Psychology A Level 3

For students applying from other schools please see the information below.

For existing students at OPGS - you will be applying internally and will receive separate instructions

Applications Open - 11th December 2025

Applications Close - 30th January 2026

Entry Requirements:-

Students achieving a minimum of at least six GCSEs (9 – 5) of which at least four are at a grade 6 (or equivalent).

In addition, students must meet subject entry requirements, which in most cases require a minimum of Grade 6 in the subject to be studied, or related subjects. Some subjects will require a grade 7 or higher. Please see school website (https://www.opgs.org) for entry requirements needed for individual A level subjects.

Students must also achieve a minimum of a grade 5 in English Language and Mathematics.

Typically, we would expect students following essay-based subjects to gain at least a grade 6 in English Language and students following scientific courses to gain at least a grade 7 in Mathematics.

The school shall determine which grades at 6 are required when A level subjects requested have not been taken at GCSE Level.

Priority will be given to existing pupils transferring from Year 11 who meet the entrance criteria

How to Apply

Students should select three or four A level subjects and include a 4th/5th as a reserve subjects. Please list your subjects in priority order and indicate which is your reserve choice.

Subject Choice

In choosing your subjects for A level you need to find out about the syllabus, examination requirements, coursework and the approach to study. Choose subjects that interest you and think carefully about the range and combination of subjects you would like to study. You may also wish to consider requirements for Higher Education or career paths.

Students should also note that the school cannot guarantee courses will run if there are not enough applicants. It is also possible that, in some subjects, numbers will have to be limited.

Psychology is an exciting subject which enables students to apply scientific methodology to understanding human behaviour in the world around them. It offers the opportunity to learn transferable skills such as the ability to analyse arguments and evidence, testing hypotheses and making informed judgements. Students should leave the course with the skills to write concisely and accurately, be numerate and able to give reasoned explanations for human behaviour. These are all skills valued by any subject in Higher Education and by employers. Psychology really is a ‘skill for life’. It has been stated that those studying Psychology at A Level become: “psychologically literate citizens” referring to the fact that Psychology students become ‘critically scientific thinkers and ethical and socially responsible participants in their communities’

The AQA A Level Psychology course offers an engaging and effective introduction to Psychology which will appeal to a cross-section of students, regardless of whether they have studied the subject before. The AQA qualification builds on skills developed in the sciences and humanities, and enables progression into a wide range of other subjects.

All assessment is carried out at the end of the course in Year 13

Paper 1: Introductory Topics in Psychology

Compulsory content sections 1-4 above.

2 hour written exam (33.3% of A Level) consisting of mixture of multiple choice, short answer and extended writing questions.

Paper 2: Psychology in Context

Compulsory content sections 5-7 above.

2 hour written exam (33.3% of A Level) consisting of mixture of multiple choice, short answer and extended writing questions.

Paper 3: Issues and Options in Psychology

Compulsory content section 8 above

One option from sections 9-11, one option from sections 12-14 and one topic from sections 15-17.

2 hour written exam (33.3% of A Level) consisting of mixture of multiple choice, short answer and extended writing questions.

Six 9-5 GCSE grades with at least four at grade 6

A minimum of a grade 5 in English Language and Mathematics

Grade 6 at GCSE in Psychology or in any science subject

Typically, we would expect students following essay-based subjects to gain at least a grade 6 in English Language and students following scientific courses to gain at least a grade 7 in Mathematics.

You could take this course with other advanced level courses such as a science or one of the humanities to prepare for higher education in Psychology or more general higher education courses. With further training, you could go into a job related to Psychology and people such as a Counsellor, Nurse or Psychologist. You could also specialise in a particular area of Psychology such as education or mental health depending on the area that interests you.