A Level Psychology

Psychology is the scientific study of the mind, but how do we study something so physical, so personal, so complicated?

“I only saw Psychology for 10 minutes at Open Evening. If I knew what I was getting into… I would of joined it sooner!” – Student.

Psychology is the scientific study of the mind, but how do we study something so physical, so personal, so complicated? Psychologists use behaviour as a clue to the workings of the mind. Since the opening of the first experimental Psychology lab in 1879 an enormous amount has been learnt about the relationship between the brain, mind and behaviour. Although Psychology is often associated with the treatment of mental disorders, this is just part of the course. Students will develop essential knowledge and understanding of concepts, theories and studies in relation to different areas of the subject studied and how they relate to each other.

 

Course Content

The Psychology A level course is challenging but as Psychologist Theodore Rubin said ‘Happiness does not come from doing easy work but from the afterglow of satisfaction that comes after the achievement of a difficult task’. Psychology students develop an appreciation of issues and debates as relevant to each topic studied, for example, issues of bias, including gender and culture, the role of animals in research, ethical issues, the nature/nurture debate, free will and determinism and reductionism.

Areas covered in the two year A Level specification include:
Cognitive Psychology; Developmental Psychology; Social Psychology; Psychopathology; Research Methods; Schizophrenia;  Biopsychology; Cognition and Development and Aggression.

Exam Code: AQA 7182

 

Where the course leads

Studying Psychology can give you a whole host of exciting career options, including: Marketing, Clinical Psychology, Occupational Psychology, Nursing, Forensic Psychology and Teaching. For further information about possible careers see the British Psychological Society website www.bps.org.uk.

 

Entry Requirements

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Course Contact

Mrs R Dell

Psychology Teacher