Psychology

Applications Open: Thursday, 27th November 2025 from 5pm.

Applications Close: Friday, 13th February 2026.

Entry requirements: • All students must gain 5 passes at Grade 4 or above at GCSE (or the equivalent for vocational qualifications) including a pass in English and / or Maths.

How to apply:

Internal Students - please use the schools internal system: https://www.studentoptions.co/sixthform/

External Students - please use KentChoices. Log in to get started here.

This course draws upon your understanding of the contemporary world and it is therefore advisable to take an interest in current affairs and social issues in general. Analytical skills: a high level of literacy, numeracy and scientific evaluation including a knowledge of biology is necessary for this subject.

Students will study the following aspects of human behaviour:

• Compulsory content: Social influence, Memory, Attachment, Psychopathology, Approaches in Psychology, Biopsychology, Research methods, Issues and debates in Psychology.

• Optional content

- Option 1 Relationships, Gender, Cognition and development

- Option 2 Schizophrenia, Eating behaviour, Stress

- Option 3 Aggression, Forensic Psychology, Addiction

Pupils will answer three question papers at the end of the two year course. Each paper will last two hours and will assess the following:

• Paper 1: Introductory Topics in Psychology

• Paper 2: Psychology in Context

• Paper 3: Issues and Options in Psychology

Grade 4 in Psychology OR Grade 4 in English AND Grade 4 in Science if new to subject.

A level Psychology is very useful in that it supports careers in Psychology, Teaching, Child Care, Management, Human Resources, Nursing, Medicine and research. Above and beyond these specific careers it teaches students the skills of analysis, research, evaluation and problem-solving skills which are important for any career.