Psychology – A Level

Special Entry Requirements

In addition to the A Level entry requirements you will need grade 5 in GCSE Maths and grade 5 in GCSE English Language

Subject Intent

The study of Psychology allows students to explore key areas in the history and development of psychology and offers different perspectives into the explanations of the human mind and behaviour. Studying Psychology will help you develop an insight into the methodological strengths and weaknesses of research, and critical analysis of theories, which are useful life skills which can be transferred into the workplace. The knowledge gained will help students to develop into well- grounded adults, with an understanding of the causes of mental health issues, how to be responsible parents, when to conform and obey others, and what triggers aggression. Studying Psychology will also help students gain compassion and empathy for others as well as developing personal autonomy through the teaching of academic resilience and independent learning skills. Studying Psychology can lead to a variety of careers including psychiatrist, counsellor, working with the criminal justice system and academia.

Course Introduction

Psychology is the scientific study of the mind and behaviour; including how people think and interact with others. You will study many aspects of behaviour including memory, obedience, mental illness, crime and clinical psychology. We offer EDEXCEL Psychology at S6F. You are not expected to have studied psychology before, just to have an interest in how the mind works and why people behave in the ways that they do.

Preparing for A Level Psychology

We have created a transition pack to show you the kind of work that you will be doing at level 3 and to help you prepare for September.

Psychology transition pack

Example of student work - this is Anya's project that she created as part of her A Level Psychology work

Why is it so hard to study?

If you have any questions about the course, please email admissions@s6f.org.uk

Course Modules

Social and Cognitive Psychology
You will learn social and cognitive approaches to psychology through learning about key studies, theories, and research methods within the topics. Social Psychology covers topics of obedience and prejudice. Cognitive Psychology covers the topics of memory. Within this module you are required to conduct two pieces of psychological research that relate to Social and Cognitive psychology.

Biological Psychology and Learning Theories
This unit is designed to introduce you to two approaches in psychology: the Biological Approach and the Learning Approach. The unit aims to develop understanding of how behaviour is learnt, how our biology affects the way we behave and issues of individuality in human behaviour. Within this module you are required to conduct two pieces of psychological research.

Applications of Psychology
The aim of this unit is to enable you to study how psychology can be applied to the real world. Each unit is related to a vocational context in which a psychology graduate may operate. The two units that you will study are Criminological Psychology (understanding why crime is committed, how to treat criminals and the reliability of eye witness testimonies) and Clinical Psychology (how different approaches in psychology can explain and treat mental illness). There is a focus on detailed understanding, application and evaluation of theories, as well as assessment.

Psychological Skills
This unit focuses on issues and debates within psychology (for example the nature nurture debate) and methods of conducting research. In this synoptic unit you will also be asked to draw upon other areas of the course to understand the issues and debates. You will develop an understanding of how to use theories and evidence and apply them to real life events.

You will also learn how to statistically analyse data and draw conclusions from the findings.