Psychology - A Level

You will develop a wide range of transferable skills, including: critical thinking; mathematical skills; problem solving; teamwork; written and verbal communication including presentation and report writing; and interpersonal skills; all of which are highly regarded by universities and employers alike

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Course Content
YEAR 12
Approaches in Psychology In this section you will study the different ways in which Psychologists attempt to explain behaviour.
Research Methods
You will study the methods Psychologists use to investigate behaviour.
Social Influence
You will look at the effect of other people on our behaviour.
Memory
You will study the way our mind stores information, and why we forget things.
Psychopathology
You will consider what it means to be abnormal as well as explanations and treatments for mental disorders.
Attachment
You will discover how and why attachment is so important for our development and the effect it has on our behaviour.
YEAR 13
Issues and Debates in Psychology You will discover the problems and considerations that affect all psychological study.
Research Methods
You will build on your knowledge of psychological investigations learned in year 12.
Aggression
This topic looks at the explanations for aggressive behaviour from a range of approaches and contexts.
Biopsychology
You will discover the effects of our biology on our behaviour,including the nervous and endocrine system, and the structure and function of the brain.
Schizophrenia
You will learn about the symptoms, classification and diagnosis, explanations and treatments for this disorder.
Cognition and Development
You will study the ways in which mental processes e.g. thinking, language, memory and perception change throughout the human life span, with a particular focus on the early years.

Assessment Paper 1: Introductory Topics in Psychology 2h written exam on Social Influence, Memory, Attachment and Psychopathology. 96 marks (33.3% of total A-level) Paper 2: Psychology in Context 2h written exam on Approaches, Biopsychology, Research Methods 96 marks (33.3% of total A-level) Paper 3: Issues and Options in Psychology 2h written exam on Issues and Debates, Aggression, Schizophrenia, Cognition and Development 96 marks (33.3% of total A-level) Extended Learning Visiting speakers from the field of neuroscience Links with Huddersfield University HE+ Extension Activities Independent Research project For further details, see subject booklet as above.

Minimum requirements for admission to the Sixth Form: A grade 5 in Mathematics
A grade 5 in English Language or English Literature
Achieving at least 3 other GCSEs at grade 6 or above. Subject specific requirement*

• May be studied at A level without prior study

Career Opportunities Psychology students can go into a vast array of careers which are both directly and indirectly related to this subject. Typical fields include: Clinical Psychology; Counselling; Educational Psychology; Forensic Psychology; Mental Health Work; Teaching; Health Psychology; Occupational Psychology; Sports Psychology; Policing; Sales and Marketing; Business and Management; Politics; Psychotherapy; Medicine; Healthcare; Dentistry and many more.