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Psychology AS/A2 Level (Specification A) Examination Board: AQA Aims of Course Psychology is the scientific study of mind and behaviour. The aims of this course are to develop knowledge and understanding of psychological theories and research studies and to develop skills of analysis and evaluation. There is an emphasis on developing skills in Research Methods throughout the course.
Programme of Study at AS and A2 Level GCE Psychology comprises 4 Units: AS PSYCHOLOGY
A2 PSYCHOLOGY
PSYA1 1 Cognitive Psychology – Memory 1 Developmental Psychology – Attachment 1 Research Methods and Ethical Issues
PSYA3 1 Biological Rhythms and Sleep 1 Social Relationships 1 Intelligence
PSYA2 1 Biological Psychology – Stress 1 Social Psychology – Conformity, Obedience 1 Individual Differences – Abnormality
PSYA4 1 Psychopathology – Schizophrenia 1 Psychology in Action – Media Psychology 1 Research Methods
AS Level: AS Psychology Specification A comprises two units. Unit 1 focuses on the topics of Cognitive Psychology, Developmental Psychology, and Research Methods. Unit 2 focuses on Biological Psychology, Social Psychology, and Abnormality. A2 Level: At A2, the specification brings together explanations from different psychological approaches and engages students in issues and debates in Psychology. Unit 3 covers Topics in Psychology – Biological Rhythms and Sleep, Social Relationships, and Intelligence and Learning. Unit 4 covers Schizophrenia, Media Psychology, and Research Methods.
Approaches to learning The specification will be delivered in a variety of ways including teacher-led methods using PowerPoint presentations and group work. Students will have the opportunity to conduct and participate in practical investigations throughout the course, thereby developing depth of understanding for the scientific procedure and associated ethical issues. It is expected that students will conduct wider reading to develop breadth of knowledge about this subject.
Who is this course aimed at? This course is aimed at students who wish to understand the way that people think and behave, and who enjoy the rigour of science subjects. Psychology A Level combines well with many other subjects especially Biology, English Language, and Religious Studies. Students may progress onto higher education to study Psychology or related degrees. An A Level in Psychology will also provide entry to numerous other HE courses or employment.
Minimum entry requirement is grade B in Mathematics / Science at GCSE and grade B in English Language at GCSE. E N H A N C E D B Y S P E C I A L I S T T E C H N O L O G Y, M A T H S A N D C O M P U T I N G S T A T U S