Psychology

Here’s what our students have to say…

“I’ve found the course mind-blowing; it’s so interesting as the lessons are so varied. There are a lot of group discussions and the debating aspect is great because it really gets you involved. We discuss topical issues in the context of which is the best psychological approach to take and apply it to relevant topics, e.g. debates about the EU referendum.” Tom Green.

Qualification Level

GCSE (Level 2).

AS Level (Level 3).

A Level (Level 3).

Duration of programme

1 year for GCSE

1 year for AS Level

2 years for A Level

The AS and A Level will be separate qualifications but are taught alongside each other for the first year. This gives AS students the opportunity to switch to the full A Level if they are ready

Entry Requirements

• For GCSE a grade D (grade 3) in English is preferable, together with an internal assessment that shows that you are working at the appropriate level.
• For AS and A Level English Literature, 5 GCSEs (or equivalent) at grade C (grade 4) or above are normally required; these should include Maths and English Language. There will also be an internal assessment to ensure that you are working at the appropriate level.

However, your individual circumstances can be discussed at your Pre-Entry Assessment.

Course Information

All levels provide a stimulating and fascinating mix of subject areas.

GCSE

• There is one unit for the short course and two units for the full course. The short course (Unit 1) can be studied over one year and be used as an entry for AS Psychology.
• Unit 1: ‘Making sense of other people’ which includes memory, body language, personality, discrimination and research methods in common on both GCSE courses.
• Unit 2: ‘Understanding other people’ includes the psychology of aggression, conformity, how people and animals learn and ethical considerations

AS Level modules include;

• Approaches in psychology
• Social influence
• Memory
• Attachment
• Abnormal psychology
• Biopsychology
• Research methods

A2 module include all of the AS modules plus;

• Schizophrenia
• Relationships
• Forensic psychology
• Issues & debates in psychology

Teaching Methods

Students are taught in small groups; there is a mixture of discussion and written work, plus some active research in Psychology. Students undertake lesson preparation tasks as well as formal essay ‘homework’ and exam practice.

GCSEs students are taught for 4 hours per week; AS and A Level students receive 5 hours of tuition per week.

Assessment Methods

Psychology is an exam only subject at both GCSE and A Level so there is no coursework element.

You will have the chance to practice sitting mock exams using past papers, throughout the year, to help you prepare for your exams.

There are 2 exam papers at the end of the AS year and 3 papers at the end of the A2 year.

Progression Opportunities

Many GCSE students go on to A Levels or Level 3 vocational courses.

Most A Level students go on to Higher Education, often studying Psychology or other social sciences/humanities.