Psychology
A-level
One-year AS/two-year A-level
What is the role of the unconscious mind? How does early childhood determine later adult personality? Psychology is the science of mind and behaviour. You will consider the role of psychology and its various applications within society and you will discover how people behave in groups and as individuals. Debates will include whether humans are a product of nature or nurture.
Required qualifications
Five or more A*-C grades at GCSE including English language. You will also need to have strong numerical skills.
What will I study?
The course will focus on:
- social psychology – including prejudice and why people are obedient
- psychodynamic psychology – the theories of Sigmund Freud
- behavioural psychology – how we learn to behave as we do
- biological psychology – how the brain, genetics and hormones control our behaviour
- criminological psychology, child psychology and clinical psychology
- cognitive psychology – why do humans remember/forget things?
On the course you will:
- appreciate the link between psychology and science
- design, conduct and carry out practical research
- use statistics to test the significance of your results
- take part in group and individual activities
- build upon your analytical and evaluative skills
- enhance your written and numerical skills.
Method of assessment
You will be assessed by two written examinations each year. There is no coursework involved in this subject.
What will I be able to progress to?
You will be able to study related subjects such as clinical psychology, occupational psychology, educational psychology, criminology and organisational psychology at university. However, it is also relevant for many paths including public relations, human resources, counselling, policing, prison service, teaching, marketing and nursing.
More
Luthfa Begum (ex-Sarah Bonnell School) studied this subject as one of her A-levels and achieved a grade A. She is now studying law at the School of Oriental and African Studies.