This course provides a broad introduction to the scope and nature of psychology as a science. Through the study of psychological theories, concepts and research, you will gain an appreciation of the principles and perspectives governing psychology. This will enable you to develop the ability to identify ethical concerns. You will learn how to apply psychology to cultural, social and contemporary issues and use a range of research methods. Psychology is not just academic knowledge; it is meant to be applied to human behaviour in order that we understand each other better.

Psychology can be successfully combined with most other subjects.

Factsheet

Who is This Course For?

This course is suitable for school leavers as well as those returning to study after a break. If you are interested in what makes people tick then this is the course for you. The main requirement is that you have an interest in the subject and are prepared to commit yourself to regularly completing set tasks both inside and outside college.

Entry Requirements

You should have a minimum of 5 appropriate GCSEs at grades A*-C, including English Language at grade B or higher. If you have a grade C in English you will be asked to sit an entrance test to confirm you are suitable for the course. A GCSE in your home or first language, other than English, cannot be counted as one of the 5 qualifying GCSEs.

About the course

The A Level programme includes weekly group tutorials and regular one-to-one tutorials with your personal tutor. All students will have functional skills sessions or critical thinking sessions.

You will learn by means of class lectures, discussions, group and project work, together with a variety of individual work. Videos, the internet and other computer based activities, together with journals and books, will be used to support the class texts.

AS Units - AQA 1181 (Specification A)

• Unit 1 Some areas of cognitive and developmental psychology plus research methods.
• Unit 2 Biological and social psychology as well as individual differences.

A2 Units - AQA 2181 (Specification A)

• Unit 3 A choice of topics, 3 of which are chosen from the following: relationships, eating behaviour, aggression, gender, cognition and development.
• Unit 4 Psychopathology, psychology in action and more research methods.

Additional Opportunities

You will to participate in class visits to places of interest, such as relevant exhibitions, and attend at least one revision conference each year of the course.

How will I be assessed?

There is no coursework requirement for this course. AS students sit two 90 minute exams consisting of compulsory structured questions. A2 students sit one 90 minute exam consisting of three essay questions, plus one 2 hour exam consisting of 2 essay questions and 1 structured question. Examinations are available in January and June.

Where next?

Most of our A Level students apply to and are offered places at university. Recent students have progressed to degree courses in psychology, social science, nursing and social work.

How to apply?

You cannot apply online for this individual A Level course. To apply, please go to the A Level Humanities Pathway Factsheet and click on Apply Now. You will then be asked to select up to 4 A Level subjects as part of a full-time programme of study. You may be able to change your A Level pathway and subject options when you enrol.