Psychology.
If you are fascinated by what makes us who we are and curious about why people think, feel and behave as they do, A Level Psychology could be the subject for you.
Course overview
A Level Psychology
If you are fascinated by what makes us who we are and curious about why people think, feel and behave as they do, A Level Psychology could be the subject for you.
Psychology is the scientific study of human behaviour and experience. It explores questions such as: How are memories formed? Why do we conform to others? How do early relationships influence us? What causes mental health difficulties? How does the brain influence behaviour?
Throughout the course, you will explore psychological theories, research studies and explanations, while developing skills in analysis, evaluation and critical thinking.
What will I study?
This is a two-year A-level course, following the AQA Psychology specification.
Social Influence – Explore conformity, obedience and group behaviour.
Memory – Explore how memories are formed, stored and retrieved.
Attachment – Explore early relationships and theories of attachment.
Clinical Psychology and Mental Health – Explore mental health conditions and their treatments.
Approaches in Psychology – Explore biological, cognitive, learning and psychodynamic approaches.
Biopsychology – Explore how the brain, nervous system, hormones and genetics influence behaviour.
Research Methods – Explore how psychologists conduct, analyse and evaluate research.
Issues and Debates in Psychology – Explore key debates including nature–nurture, free will and determinism.
Gender – Explore biological, psychological and social explanations of gender.
Schizophrenia – Explore the causes, symptoms and treatments of schizophrenia.
Forensic Psychology – Explore explanations of offending behaviour and offender profiling.
How will I be assessed?
A-level Psychology is 100% examination based, with three two-hour examinations at the end of the course. Each paper is worth 96 marks and contributes 33.3% of the A-level.
Paper 1: Introductory Topics in Psychology: Social Influence, Memory, Attachment, and Clinical Psychology and Mental Health.
Paper 2: Psychology in Context: Approaches in Psychology, Biopsychology, and Research Methods.
Paper 3: Issues and Options in Psychology: Issues and Debates in Psychology, Gender, Schizophrenia, and Forensic Psychology.
Examinations include multiple-choice, short-answer and extended written questions. Students will need to apply psychological knowledge, analyse research and evaluate theories and evidence.
What skills will I develop?
What you'll explore
Discover the knowledge and skills you'll develop throughout this course.
- Psychological research methods
- Social influence and memory
- Psychopathology and relationships
- Biopsychology and approaches to psychology
Entry requirements
- Grade 5 in GCSE Science, particularly Biology.
- Grade 5 in GCSE Mathematics.
- Grade 5 in GCSE English Language.
How you'll be assessed
Explore examination papers, coursework and practical assessments.
Assessment breakdown
Where could Psychology take you?
Explore further study, career opportunities and the skills this subject can develop.
- Clinical
- occupational
- educational
- forensic
- sport psychology. Teaching
- Healthcare
- Research
- Counselling
Additional course information
A-level Psychology develops a range of valuable academic and transferable skills, including:
Critical thinking and evaluation
Analysis of research and evidence
Research and data-handling skills
Mathematical and statistical skills
Clear, structured written communication
Applying knowledge to unfamiliar situations
Research Methods is an important part of the course, with approximately 25–30% of the assessment assessing research methods.
Is Psychology right for me?
Psychology is a good choice if you:
are curious about people and human behaviour;
enjoy exploring different explanations and perspectives;
are interested in both science and essay-based subjects;
enjoy analysing evidence and forming well-supported arguments;
are prepared to learn and apply a significant amount of subject knowledge.
Psychology combines elements of science, social science and essay-based study, making it a versatile A-level choice.
Progression and careers
Psychology combines well with subjects such as Biology, English, Mathematics, Sociology, Religious Studies, Philosophy and Ethics.
It provides a strong foundation for further study in Psychology, Neuroscience, Education, Criminology, Sociology, Health Sciences and related subjects.
Psychology can lead to a wide range of careers, including clinical, occupational, educational, forensic and sport psychology, teaching, healthcare, research, counselling and human resources. Many psychology careers require further study and professional training beyond A level.
Psychology encourages you to question, analyse and evaluate evidence while developing a deeper understanding of the fascinating complexity of human behaviour.
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