Psychology

Course Type: A Level

Psychology is the scientific study of the mind and behaviour.

This fascinating and highly rewarding subject spans many disciplines, including social, developmental, cognitive, behavioural, abnormal, biological, forensic and more, all of which are covered during the two-year A level pathway. Research Methods is the underpinning foundation of this course, so questions testing mathematical and scientific skills are embedded across all papers and account for up to 30% of your grade

The Assessment

Paper 1

Social Influence

Memory

Attachment

Psychopathology

Paper 2

Approaches

Biopsychology

Research

Methods

Paper 3

Issues & Debates

Relationships*

Schizophrenia*

Forensics*

*subject to change based on popularity

Year 12 examinations

Students sit Papers 1 and 2, each 1.5 hour and worth 72 marks in June

Year 13 examinations

Students sit Papers 1, 2 and 3, each 2 hours and worth 96 marks in November & March

The exams consist of multiple choice, short answer and extended writing questions

Skills / Employability

A-level Psychology is such a versatile subject to study and is in high demand in the workplace

Over the duration of your course, you will gain the following transferable skills:

  • Analysis & evaluation
  • Research
  • Critical thinking
  • Team building

Where could it take you?

Psychology opens the door to multiple career paths, a handful of which are:

  • Counselling
  • Mental health nursing
  • Neuroscience
  • Business & marketing
  • Law enforcement
  • Forensic investigation
  • Teaching
  • Research/academia
  • Sport Psychology

Course Requirements

To enter the course, students must gain a minimum:

  • Grade 5 in English
  • Grade 5 in Maths
  • Grade 5 in Science

Psychology is an academic and scientific subject that requires well-rounded students who are strong in essay writing skills, critical thinking, and mathematical ability (which is crucial to excel at the Research Methods component)

Additional Information

Students who study Psychology often also study:

  • Sociology
  • Criminology
  • Biology
  • English Literature
  • Maths