in biological sciences (in combination with science subjects), Social Sciences, Sports Science, Humanities, Business, Law and Education. It is particularly useful for those wishing to pursue vocational training in social work, education and child care, nursing, medicine and related areas. Students will learn the fundamentals of the subject and develop skills valued by Higher Education and employers, including critical analysis, independent thinking and research

Psychology is the scientific study of the human mind and behaviour and it aims to develop:

• Understanding of psychological theories, research, terminology, concepts, approaches, methods and application.

  Skills of critical analysis, interpretation and evaluation.

  Understanding of different areas of psychology, including the core areas of cognitive, social, developmental and biological psychology; individual differences and research methods.

• Understanding and skills of how to design and report on Psychological investigations and analyse data.

• Understand ethical issues in psychology, including the ethical implications of psychological research.

Paper 1: Introductory Topics in Psychology

Paper 2: Psychology in Context

Paper 3: Issues and Options in Psychology

Each module is assessed by external assessment (examination). There is no assessment based on coursework for this subject.

To be accepted on the A Level course a student should have at least 5 GCSEs at grades 9 - 5 (or equivalent), ideally including English Language, Mathematics and Science. (At least 10% of the overall marks in Psychology will require the use of mathematical skills to the standard of Higher Tier GCSE Mathematics).

Psychology also offers an excellent foundation for higher education in biological sciences (in combination with science subjects), social sciences, sports science, humanities, business, law and education. It is particularly useful for those wishing to pursue vocational training in social work, education and child care, nursing, medicine and related areas. Psychology AS and A2 levels are also a good basis for progression into employment in many fields, particularly those dealing with people. These include areas such as health, social care, child care, customer service, the police and other emergency services, armed forces, advertising and sales and many others. Employers and higher education institutions usually look for general or ‘transferable’ skills, and a Psychology A level encourages plenty of these, including clear communication, application of number, research skills, presentation and report writing skills.