Psychology Summary

A Level Psychology involves the scientific study of the human mind and behaviour. Good psychology is predictive; it can help us change and adapt individual lives and society for the better. Do you ever wonder why we follow crowds, or obey authority figures? Have you ever wondered how phobias develop? Do you think criminals are born or made? Psychology is a subject that will challenge you to ask questions about yourself and others and it will teach you how to objectively measure and understand the human condition.

Entry Requirements

  • GCSE Grade 4 or higher in Maths
  • GCSE Grade 5 or higher in English Language

Course Duration

2 years full-time

Specification

AQA

How you will study

Using a variety of different research methods, we examine behaviour from multiple perspectives to gain and understanding of what it means to be human.

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Component breakdown

The Psychology A level course examines the following units:

  • Unit 1 – Social influence
  • Unit 2 – Memory
  • Unit 3 – Attachment
  • Unit 4 – Psychological approaches
  • Unit 5 – Psychopathology
  • Unit 6 – Biopsychology
  • Unit 7 – Research methods
  • Unit 8 – Issues and debates
  • Unit 9 – Relationships
  • Unit 10 – Schizophrenia
  • Unit 11 – Forensic Psychology

At the end of Year 13, students will sit three two-hour papers covering knowledge from all eleven units. Each paper is equally weighted.

Careers and Destinations

If you would like to study psychology or any other research-based course at university, A Level psychology provides a solid foundation of knowledge of the methods involved in scientific research as well as an understanding of some of the main explanations of human behaviour.

Psychology can be an exciting area to work in, with areas such as clinical psychology, consumer psychology, sports psychology, and cognitive neuroscience providing a myriad of different areas within which to build a career.

Related courses

Biology
Maths
Sociology