Psychology - A Level

Paper 1: Develops a knowledge and understanding of the process of planning, conducting, analysing and reporting psychological research across a range of experimental and non-experimental methodologies and techniques. Students will conduct their own practical work showing a range of different research methods and techniques. Students will they develop vital investigative skills and an appreciation of the principles of empirical scientific enquiry.

Paper 2: The selection of classic and contemporary studies enables students to appreciate how psychological knowledge and understanding develop over time and enables students to place research in its historical context. The contemporary studies are more ‘up-to-date’ pieces of research that engage in some way with the issues being explored in the classic studies they are paired. Students will learn four studies in five areas (social, cognitive, developmental, biological, individual differences) By the end of the component, students will have built up a varied knowledge of exemplar studies, a sound understanding of key themes and areas, and strong critical evaluation skills.

Paper 3: Component 3 introduces a new and engaging compulsory section on issues in mental health and an exciting range of options as students discover how psychology is used in the applied areas of Child psychology & Criminal psychology Through this component, students explore applications of psychology and gain an insight into how theory can be applied to real-world situations. The assessment provides the opportunity for students to demonstrate their learning through extended writing.

Through paper 2 and 3, issues and debates run through the content: Nature/nurture, Freewill/determinism, Reductionism/holism, Individual/situational explanations, Usefulness of research, Ethical considerations, Conducting socially sensitive research, Psychology as a science

This course is 100% exam based. Students will complete three two hour exams at the end of the second year.

The course has three examined Units:

Paper 1: Research Methods (90 marks)

Paper 2: Psychological Themes through core studies (105 marks)

Paper 3: Applied Psychology (105 marks)

Students must have a good writing ability and a Grade 5 in English Language and Maths is recommended.

The syllabus provides an excellent foundation for specialist study in Psychology, but also counts as a science subject for other degree courses requiring a science. A Level Psychology will provide you with the skills required of an undergraduate - an inquiring mind and the ability to use scientific research findings to support and challenge various claims about why people behave the way that they do. Studying Psychology at university can give you a whole host of exciting career options and is useful for any job that requires lots of interaction or an understanding of human behaviour and development. People with skills in psychology are sought after in Business Management: Marketing, Human Resources, Education; Teaching, Lecturing, Research, Social Work, careers in Medicine and Healthcare; Nursing, Sports, Research, Law, Forensic psychology and occupational psychology.