Psychology
Psychology is the scientific study of the mind and behaviour. It is both an applied and academic field that seeks to understand and explain human behaviour, thought and emotion.
Psychologists seek to answer questions including what makes us remember or forget? Can we treat mental illness? What causes aggression? Why do we conform? Why are we attracted to certain people? Psychology combines science and practice. Throughout the course, you will develop your ability to use scientific research findings to support and challenge various claims about why people behave the way they do.
Entry Requirements
A Level Psychology does not require any prior knowledge of Psychology. However, the requirement to write essays, in which you present arguments for and against an issue, means that you should have a good grasp of the English language.
As Psychology is a science, a GCSE in Science (especially Biology) would be advisable, and you do need to be comfortable with numbers for the Research Methods element of the course. Most important, though, is that you have a genuine curiosity about the way humans think and behave.
General college entry requirements.
What will I Study?
The A Level offers an introduction to six core areas of the discipline: Social Psychology, Cognitive Psychology, Developmental Psychology, Biological Psychology, Psychopathology and Research Methods.
Paper 1: Introductory Topics in Psychology (Social Influence, Memory, Attachment, and Psychopathology).
Paper 2: Psychology in Context (Approaches in Psychology, Research Methods and Biopsychology).
Paper 3: Issues and Options in Psychology (Schizophrenia, Aggression and Relationships).
Which exam board is used and how will I be assessed?
The exam board is AQA.
Click here to access the exam board webpage for this specification.
There will be 3 exam papers at the end of the course.
Each paper is 2 hours long. Each of these exams comprises a number of short questions, essay questions and scenarios to which you are required to apply your knowledge.
Where could this subject take me?
A Psychology degree is a great starting point for a career in both science and the arts, as it equips you with a range of skills and opens up opportunities with many kinds of employers. Successful psychology students are good all-rounders. They tend to be inquisitive and analytical, and are happy tackling both ‘big picture’ issues and fine detail. They typically have good social skills and are comfortable dealing with others.
Careers include: psychologist (forensic, clinical, educational, health, sport, occupational), psychiatrist, counsellor, teacher, police officer or detective, human resources, advertising and marketing.
How can I get ahead in this subject
Popular Psychology books include:
Thinking, Fast and Slow by Daniel Kahneman
Don’t Believe Everything You Think by Joseph Nguyen
The Curious Incident About the Dog in the Nighttime by Mark Haddon
A Clockwork Orange by Anthony Burgess
Interesting websites include:
Psychology Today
BPS Research Digest
Simply Psychology
Places to visit include:
The local Crown Court
Shrewsbury Prison
International Slavery Museum, Liverpool
Good podcasts include:
Popcorn Psychology
Hidden Brain
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