Psychology A Level

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Entry Requirements: - GCSE grade 5 in English (Language or Literature) and GCSE grade 5 in Mathematics

Entry criteria for individual subjects must be met in order to access those courses.

How to Apply:

External Applicants - please apply via KentChoices

Internal Applicants - there is no need to apply via KentChoices, please visit Talisman for further information

PSYCHOLOGY

Examining Board: AQA, Head of Department: Mr Stevenson

Psychology is the scientific study of the human mind, behaviour and experience. This course is designed to develop your basic understanding of the different areas of Psychology and the scientific research methods applied to studying human behaviour. You will learn to design, analyse and evaluate research and will need to learn particular key research studies for the different topics areas.

The specification includes topics such as: the way the brain perceives and uses information; the way those processes develop from birth to adulthood; the way we behave in groups; how we define and explain psychological abnormality (psychopathology); the biological basis of psychology; different approaches to explaining human behaviour; experimental and non-experimental research methods; the scientific process and data analysis; key issues and debates including ethical implications; psychological explanations of gender development and gender identity disorder; explanations and treatments of schizophrenia; explanations of aggressive behaviour.

See http://www.aqa.org.uk/subjects/psychology/as-and-a-level/psychology-7181-7182/specification-at-a-glance for more information on these topics.

PAPER 1 – Introductory topics in Psychology – Social Influence, Memory, Attachment and Psychopathology.

PAPER 2 – Psychology in Context - Approaches in Psychology, Biopsychology and Research Methods

PAPER 3 – Issues and Option in Psychology – Issues and debates, Gender, Schizophrenia and Forensic Psychology.

Year 1 students will study Social Influence, memory, Attachment, Approaches, Psychopathology and Research Methods.

Year 2 students will study Biopsychology, Issues and debates, Gender, Schizophrenia and Forensic Psychology.

Assessment is entirely by examination. A level exams consist of three 2 hour written papers consisting of multiple choice, short answer and extended writing questions.

Psychology

Entry Criteria: GCSE grade 6 in Psychology. Alternatively, if you have not studied Psychology at GCSE, grade 6 in a Separate Science qualification or Combined Science (Trilogy)

and a grade 6 in English (Language or Literature)

plus: GCSE grade 5 in Mathematics