Psychology A Level

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Psychology is the scientific study of human behaviour. On this course you learn about psychological research and theories which aim to explain human behaviours such as obedience, prejudice, aggression and learning.

Although Psychology is a fascinating subject it demands a thorough, logical and rigorous understanding of research methods which can be used to analyse human behaviour.

Many of our students study a combination of Biology, Chemistry, Law, Sociology or Criminology to compliment Psychology. Another essay-based A Level often supports skills in essay writing in Psychology.

Our Psychology Department offers a bespoke enrichment programme called PsychFutures. This programme allows students to access guest speaker workshops from experts and those who have lived experience linked to mental health. Students benefit from trips, support with UCAS statements for undergraduate psychology, revision workshops with A* Alumni, access to the Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) Educational Programme and much more. Students agree this programme supports both their personal and professional development.

A Level Psychology is terminally assessed, at the end of Year 2, through three exam papers.

There is no coursework in A Level Psychology.

Across the three exam papers, approximately 30% of the marks come from short answer questions and 60% of the marks come from essays.

The course is 10% maths.

Paper 1 (35% of A Level): Foundations in Psychology

This paper consists of five topics:

· Social psychology

· Cognitive psychology

· Biological psychology

· Learning theories

· Issues and Debates

Students will also acquire knowledge about the foundations of psychology as well as considering issues and debates in Psychology e.g. the nature/nurture debate, the use of psychological knowledge in society and how theories can be misused as a means of social control.

Paper 2 (35% of A Level): Applications of Psychology

This paper consists of one compulsory module and an option module:

· Clinical psychology (compulsory)

· Health psychology (option module)

In paper 2, students explore biological explanations and non-biological explanations for schizophrenia, unipolar depression and drug addiction. Students learn about the assessment, diagnosis and treatment of mental health disorders. This paper also explores the impact of culture on rates of diagnosis. Students learn about the DSM and the ICD as the two main classification systems for assessing and diagnosing mental health disorders.

Paper 3 (30% of A Level): Psychological Skills

This paper consists of:

· Research methods

· A synoptic review of studies

· Issues and debates

In paper 3, students apply their knowledge about how to conduct psychological research to scenarios. A significant proportion of this paper continues to explore issues and debates, e.g. socially sensitive research, ethical issues in psychological research and how psychology has developed over time.

HOW THE COURSE IS DELIVERED

The course is delivered in the classroom using a variety of teaching methods such as paired work, group work, independent reflection, questioning, essay writing and application to scenarios.

Students have access to all resources via Teams where students can access lesson PowerPoints, revision resources, past papers and course booklets.

Students complete booklets for Directed Independent Learning (DIL) which support students to consolidate their knowledge as well as develop their skills in revising previously learned content. We offer structured support to help students develop their independent study skills.

To support students further, we run lunch time support sessions at specific points in the week

100% Examination

Information on course specific and pathway specific entry criteria can be found on our website.

A Level Psychology is a great A Level to study if considering a career in clinical psychology, forensic psychology, educational psychology, medicine, sports science, mental health nursing, criminology, law, child psychology and many more. A Level Psychology thoroughly prepares students to study the subject at undergraduate level, and beyond. Psychology helps students to develop their skills in communication, critical thinking, data analysis, evaluation, extended writing and academic research which benefit students in higher education and employment. A significant proportion of students go on to study Psychology at undergraduate level.