Psychology A Level

Applications open:- Monday 4th November at 9.00am

Applications close:- 25th August 2026

Entry Requirements: - They vary for each course.

How to Apply: - Please apply via KentChoices.

The mind is something intangible that exists within our brain; an unseen process of enzymes, chemicals and electric currents. But why is it that some people suffer from stress or mental illness? Or that others are considered abnormal for deviating from social norms? Psychology looks at questions like these and more. Psychology is the scientific study of the mind and human behaviour. Psychologists observe and conduct experiments to find out more about the way people act and interact. They try to understand what motivates, challenges or changes us and use this understanding to help us tackle personal and social problems. AQA A-level Psychology will help you develop a range of skills that will benefit you, whether you decide to go on to further study or the working world, including: analytical thinking, improved communication, problem solving, planning and conducting scientific investigations, analysing and interpreting data and critical reasoning skills.

First year = 1 - Introductory topics in psychology: learn about conformity, social norms, how the mind remembers and forgets and how children form attachments then 2 - Psychology in context: learn more about the different approaches in psychology and how to design and conduct your own research.

Second year of the A-level will deepen your understanding of human behaviour. 1 - Issues and options in psychology: you’ll learn more about psychological concepts, research methods and ethical issues. 2 - Issues and debates in psychology: learn about the fascinating tendencies of human behaviour, with options looking into gender differences and the criminal mind. Then one from each option: Option one: relationships, gender or cognition and development. Option two: schizophrenia, eating behaviour or stress. Option three: aggression, forensic psychology or addiction.

In AQA A-level there are three exams, each accounting for one third of your A-level. The three exams last 2 hours and are worth 96 marks each. The exams consist of multiple choice, short answer and extended writing questions.

For an A Level programme of study, we require students to have a range of at least five to seven GCSE passes at grade 5 or higher, including a minimum of a 5 in English and Mathematics, but students must also satisfy the minimum entry criteria for A Level Psychology below.

Grade 5 in GCSE English Language or English Literature, and Mathematics

And

Grade 5 in at least one other predominantly written based GCSE subject (from subjects such as English Language, English Literature, History, Religious Studies or Sociology)

Psychology is a great subject to study because it will not only give you a number of transferable skills, it will also teach you more about the way people think. An understanding of the human mind is useful in a number of careers. Some of the most popular degrees for students who have an A-level in psychology are: Psychology, English studies, Sociology, Business studies, Teaching, Sport and exercise science and Law. Possible career options include: Marketing, Business development, Accountancy, Human resources, Forensic psychology, Occupational therapy, Clinical psychology, Nursing and Teaching.