AS/A2 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.

What are the entry requirements?

We don’t have a particular GCSE requirement beyond the College’s standard entry requirements. However, you will need to be able to think critically and be open to alternative ideas and arguments. But without any doubt the real key to success is your motivation and hard work. Our students repeatedly tell us that Psychology is one of their hardest subjects – because of its subject matter and the amount of scientific understanding, research and study needed to do well, and also because of the emphasis on essays. However, students also tell us that studying Psychology is stimulating and enjoyable. If you are thinking about Psychology, please bear these points in mind before committing yourself. You probably won’t enjoy or do well in Psychology if you just want to ‘escape’ from other subjects you’ve found hard or boring, or if you have unrealistic expectations.

What will I study?

We follow the AQA ‘A’ specification.

Psychology is often described as the science of mind and behaviour which is why it is classed as a science subject. Psychologists try to explain why we think and act the way we do. Additionally, psychologists conduct research into a surprisingly wide range of human (and animal) behaviour and this is reflected in the course.

The information below gives an indication of what you will cover.

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 aggression, eating behaviour, intelligence and learning, schizophrenia, psychology in action and research methods.

How will I be assessed?

Both AS and A2 will be assessed through examinations.

For AS there are two units:

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:

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

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

Does Psychology link particularly well with other subjects?

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

Where might Psychology lead me?

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. A Psychology background is very helpful for those wishing to enter the teaching profession but note that it is not a National Curriculum subject – most teachers will require another subject.

Several of our students have gone on to study Medicine, Dentistry, Physiotherapy or related courses. Psychology can be studied in Higher Education in combination with many other subjects.