Psychology

This course is intended to ensure that learners gain a comprehensive appreciation of the nature of psychology and psychological enquiry. Students will be introduced to historical and current psychological approaches and classic and contemporary research. In addition, there are opportunities to explore psychological controversies and debates. Students will also study a variety of methods used by psychologists and will carry out their own investigations. Consideration of the ethical issues and implications of psychological endeavours are emphasised in all aspects of the specification.

IDEAL ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

Although each application will be considered individually it would be beneficial for students to have a grade B in the Core subjects (including Science) as a minimum.

What will I study?

In your first year of AS you will study:

Approaches in psychology: you will learn about five psychological approaches: biological, psychodynamic, behaviorist, cognitive positive.  Each approach explains human behavior in a slightly different way. 

Research in psychology: you will learn more about how psychologists design and conduct research.

In the second year of A2 you’ll deepen your understanding of psychology by looking at a range of interesting human behaviours.  You will study three of the following six behaviours:

•          Addictive behaviours

•          Autistic spectrum behaviours

•          Bullying behaviours

•          Criminal behaviours

•          Schizophrenia

•          Stress

You will then apply your psychological knowledge to a range of contemporary debates:

•          Cultural bias

•          Ethical costs of conducting research

•          Non-human animals

•          Scientific status

•          Sexism

Practical research

As part of the A2 course you will review your knowledge of research methods and you will get the opportunity to undertake two of your own research projects.  These can be undertaken as a class, in groups, in pairs or individually.

How will I be assessed?  

There are two exams at AS each worth 20% of your A Level qualification. Each exam lasts 1 hour 30 minutes and is worth 80 marks. The exams consist of short answer and extended writing questions.

At A-level there are also two exams.  Unit 3 lasts 2 hours 30 minutes, is worth 100 marks and is 40% of your A Level qualification. Unit 4 lasts 1 hour 30 minutes, is worth 60 marks, and is worth 20% of your A Level qualification.  The exams also consist of short answer and extended writing questions.

Careers with Psychology

Psychology can open the door to an array of career paths that requires interaction or an understanding of human behaviour and development.

The study of psychology can lead to careers in areas such as healthcare, management, social work, research, teaching, marketing, advertising and human resources.