Psychology
A Level Psychology is an ideal subject choice if you have an interest in understanding human behaviour from a scientific perspective.
Psychology is the science of behaviour and experience and, as such, is relevant to all areas of life; it offers a bridge connecting the human and natural sciences. Psychologists use the same research methods as other scientists to study the brain; however, science further helps a psychologist understand how physiology links to behaviour.
The Course
Psychology at A Level is taught with the assumption that students have no prior knowledge of the subject. However, Psychology is a demanding academic discipline and the grade recommendation to study the A Level course is a grade 6 or above in Biology, a grade 6 or above in Mathematics, and a grade 5/6 in English Language. Strong written communication is essential, as the Psychology student needs to discuss various scientific issues, as well as research methodology and major approaches in Psychology, and be able to write about these clearly and concisely.
Curriculum
AQA Exam Board
|
Course content |
Assessment |
|
Paper 1: Introductory Topics in Psychology |
Paper 1 (33.3%) |
|
2 hour written examination |
|
Paper 2: Psychology in Context |
Paper 2 (33.3%) |
|
2 hour written examination |
|
Paper 3: Issues and Options in Psychology |
Paper 3 (33.3%) |
|
2 hour written examination |
Beyond the Course
The Psychology A Level provides students with many transferable skills and there are a variety of careers involving Psychology, including: medicine and psychiatry, counselling and social work, forensics and criminology, business and marketing, educational psychology, teaching, neuroscience, and clinical psychology.
