Psychology

Psychology – A-Level Qualification

Examining Body:

A Level Qualification

Entry Criteria:

Ideally Grade 5 GCSE English Language, Mathematics and Science

Course Leader:

Miss L Barnes

Why? :

This course will provide an insight into many aspects of human behaviour and the effect that genetics and the environment have on the way we behave. It is a STEM science that encourages students to develop transferable skills in research, evaluation, analysis, comparison and many other areas. There are many specialist careers in Psychology including; clinical, educational, sports and forensic to give some examples. Psychology is a good foundation subject for other University courses and excellent preparation for many careers. Examples include the caring professions such as medicine, nursing, social work, child care and counselling; legal professions including police and solicitors; areas of business, especially advertising, marketing and human relations; teaching at both primary and secondary levels.

Course Structure:

In year 1 students will complete the topics for paper 1 and some research methods for paper 2, which will give them a good introduction to psychology and a good foundation in the skills required for the rest of the course. In year 2 students will complete papers 2 and 3.

To complete the A level students will sit three exam papers.

Paper 1; Social Influence, Memory, Attachment and Psychopathology.
Paper 2; Approaches, Biopsychology and Research methods.
Paper 3; Issues and Debates, Stress, Cognitive Development and Addiction.

Each paper is 2 hours long and is made up of a range of short answer and essay questions.

Extended Learning:

Students are encouraged to extend their knowledge of the topic areas through specified extension activities to their classwork, or through reading more in-depth articles on the topics they are studying in the Psychological Review.