Psychology

What is Psychology A level about?

You are human – yet, chances are, you have learnt very little about the workings of the human mind – the organ that governs your every perception and sensation.

Psychology focuses on the science of the mind, behaviour and experience. It looks at how individuals think, what they do and the way they are affected by their biological make up and the wider social group.

Why study Psychology?

If you are fascinated by the idea of understanding the brain – if you want to grasp the complexities of human behaviour – Psychology A level is for you.

In lessons, you may be exploring issues on memory, child and adult developmental stages, social behaviourism, abnormalities in behaviour, ethical issues in psychological research. As you progress you will learn more critical issues related to the mind, behaviour and thinking style by exploring on the physiological and psychological explanations on issues such as Biological rhythms, relationships, gender, psychological disorders and many more.

Psychology will offer you a unique academic experience. You will need to be able to learn scientific information such as the aims, procedures and findings of studies but you will also need to be able to evaluate these theories. Some answers require you to be concise but there are also longer essay based answers, thus again providing diverse experiences and useful transferable skills – developed through the study of a fascinating topic.

Lessons will offer different learning opportunities with teachers who are enthusiastic about the subject, with written work conducted alongside discussion and pair work, presentations, videos and practical (experiments).

Most importantly, Psychology gives you an opportunity to learn, understand and evaluate issues happening around you in your everyday life, which could then be applied to the wider world.

What does the course consist of?

You will be given the opportunity to study many of the core areas of psychology, thus giving you a broad knowledge of the subject.

Throughout the course, you will hone your research and analysis skills – in a way that is never dry and factual, but instead relates to your own experiences. Learning about the human mind is constantly surprising, never boring.

The AS

• Unit 1: a written paper (1.5 hours – 50% AS award). Structured compulsory questions that include short-answer, stimulus material and one 12-mark question. The three topics covered are Cognitive Psychology, Developmental Psychology and Research Methods, available January and June.
• Unit 2: a written paper (1.5 hours – 50% AS award). Structured compulsory questions that include short-answer, stimulus material and one 12-mark question. The three topics covered are Biological Psychology (Stress), Social Psychology and Individual Differences (Eating Disorders)

The A2

• Unit 3: a written paper (1.5 hours – 50% of the A2 award) with three essay-style questions chosen from eight topics: Biological rhythms and sleep; Perception; Relationships; Aggression; Eating behaviour; Gender; Intelligence and learning; Cognition and development
• Unit 4: written examination (2 hours – 50% of the A2 award) with 3 sections
  • Psychopathology: One essay-style question chosen from three
  • Psychology in Action: One question chosen from three
  • Research Methods: One compulsory structured question

There is one modular examination in January, two in June but no coursework. These consist of two short answer questions and one longer essay style question.

The A2 course builds upon these modules and more specific topics are examined including biological rhythms, relationships, gender, approaches in psychology and issues and debates in psychology.

Disorders such as anxiety, depression and schizophrenia are explained and a look is taken at the wider ethical issues in psychology. These are examined in essay-based papers. All AS and A2 Units are available in January and May/June.

What GCSEs do I need?

No specific subjects are required, although a C grade or above is desirable in English and Maths.

What might the subject lead onto?

Psychology's focus on human mind, behaviour and thinking is attractive to all employment and areas of work involving human resources. The subject also instils skills in research, analysis, communication and organisation that go well beyond the value of the material covered. It is, of course, relevant to those interested in Psychology at degree level, but also popular amongst students who plan to follow other paths.

As a university subject, Psychology is popular. Graduates enter a wide range of employment sectors, with only a minority pursuing careers in Psychology.