Psychology
Level 3
Qualification: A Level
Duration: 2 years
Also delivered at our Sixth Form Centre at Winterhill School.
What will I study?
Psychology is the scientific study of the mind and how it influences our behaviour.
Throughout the two years you will develop psychological knowledge, understanding and skills by learning the AQA A Level Psychology specification.
Unit 1: Introductory Topics
You will study four topics: Social Influence; Memory, Attachment and Psychopathology.
Unit 2: Psychology in Context
This unit is designed to explore the origins of psychology and the scientific nature of the subject. You will study Approaches, Biopsychology, Research Methods and Statistics.
Unit 3: Issues and options in psychology
This unit is designed to introduce you to three contemporary topic areas (Gender development, Schizophrenia and Aggression) and the main issues and debates within psychology.
Throughout each unit you will develop an understanding of the scientific nature of psychology and look at a range of concepts, theories, studies and applications as well as evaluative issues relating to them. Some of the key questions we will explore include:
- How do you treat OCD?
- What might lead humans to commit genocide?
- How does attachment in infancy affect adult relationships?
- What causes schizophrenia?
- To what extent is gender identity genetic or learnt?
Throughout the course you will also develop your own research skills by carrying out a range of practical investigations. This will enable you to develop your knowledge of research methods, statistics and the scientific method.
However, we will go beyond AQA specification (in class and through extra-curricular opportunities) to prepare you more widely for the next steps in your education and employment. For example, we will develop your understanding of your own brain and mental processes, learn how to learn and teach effectively, offer you opportunities to participate in research with wider bodies/Universities and gain work experience. We will also explore a few of the most recent psychological research findings and enable you to search for and read journal articles.
Assessment
- Three exams
- Two hours each
- All sat in the summer of your second year
- There is no coursework
- Each exam is assessed through a mix of multiple choice, short answer and extended writing questions.
Entry Criteria
Grade 5 GCSE Maths, (2 x Grade 4) in GCSE Science and Grade 5 GCSE English.
Useful Supporting Courses
Links very well with Biology, Criminology, Maths, Philosophy, Sociology and English. It can be taken with any other A Level.
Careers
A Level Psychology is useful for a degree in Psychology or the related fields of Anthropology, Counselling, Criminology, Neuroscience, Occupational Therapy, Forensic Science, Sociology and Teaching.
A degree in Psychology is the first step to a career as a Chartered Psychologist (Clinical, Educational, Occupational, Forensic, Sport or Teaching and Research).
In terms of other professions, Psychology is useful for Business and Marketing, Medical, Mental Health and Social Care professions, work in Prisons and the Probation Service, Social Work and Education. You will also find it useful in many wider areas of work including leadership and management and coaching.
There are clear links between psychological literacy and the skills identified as valued by employers, such as effective communication skills, evidence-based problem solving abilities, thinking critically and adopting an evaluative approach to work. However, the ability to apply psychological literacy has a much greater potential: the ability to benefit global society and to enrich individual lives and communities.
Culture Vulture
Check out our Culture Vulture link to see what takes your interest.
Flying start
Click the link and have a go at our 10-week learning plan to get you off to the best start.
A Level Psychology Flying Start
Course Overview
Follow the link to see an introduction to the course, identifying what you will study with us in the first few months and what you might already know.