Psychology - A Level
Exam Board: AQA
Psychology is the study of the human mind and behaviour. It is both an applied and academic discipline. It is a subject rooted in scientific evidence and supported by different theoretical approaches. Practicing psychologists are ‘scientist practitioners’ and use their knowledge of the human mind and behaviour to work in a variety of sectors including health, criminal justice, business and education. An A Level in Psychology provides a fascinating insight into how the mind works and what underpins human behaviour. It aims to help students debate and analyse big questions such as ‘Do we have free will or is our behaviour determined?’ and ‘Is our behaviour shaped more by nature or by nature?’
Course Content
The course is linear and runs over two years, with students developing and deepening their skills as time progresses on the course. It relies on cross linking and development of links between units as well as within units.
There are three examined units for Psychology:
Unit 1: Social Influence, Memory, Attachment, Psychopathology (OCD, depression and phobias)
Unit 2: Approaches in Psychology, Biopsychology, Research Methods
Unit 3: Issues and debates in Psychology and one choice from each of option 1, 2, and 3:
- Option 1: Relationships OR Gender OR Cognition
- Option 2: Schizophrenia OR Eating Behaviour OR Stress
- Option 3: Aggression OR Forensic Psychology OR Addiction
Assessment
Students sit examinations in their A Level courses at the end of Year 13. All students will take internal end of year examinations at the end of year 12.
Each of the 3 units is assessed by a 2 hour exam. Exams are a mixture of short and long answer questions.
The course takes two year to complete and all exams are taken in the May/June exam series at the end of year 2.
