Psychology

A Level

The study of Psychology is focused upon understanding the thoughts and behaviours of individuals. The subject covers a wide range of topics and there are areas of interest to suit everybody. It investigates why people behave in particular ways and provides opportunities for students to conduct their own investigation into human behaviour. Students learn how people’s behaviour is affected by those around them, how the memory works, and how early childhood affects behaviour. There are also units focusing on the application of psychological theory to key areas such as criminal behaviour, mental disorders and gender development.

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Course Outlines

Entry Requirements

Grade 5 in GCSE English Language with Grade 5 in GCSE Science and Grade 5 in GCSE Mathematics.

Assessment

Three external examination papers which are equally weighted.

Course Units

UNIT 1 – INTRODUCTORY TOPICS IN PSYCHOLOGY

Social influence
Attachment
Memory
Psychopathology

UNIT 2 – PSYCHOLOGY IN CONTEXT

Approaches
Bio Psychology
Research Methods

UNIT 3 – ISSUES AND OPTIONS IN PSYCHOLOGY

Issues, Debates and Approaches
Gender
Schizophrenia
Forensics

Future Opportunities

If you are interested in a career in journalism, law or politics, then an A level qualification in history is essential. A level history is highly valued by Russell Group universities and is seen as a facilitating subject because of the transferable skills that it equips potential candidates with. Previous students have gone on to study history and its related subjects at degree level and others have pursued careers in education, writing, business, media and law.

Further Information

If you enjoy the challenge of history, like reading and writing and want to be able to ‘think’ like a historian, then this is the course for you. Analytical skills will be developed, enabling these to be applied to other areas of study. Students need to be self-motivated and dedicated to pursuing their own historical interests, as well as effective at using their own initiative.