Psychology A-level AQA
Course Entry Requirements: GCSE English Language at grade 5, GCSE Mathematics at grade 4, GCSE Science at grade 5. Grade 4 considered alongside other GCSE grades
OVERVIEW OF COURSE:
Psychology is the scientific study of human mind and behaviour. This A-level course will introduce you to the major theoretical perspectives currently used in Psychology, and further develop your understanding of why animals and humans behave the way they do.
COURSE DETAILS AND ASSESSMENT INFORMATION:
In the AS level there are six key topics you will study, these are: Social Influence, Memory, Attachment, Approaches in Psychology (inc. Biopsychology), Psychopathology and Research Methods. If students continue to the A-level, they will also study: Issues and Debates in Psychology, Cognitive Development, Forensic Psychology and Schizophrenia.
Whether students complete the AS or the A-level, Psychology is 100% examination. At AS level, the two examination papers are introductory topics in Psychology and Psychology in Context. Each paper is 90 minutes and is worth 50% of the AS level. The A-level consists of three examination papers. Each are 2 hours long, they are named Introductory Topics in Psychology, Psychology in Context and Issues and Options in Psychology. Each A-level Examination paper is worth 33.3% of the A-level.
The AS Level papers are sat by students after completing year 1. If students are successful they will then sit the A-level papers at the end of year 2.
WHERE CAN THIS COURSE TAKE ME?
Psychology A-level can lead to many different career paths. Students in the past have secured places on courses are varied as Children’s Nursing, Social Work, Neuroscience, Criminology, Applied Psychology, Occupational Therapy and Physiotherapy. Psychology is a useful subject due to the need to understand how to work with people.
I CAN FIND OUT MORE INFORMATION BY
You can find out just what types of careers are available in Psychology by accessing the British Psychological Society’s careers website available on:
- https://www.bps.org.uk/public/become-psychologist/career-options-psychology
- https://www.bps.org.uk/public
You could also read the AQA specification in full at the following address: