Psychology A level (Linear)

Applications Open: - 5th November 2025

Applications Close: - 5th January 2026

Entry Requirements: - Our entry requirements are subject specific, please look through our website for more information. Specific information can be found under Sixth Form and in Choosing courses. Details are here

How to Apply: - Please apply via KentChoices

Introductory topics in Psychology:
Social Influence: Why do people obey? Why do people help others? How do people form groups?
Memory: How do we store and retrieve information? What are the implications for eyewitness testimony?
Attachment: How do children form attachments to their care-givers? What differences are there in attachment between cultures?
Psychopathology: What is normality? How can we define abnormality? Where do phobias come from?

Psychology in Context:

Approaches in Psychology: How does the social approach see behaviour? What do psychologists study in the developmental approach?
Biopsychology: What parts of the brain are responsible for our behaviour? How do neuro-transmitters work?
Research Methods: How do we conduct research studies? How can we use inferential statistics? What makes a psychological study reliable?

Issues and Options in Psychology

Issues and Debates in Psychology: Is behaviour due to nature or nurture? What ethical considerations are there when conducting psychological research?
Cognition and Development: How do children develop intellectually? What are the applications to understanding the cognitive differences of autism, for example?

Schizophrenia: What are the relative merits of different theories of the causes of schizophrenia? How effective are different treatments of schizophrenia?
Forensics: What makes some people more likely to commit crime? Is there a ‘violent gene’?

Paper 1: Introductory Topics in Psychology - duration 2 hours

Paper 2: Psychology in Context - duration 2 hours

Paper 3: Issues and Options in Psychology - duration 2 hours

The ability to remember details.
The ability to analyse, be critical of research and suggest solutions.
The ability to write detailed evaluative short essay answers.
To be organised and meet deadlines.

- APS 5.5+

- 6+ in at least 2 science GCSEs, including those to be studied at A level. We strongly recommend a supporting science is studied alongside psychology.

Forensic Psychology; Speech Therapy; Teaching; Child Psychology; Clinical Psychology; Sport Psychology; Nursing; Journalism; Probation Service; Politics; Human Resource Management; Media; Social Services; Counselling; Management; Educational Psychology ; Law; Advertising; Research; Prison Services; Civil Service; Occupational Psychology and Health Psychology.

What career or higher education options might this course lead to?

Higher Education Courses: Degree (BA/BSc/Honours) in Psychology or

subjects such as Criminology or Social Policy; Degree (BSC/ honours) in

Mental Health Nursing; PhD in Clinical Psychology or Educational

Psychology.