Why study A level psychology?
Psychology is the scientific study of the mind and behaviour. A subject which we can all relate to from our own experiences. The course examines research attempting to address broad issues such as how we can improve our memory, bring about social change and treat phobias. A topic-based approach to the subject is adopted enabling students to develop knowledge and understanding of the core areas in psychology.
The emphasis is on scientific analysis involving interpretation and evaluation of data using statistics. Students will have the opportunity to take part in a variety of classroom experiments gaining first-hand experience of research.
Level: A level
Board: AQA
Head of department:
Mr A Maclaughlin
Entry requirement: Grade 6 GCSE maths; five grade 5s at GCSE including English
How is A level psychology delivered?
| Year | Topics covered |
| 12 | Social influence; memeory; attachment; psychopathology; approaches in psychology; biopsychology (introduction); research methods |
| 13 | Issues and debates in psychology; biopsychology (advanced); research methods |
| Optional topic examples: | |
| Relationships; schizophrenia; forensic psychology |
How is A level psychology assessed?
| Component | Content | Assessment |
| Paper 1: Introductory topics in psychology | Social influence, memory, attachment, psychopathology | 2-hour written exam |
| Paper 2: Psychology in context | Approaches in psychology, biopsychology, research methods | 2-hour written exam |
| Paper 3: Issues and options in psychology | Issues and debates in psychology, plus three optional topics (e.g. schizophrenia, forensic psychology, relationships) | 2-hour written exam |
