Psychology

AQA : A LEVEL PSYCHOLOGY

INTRODUCTION

Psychology is an increasingly popular subject which provides a link between the social and natural sciences by studying aspects of the human mind and behaviour.

Students follow the AQA Psychology A level course which is taken over two years. The first year of the A level course provides a broad-based introduction to many of the fascinating topics in Psychology. In the second year, the course builds on prior learning and covers a range of new topics in depth for those wishing to further develop their interest and enjoyment in this exciting area of study.

COURSE CONTENT AND ASSESSMENT

Course content A level Year 1

Paper 1 topics: Social influence, Memory, Attachment Paper 2 topics: Approaches in Psychology, Psychopathology, Research methods

Students sit two internal written examinations on Paper 1 and Paper 2 topics, which are 1 hour and 30 minutes in duration. The exams include a mixture of multiple choice, short answer and extended writing questions.

A level Year 2

Paper 1 topics: Social influence, Memory, Attachment, Psychopathology Paper 2 topics: Approaches in Psychology, Biopsychology, Research methods Paper 3 topics: Issues and debates in Psychology, Relationships, Eating behaviour, Aggression

Students sit three written examinations of 2 hours duration on Paper 1, Paper 2 and Paper 3 topics. The exams include a mixture of multiple choice, short answer and extended writing questions. Each exam accounts for 33.3% of the A level grade.

Skills Required

A good standard of written English, suitable discussion skills and an ability to critically analyse and deal with research information logically is essential. This specification places emphasis on scientific concepts and skills and requires competence in areas of mathematics including arithmetic and numerical computation and data handling.

LOOKING FURTHER AHEAD

Last year’s Psychology A level students achieved 54% A*-A, and went on to an exciting range of destinations and courses including three pupils that went on to study Psychology at Bath, Bristol and UCL. Psychology could lead to careers in clinical or educational psychology, counselling, sport, occupational or forensic psychology. Psychology can also help those who want to enter the marketing or business world as critical thinking skills and expressing points of view are developed in this course.