Menu

Psychology

Introduction

Psychology is a social science that offers students the opportunity to investigate the motivations behind the human mind.

The first year of study consists of 6 modules of study. These will cover a range of psychological disciplines and interpretations of human behaviour from a number of different perspectives.
In the second year, students will cover more specific psychological disciplines, building upon their first-year knowledge.

As well as this, students will question human behaviour and psychological methodology through a number of issues and debates- such as whether behaviour is as a result of an individual’s nature or nurture.

A level Psychology

Paper 1: Introductory Topics in Psychology
2 hour written exam, 33.3% of full A-level, 96 marks

Units in this paper will answer questions such as the following:

  • Social influence- how can the world and others around us cause our behaviour to change? What factors has research found has an effect on conformity and obedience? How can we influence changes in society?
  • Memory- key theories behind the functions of the human memory. How is it structured? Why do we forget? What are the implications for the real world such as the use of eyewitness testimony in court?
  • Attachment- what are the mechanisms of attachment between babies and their caregivers? How can we explain why attachment takes place? How can we classify attachment types of infants? What impact do our childhood attachments have on our adult relationships?
  • Psychopathology- how can we define behaviour that is normal or abnormal? How can we diagnose, explain and treat phobias, obsessive compulsive disorder and depression?

Paper 2: Psychology in Context
2 hour written exam, 33.3% of full A-level, 96 marks

  • Approaches in Psychology- how do learning theorists, cognitive, humanist, psychodynamic and biological psychologists interpret the meaning and causes of behaviour differently? When and how did Psychology emerge as a science?
  • Biopsychology- what are the biological structures and processes behind human behaviour? How can our brain grow and recover from damage? How can we study the brain? How does the fight or flight response really work?
  • Research Methods- what is the process behind conducting Psychological research? How can we effectively analyse and handle statistical data? What are the ethical issues concerned with the study of human behaviour?

Paper 3: Issues and Options in Psychology
2 hour written exam, 33.3% of full A-level, 96 marks

  • Issues and debates in Psychology- how does culture or gender bias affect our study and understanding of the brain? Is behaviour caused by nature or nurture? Do we have free will over our behaviour?
  • Relationships- how can we explain why people select certain individuals as their partners? How does physical and psychological attraction work? What influence does social media have on our social and romantic relationships?
  • Schizophrenia- how is schizophrenia classified and diagnosed? How can we treat schizophrenia? How can biology and psychology explain the causes of schizophrenia?
  • Forensic Psychology- how can we use Psychological profiles to help in identifying criminals? How can Psychology and Biology explain criminal behaviour? How can we use Psychology to deal with offending behaviour?

Exam overview

Paper 1: Introductory topics in Psychology
2 hour written exam, 33.3% of full A-level, 96 marks

  • Social Influence
  • Memory
  • Attachment
  • Psychopathology

Paper 2: Psychology in Context
2 hour written exam, 33.3% of full A-level, 96 marks

  • Approaches in Psychology
  • Research methods
  • Biopsychology

Paper 3: Issues and Options in Psychology
2 hour written exam, 33.3% of full A-level, 96 marks

  • Issues and debates
  • Relationships
  • Schizophrenia
  • Forensic Psychology

Careers linked to Psychology

Specific Psychology Careers:

  • Clinical Psychologist
  • Counselling Psychologist
  • Educational Psychologist
  • Forensic Psychologist
  • Occupational Psychologist
  • Psychological wellbeing practitioner
  • Sport and exercise Psychologist

More general careers linked to Psychology:

  • Teacher
  • Advice worker
  • Careers advisor
  • Counsellor
  • Education consultant
  • Human resources
  • Life coach
  • Market researcher
  • Neuroscientist
  • Policy officer
  • Social researcher

 

Psychology careers flow chart:

Support for learning

Career Links

Revision Books:

Digital Textbook Links:

Students will also be added to a Google Classroom page in which resources will be shared with them by the class teacher.