Psychology A Level (Block D)

Applications Open - 13th October 2025

Applications Close - Not applicable

Entry Requirements - 5 x 4-9 grades, including English and maths. Individual course criteria apply

How to Apply -

External Students Please apply via KentChoices. Please note - after sending your application, you'll receive a welcome email from Applicaa asking for further information. https://www.kentprospectus.co.uk/login.

Internal students - apply via Applicaa - you will receive an email from Applicaa on 27th November, or use the link here - https://abbey.applicaa.com/

Contact ncrouch@abbeyschoolfaversham.co.uk with any questions

Ever wondered what makes people tick? Are we born the way we are or does our environment shape us? Would you make a good eyewitness? Would you obey an order and hurt someone? What makes us all so different? If you have ever wondered any of these, questions than Psychology A- level maybe the course for you.

A-level is part of the Social Sciences Department at The Abbey School, it is the study of the brain and behaviour, and this includes the theories that explain why it is we behave in certain ways. Psychology is one of the newest scientific studies with most of the advances being made in the last 150 years. In its early days, psychology had two concepts structuralism and functionalism; however, since then there has been an array of new concepts presented, with no answer ever being truly ‘proven.’

As an A-level psychologist, you will get the opportunity to complete extended essay writing in both historic and current psychological research. As well as looking at the reasons as to why people may behave in certain ways. This can be anything from; mental health conditions such as Schizophrenia and Phobias to our biology.

Psychology is the study of human behaviour. It aims to understand how our minds process information such as memories and moods. Psychology is all around us and permeates every aspect of our lives – it makes you who you are, shapes your future and influences your every social interaction. Psychology acts as a bridge between science and the humanities to determine what causes an individual or society to act in a certain way.

Studying psychology can provide you with a scientific toolkit to collect and analyse evidence about questions such as `can group decisions lead to war?’ ‘why do some people get depressed?’ or `how can road rage be controlled?’. It opens up opportunities to apply psychological knowledge at work, rest and play.

The exam board for Psychology is Edexcel. The subject is taught over two years with all public examinations being sat at the end of year 13.

The first year of the Edexcel course consists of four topics: social, cognitive and biological psychology and also theories of learning. The second year of the course consists of clinical psychology and either criminological psychology, child psychology or health psychology, depending on the interests of the group.

All units will be assessed through exams at the end of the second year. Students are expected to undertake guided psychological research of their own which they will be questioned about in the exams.

5 A*-C GCSEs

5 in GCSE Mathematics and Core Science

6 in GCSE English Language

Many with a psychology qualification have careers in: Art, Drama, or Music Therapy, Counselling, Mental Health Nurse, Physiotherapy, Social Work, Retail, Education, Marketing, Medicine, politics, and the public services.