Overview
The A level covers the following aspects of psychology: cognitive, developmental, social and psychopathology. This discipline involves the formulation of theories and testing of hypotheses through a series of observations and experiments; the statistical analysis of important findings and evaluation of data in written reports.
Board: AQA A
During class activities, the role of the psychologist will be examined and original research replicated.
Course Structure
Teaching begins in September ( January for 18 month courses). In the first year, students cover two units:
- Introductory topics in psychology: social influence, memory, attachment
- Psychology in context: approaches in psychology, biopsychology, psychopathology, research methods, scientific processes, data handling and analysis
Students may take the AS exam at the end of the first year of the programme. The second year then builds on this foundation for the completion of the full A level. In the second year, the previous topics are covered in greater depth as well as a third unit:
- Introductory topics in psychology: social influence, memory, attachment, psychopathology
- Psychology in context: approaches in psychology, biopsychology, research methods, scientific processes, data handling and analysis, inferential testing
- Issues and Options in Psychology and Research Methods
Exam Structure
A level Exam Format
| Paper 1 | Paper 2 | Paper 3 |
|---|---|---|
| Introductory topics in psychology 2 hours |
Psychology in context 2 hours |
Issues and options in psychology 2 hours |
Psychology One-Year A level
The board, format and content are the same as the two-year programme, but the course is covered in the space of one year.
Programme Requirements
Students do not need prior knowledge of psychology, but they do need to demonstrate an interest in the subject. In addition, they need a good level of English and mathematics.
Related Further Study and Careers
A level Psychology is well regarded by universities because of its academic rigour. It has a good balance of science and the humanities. As well as preparing students for reading psychology at degree level, it can prepare students for a wide range of other degrees in the sciences or humanities.
