Psychology
Psychology is the scientific study of the human mind and behaviour. It is a deeply fascinating and highly applicable subject that helps you to understand concepts such as gender identity, schemas, self-esteem, healthy relationships and the avoidance of prejudice and discrimination. This course is for students with a genuine passion for understanding the causes of human behaviour and a desire to gain a deep insight into the human condition.
Year 12
In Year 12, students are introduced to the core foundations of Psychology and begin to develop key skills in critical analysis, research and independent thinking.
Paper 1 covers Social Influence, Memory, Attachment and Psychopathology, allowing students to explore how people are influenced by others, how memory works and fails, how early attachment formation links to later adult behaviour and how mental health conditions can be understood and treated.
Paper 2 focuses on Approaches in Psychology, Biopsychology and Research Methods. Students examine different explanations of behaviour, the role of the brain and nervous system and how psychological research is designed, conducted and evaluated.
Year 13
In Year 13, students deepen their understanding of human behaviour and extend their knowledge into more complex and applied topics.
They study Issues and Debates in Psychology, developing an understanding of key themes such as nature versus nurture, free will and determinism and cultural and gender bias. They also explore Relationships, Schizophrenia and Forensic Psychology, examining the causes of criminal and deviant behaviour and the possible prevention of such behaviours.
By the end of the course, students will be scientifically literate and able to articulate their knowledge and thinking in different ways, with a strong appreciation of how Psychology applies to real-world situations.
Assessment Components
Paper 1
Paper 2
Paper 3
Assessment is by three written examinations, each 2 hours in length and each worth 33% of the A Level. Across the papers students are examined on core topics from Years 12 and 13, including research methods and applied areas such as Psychopathology and Forensic Psychology.
Opportunities
Many students who opt to study Psychology do so with the intention of becoming Chartered Psychologists or Psychiatrists, or of working in mental health settings, for example through charitable organisations or as mental health nurses.
Psychology forms the foundation of many professions that involve working with the public and is particularly useful in careers such as the police, social work, teaching, human resources and law. The analytical, research and communication skills developed on the course are highly transferable and valued in a wide range of roles.
Entrance Requirements
Essential Grade 5 in English.
Desirable Grades 5,5 in Combined Science or Grade 5 in Biology and Grade 5 in Maths.
Psychology (A-Level)
Psychology is the scientific study of the human mind and behaviour. It is a deeply fascinating and highly applicable subject that helps students understand concepts such as gender identity, schemas, self-esteem, healthy relationships and the avoidance of prejudice and discrimination. The course is aimed at individuals who are passionate about the causes of human behaviour and who want to gain a deep understanding of the human condition.
Students explore a range of factors and processes that govern behaviour, including the causes and treatments of mental health conditions through Psychopathology. They also learn how early attachment formation links to later adult behaviours and study the causes and possible prevention of criminal and deviant behaviour in Forensic Psychology.
Throughout the course, students develop fundamentals of Psychology and key skills for higher education, such as critical analysis, research skills and independent thinking. The subject is also suitable for those who wish to pursue a career in mental health or other public services due to its strong real-world application.
Year 12
Paper 1 covers Social Influence, Memory, Attachment and Psychopathology.
Paper 2 covers Approaches in Psychology, Biopsychology and Research Methods.
Year 13
Students study Issues and Debates in Psychology, Relationships, Schizophrenia and Forensic Psychology.
Assessment
Assessment is by three written examinations, each lasting 2 hours. Each paper is worth 33% of the A Level.
Opportunities
Many students who choose Psychology do so with the aim of becoming Chartered Psychologists or Psychiatrists, or of working in mental health settings. Psychology provides a strong foundation for professions involving work in the public sector and is particularly useful in careers such as the police, social work, teaching, human resources and law.
Entrance Requirements
Essential: Grade 5 in English.
Desirable: Grades 5,5 in Combined Science or Grade 5 in Biology and Grade 5 in Maths.