Psychology
Psychology can be defined as the scientific study of behaviour and experience. It includes consideration of both humans and animals and of normal and abnormal behaviour.
Psychology A Level
Psychology will help you to understand yourself and others in many ways. It will allow you to challenge the stereotypes and “quick fix” answers often provided by the media to questions relating to mental health and the effect of violent videos on children’s behaviour.
What does the course involve?
Psychology deals with scientific research. This includes studying theories and considering the relevance of research studies.
You will also study research methods, investigation design, data analysis and data presentation.
You will develop an understanding of potential ethical issues in Psychology and ways in which Psychologists deal with these issues.
Assessment
Qualification
A Level
Awarding Body
AQA
Entry Requirements
You are not expected to have any previous knowledge of Psychology. As a minimum you will need:
- Grade 5 or B in GCSE English
- Grade 5 or B in GCSE Mathematics
- Grade 5 or B in one Science subject.
You will need to:
- Have basic mathematical skills in order to analyse data.
- Be able to write clearly and coherently.
Year One
The main topics studied are:
- Explaining and Treating OCD, Depression and Phobias.
- Research Methods and Statistics in Psychology.
- Memory and Eye-Witness Testimony: Models of memory, forgetting and eye-witness testimony.
- Attachment: Explanations of attachment and maternal deprivations.
- Bio Psychology: The nervous system, endocrine sysytem and the fight or flight response.
- Conformity and Obedience.
Please note: Core Maths must be studied alongside this course, unless you are also studying Mathematics or Statistics.
Year Two
The main topics studied are:
Trips
You will have the opportunity to attend conferences and lectures.
Career path
For some students this may be the first step towards a career in psychology, such as clinical, educational, occupational or sport psychology.
Others have gone on to study a wide range of subjects at degree level, including law, medicine, politics and English.
An A Level in Psychology is well regarded by most employers, especially in areas that are “people orientated” such a teaching, nursing and social work.
I really like the biopsychology side of A Level Psychology as its very modern and scientific; but then I also like the other side of it, all to do with social influence and then you do conformity. There is such a broad range of topics to study you can never really be bored. But it’s not just that, the tutors are good because they give you lots of resources to help you; they will give you PowerPoint notes, there is a booklet for each topic with all the stuff you need to know. They do help you a lot.
Lowri
