Psychology

Psychology is the study of the human mind and behaviour. You will gain an understanding of different areas and approaches to psychology, including how they relate to each other, using practical and fun techniques in the classroom. To aid your future aspirations for university and/or careers the course will also help you to develop competence and confidence in practical and problem solving skills, to support the scientific nature of psychology.

As Psychology is a Science subject (with at least 10% Maths and 25% research methods) it lends itself to other STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths) subjects. In addition, Psychology would support your studies of A Level Physical Education and other Social Sciences, such as Health and Social Care and Sociology. That said, Psychology is a very versatile subject, therefore it is an ideal option for those students wishing to try something new and dynamic, that you may not have studied before.

Psychology is taught in a fun and active way, using a range of different teaching and learning styles, including visual and kinaesthetic styles. These skills will stand you in good stead in later life as well as on the course. Psychology provides a useful foundation for any job because you will always be dealing with people, whatever career path you follow. However, Psychology is particularly valuable as a preparation for teaching, criminology, social work, nursing, child care, forensic work and counselling.

The A Level is linear, with no assessment until the end of the 2 year course.

Assessment

The A Level is split into 3 equally weighted components assessed at the end of the 2 year A Level course.

Component 1: Psychology: Past to Present—Written examination 2 hours 15 minutes

• Questions relating to five psychological approaches (Psychodynamic, Cognitive, Behaviourist, Positive and Biological), classic pieces of research evidence and a given contemporary debate (e.g. ethics of neuroscience, reliability of eye-witness testimony).

Component 2: Psychology: Investigating Behaviour—Written examination 2 hours 15 minutes

• Principles of research—how psychological investigations are carried out, including research methods, sampling techniques and data analysis.
• Personal investigations—based on the two investigative activities carried out prior to the assessment (e.g. an investigation into the stroop effect in two conditions).
• Application of research methods to a novel scenario—responses to a piece of research previously unseen.

Component 3: Psychology: Implications in the Real World—Written examination 2 hours 15 minutes

• Section A—Applications: A choice of three structured questions from six on psychological behaviours (including additive behaviour, criminal behaviour and schizophrenia).
• Section B—Controversies: One question from a choice of two requiring a synoptic exploration of psychological controversies (e.g. ethics and the use of non-human animals in research, cultural bias, costs and benefits of scientific study etc.).