Psychology

AS/A2 Psychology

Why study Psychology?
Quite apart from learning about human and animal behaviour, Psychology is a very useful subject for developing skills. You will learn how to analyse difficult problems, and weigh up the evidence for different theories and also how to communicate and justify your ideas. In addition, you will learn skills relating to organisation and initiative, which are so much in demand in the workplace these days. You will also learn how to research things for yourself from a variety of published sources. These skills will carry over into your other subjects and whatever career you choose.

Entry requirements.
Standard entry requirements.  An ability to think critically and be open to alternative ideas and arguments, along with motivation and hard work would enable a student to get the best from the course. Our students repeatedly tell us that Psychology is one of their hardest subjects – because of its subject matter and the amount of research and study needed to do well, and also because of the emphasis on essays. They also find the subject both stimulating and enjoyable. You probably won’t enjoy or do well in Psychology if you just want to avoid subjects you have found hard or boring at GCSE.

What will I study?
Psychology is often described as the science of mind and behaviour. Psychologists try to explain why we think and act the way we do. Additionally, psychologists conduct research into a surprisingly wide range of behaviour and this is reflected in the course.

AS includes:

  • Human Memory – including the structure of memory, improving memory, and research into eye witness testimony.
  • Developmental – including the development of attachments in childhood and research into the long-term psychological effects of day care.
  • Stress – including research into sources of stress, the body’s response to stress (including illness) and ways of dealing with stress.
  • Psychopathology (abnormality) – including attempts to define, explain and treat abnormality.
  • Social Psychology – including research into how people are influenced by others (obedience and conformity) and how this might be resisted.
  • Research Methods – includes a variety of different methods used by psychologists, including ethical aspects of psychological research.

In A2 you will study a further range of topics including eating behaviour, aggression,  intelligence and learning, schizophrenia, addictive behaviour and research methods.

Assessment
For AS there are two units, both of which are assessed through examinations.

PSYA1 will be examined in January and is worth 50% of the total AS marks (25% of the total A Level).

PSYA2 will be examined in May/June and is worth 50% of the total AS marks (25% of the total A Level).

For A2 there are also two units, both of which are assessed through examinations.

PSYA3 will be examined in January and is worth 25% of the total A Level.

PSYA4 will be examined in June and is worth 25% of the total A Level.

Psychology links well with Biology, Human Biology, Sociology, Health and Social Care and PE. However, it also complements other subjects such as English, Law, Business Studies, Media Studies, Performing Arts.

Career Paths
Psychology is a very helpful subject for many possible careers or courses in Higher Education. Whilst it is clearly relevant for careers/courses in the ‘caring professions’ such as Clinical Psychology or Social Work, it is also relevant to many more such as: Medicine, Computer Science, Scientific and Social Research, Journalism, Advertising and Market Research, Nursing, Criminology, Counselling, Management, Personnel Management, Design Studies, Anthropology, Clinical Psychology, Social Work, Teaching, Pharmacy, Biology. It can also provide a good base from which to study Medicine, Dentistry, Physiotherapy or related courses.

For more in-depth information about the Psychology course click here.