Psychology

Qualification   

AS Level (Level 3)
A Level (Level 3)           

What does the course involve?

The Psychology syllabus provides a stimulating and fascinating mix of subject areas. You will learn to develop skills that are valued by both Higher Education and employers, including critical analysis, independent thinking and research.

AS Level modules include:

• Social Influence, Memory and Attachment
  (Paper 1 - Introductory Topics in Psychology)
  
  
• Approaches in Psychology, Psychopathology, and Research Methods
  (Paper 2 - Psychology in Context)

 A2 modules include all of the AS modules, plus:

• Social Influence, Memory, Attachment, and Psychopathology
  (Paper 1 - Introductory Topics in Psychology)
  
  
• Approaches in Psychology, Biopsychology, and Research Methods
  (Paper 2 - Psychology in Context)
  
  
• Issues and Debates, Schizophrenia, Cognition and Development, and Forensic Psychology
  (Paper 3 - Issues, Debates, and Options 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. AS and A Level students receive five hours of tuition per week.    

Requirements  

You should have GCSEs (or equivalent) in English at grade 5 or above, Mathematics (higher paper) at grade 5 or above, and two other GCSEs at grade 4 or above.

Assessment methods

Psychology is an examination only subject at A Level so there is no coursework element. You will have the chance to practice sitting mock examinations using past papers, throughout the year, to help you prepare for your examinations. There are two examination papers at the end of the AS year and three papers at the end of the A2 year.         

Duration

One year for AS Level
Two years for A Level

The AS and A Level are 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. 
    

Where will it take me? 

Most A Level students go on to Higher Education, often studying Psychology or other social sciences and humanities subjects. Psychology can lead to a career in research (through a Masters or PhD), or as an Educational Psychologist or teacher. Other career choices may include counselling, occupational therapy or social care work.