Psychology

• Course Overview
• Assessment & Examination
• Resources
• Prior Knowledge
• Beyond The Course
• Entry Requirements

Course Overview

As a student on this course, you will explore a variety of topics in order to better understand human behaviour. In year one, you will study the topics of Social Influence, Memory, Attachment, Psychopathology, Biopsychology, Approaches, Research Methods and Issues and Debates. In year two, you will study the topics of Aggression, Relationships and Eating Behaviour. You will also be tested on your mathematical skills throughout all topics.

This qualification offers an engaging and effective introduction to psychology. You will learn the fundamentals of the subject and develop skills valued in Higher Education and by employers, including critical analysis, independent thinking and research. You will also develop scientific and mathematical skills which are transferable to other subjects and careers.

Assessment & Examination

You will sit three 2 hour examinations at the end of the course, each being worth 96 marks, and comprising 33% of the A Level.

Paper 1 - Introductory topics in Psychology - This paper has four sections, each worth 24 marks. Each section includes a range of multiple choice questions, short answer questions and extended writing questions.

Paper 2 - Psychology in Context - This paper has three sections, each including a range of multiple choice questions, short answer questions and extended writing questions. Sections A and B are worth 24 marks each and section C is worth 48 marks.

Paper 3 - Issues and Options in Psychology - This paper has four sections, each worth 24 marks. Each section includes a range of multiple choice questions, short answer questions and extended writing questions.

Resources

You will only need basic stationery and a non-scientific calculator. However, there are a number of academic text books which are recommended reading, and we would encourage you to purchase copies.

Prior Knowledge

There is no expectation that you have any prior knowledge of Psychology, but you should have an inquiring mind and a genuine interest in understanding why people behave in the way that they do.

Beyond The Course

The Psychology course develops skills that can be applied to many different subjects and careers. Many universities now view Psychology as a science, and it is a well-respected academic subject. Examples of careers which benefit from having a Psychology qualification include counselling, criminal/forensic psychology, educational psychology, clinical psychology, management roles, human resources, art therapy, sports psychology and neurology.

Entry Requirements

GCSE Level 6 in Science.

Entry to Sixth Form also requires:

• GCSE Level 5 in English Language or English Literature;
• GCSE Level 5 in Maths;
• Four other GCSEs at Level 5, in addition to English and Maths.