Course Code:
AQA Psychology A Level - 7182
Typical Entry Requirements:
6 in Biology, 6 in English Language and a 5 in Maths
Career Possibilities:
The course will provide you with a solid foundation into the key topic areas as well as a range of skills that will be relevant to many different careers. A few possible careers include: Counsellor, Teaching, Police, Social Work, Health Care and Management. Since Psychology is a science, other science subjects, especially Biology, will combine well with the subject. The subject also involves extended writing and so any other subject that is assessed through essay writing will help to develop this skill.
The Programme:
Psychology is the scientific study of the mind and behaviour. The course covers key topics in psychology including: social influence, memory, attachment, abnormality, relationships, schizophrenia and forensic psychology. In addition, you will learn about the different approaches and methods used by psychologists to conduct their research, such as experiments, observations, questionnaires, interviews and case studies.
The full course is two years, at the end of which there will be three written exams, consisting of multiple choice, short question and extended writing questions. The maximum number of marks awarded to any one question is 16, which constitutes an essay in psychology.
Paper 1: Introductory Topics in Psychology
Paper 2: Psychology in Context
Paper 3: Issues and Options in Psychology
It is important to note that 25% of the course is mathematical. Additionally, since it is purely examination based, a willingness to write essays is essential. In lessons, students are required to work in groups, discuss psychological theories and share their ideas. There is also the expectation that students engage in independent reading and practical research.
Why Study This Subject?:
Psychology is all around you and touches on every aspect of your life! Who you are now, how you will be in the future, how you interact with family, friends and strangers; these are all things that psychology can help you better understand. Whatever career you pursue, a background in psychology will enhance your employability. Studying psychology can help you understand yourself and other people by learning about aspects of human behaviour that will help you in daily life, including your learning and memory performance, your ability to cope with pressure and your understanding of the causes of psychological disorders. From intriguing optical illusions that reveal the inner workings of the brain to shocking experiments that expose how far people will go to obey an authority figure, there is always something amazing and even astonishing to learn about the human mind and behaviour.
AS/A LEVEL COURSES
BTEC & LEVEL 3 COURSES
CAMBRIDGE TECHNICALS
LEVEL 3 COURSES
