Psychology
A-Level Psychology is an ideal subject choice if you have an interest in understanding human behaviour from a scientific perspective.
Psychology is the science of behaviour and experience and, as such, is relevant to all areas of life; it offers a bridge connecting the human and natural sciences. Psychologists use the same research methods as other scientists to study the brain; however, science further helps a psychologist understand how physiology links to behaviour.
The Course
Psychology at A Level is taught with the assumption that students have no prior knowledge of the subject. However, Psychology is a demanding academic discipline and the grade recommendation to study the A Level course is a grade 6 or above in Biology, a grade 6 or above in Mathematics, and a grade 5/6 in English Language. Strong written communication is essential, as the Psychology student needs to discuss various scientific issues, as well as research methodology and major approaches in Psychology, and be able to write about these clearly and concisely.
Curriculum
AQA Exam Board
|
Course content |
Assessment |
|
Paper 1: Introductory Topics in Psychology |
Paper 1 (33.3%) |
|
Social influence Memory Attachment Psychopathology
|
2 hour written examination |
|
Paper 2: Psychology in Context |
Paper 2 (33.3%) |
|
Approaches in Psychology Biopsychology Research methods
|
2 hour written examination |
|
Paper 3: Issues and Options in Psychology |
Paper 3 (33.3%) |
|
Issues and debates in Psychology One question on either: Relationships, Gender, Cognition or Development. One question on either: Schizophrenia, Eating Behaviour or Stress. One question on either: Aggression, Forensic Psychology or Addiction. |
2 hour written examination |
Beyond the Course
The Psychology A Level provides students with many transferable skills whilst there are a variety of careers involving Psychology, including: medicine and psychiatry, counselling and social work, forensics and criminology, business and marketing, educational psychology, teaching, neuroscience, and clinical psychology.
