Psychology A Level OCR

Applications Open – 3rd November 2025

Applications Close – 30th June 2026

Entry Requirements –We do have entry recommendations for some courses, especially A-levels, as we would not want you to start a course that would not be suitable for you. We want to give you the best chance of future success.

The course programmes are flexible: students can mix Level 3 courses with Level 2 courses, or A-levels with BTECs. We provide impartial advice and guidance and seek to put you on the courses you want and are likely to be successful in.

Students are expected to study up to 3 A level equivalent subjects (this can be from either A levels and/or Level 3 BTEC subjects) building their own personalised combination of Level 3 subjects OR a full time Level 2 course.

The sixth form runs on a flexible timetable with some courses running until 6.00pm. This flexibility means we can offer as much as possible, to as many as possible, as often as possible.

How to Apply – Applications are now closed. If you would like to apply for clearing, please email sadkins@canterbury.kent.sch.uk with your name, contact details, predicted grades, and the subjects that you wish to apply for.

Psychology is the study of the links between the brain and behaviour.

• Why do we do behave the way we do?
• Why do human beings love or hate?
• How do we find out about behaviour?
• What can we do with what we find out?

Psychology tries to answer these questions, and A Level Psychology is both really useful, and really interesting.

• Interesting because who wouldn’t want to know why eye-witnesses usually make mistakes in identifying potential criminals, or how we understand what other people think?
• Useful because psychology can be applied in everyday life and in every aspect of the wider world.

The aims of these qualifications are to encourage students to:

• Stimulate and develop their enjoyment of, and enthusiasm for, psychology
• Develop and demonstrate skills, including practical and research skills
• Develop essential knowledge and understanding of different areas of the subject and how they relate to each other
• Appreciate how the subject develops and how its applications interact with changes in human attitudes, and with changes in society and technology
• Recognise the value, use and misuse of the subject in society

In their first year students will study a range of core studies from each of the five key approaches (social, cognitive, biological, individual differences and developmental).

The core studies cover a wide range of different topics including obedience, autism, bystander behaviour and brain damage.

Students will become familiar with several different research methods and with analysing data.

In year two students will study modules including forensic psychology, sports psychology and mental health issues.

We would recommend a level 6 at GCSE in English Language and mathematics, and a grade 6 in GCSE science.

Universities and employers know that students with A Level psychology have a range of useful skills (research, communication, social, organisation).

The course is beneficial to students who want to go on to study psychology at university and those who choose to go on into other areas.