A Level Psychology

Psychology is one of the fastest growing university subjects and is becoming increasingly available in schools and colleges. Psychology seeks to explore human behaviour and so touches virtually every aspect of life.

6 Compulsory Units:

1. Social Influence

2. Memory

3. Attachment

4. Psychopathology

5. Approaches in Psychology

6. Research Methods

5 Additional Units:

7. Biopsychology

8. Issues and Debates in Psychology

9. Relationships

10. Schizophrenia

11. Aggression

The topics are assessed by 3 x 2 hour exams:

Paper 1 (Units 1-4) 33% of grade
Paper 2 (Units 5-7) 33% of grade
Paper 3 (Units 8-11) 33% of grade

All are a mixture of multiple choice, short answer questions and extended writing.

The minimum requirement is 7 GCSE or equivalent passes at grades 9-4 in an appropriate range of subjects, including Maths at Grade 5 or above and English Language at grade 4 or above.

The college will accept one BTEC at Merit level as one GCSE equivalent.

Subject specific:
For Psychology we would normally expect students to have achieved a GCSE grade 5 or above in Maths.

You could take this course to complement other advanced level courses such as a Science, Sociology, Criminology or Health & Social Care.

A-level Psychology can lead into higher education to study Psychology specifically or more general higher education courses. With further training, you could go into employment related to psychology such as a Counsellor, Nurse or Psychologist. You could also go straight into employment, as the A-level is a recognised qualification that will help you develop the skills, understanding and knowledge that many employers across lots of industries are looking for.