Psychology
Course Details
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Exam Board and specification code: AQA 7182 |
Course Co-ordinator: Mrs Carlin |
Video Introduction:
What is this course about?
Psychology is the study of human behaviour and uses scientific methods to observe, analyse and explain differences and patterns in our behaviour. It is a scientific subject and as such requires you to have scientific skills as well as good mathematical skills in order to be able to analyse data and carry out statistical calculations. In Psychology A-Level you will study topics such as Memory (which involves evaluating different explanations of how our memory works and how accurate memory actually is), Attachment (looking at how and why children form bonds with their caregivers as well as what happens to children who don’t form attachments) and Social Influence (considering how easily influenced we are by others and how our behaviour is shaped by the desire to be obedient and conform).
The skills you will be encouraged to develop through studying Psychology include critical thinking, evaluation and independent learning. You will also have a lot of practice at developing your essay writing skills. The Psychology course is entirely exam-based and you will have to write a lot of essays! In class we will do a variety of different activities to cater to different learning styles. Sometimes you will be working individually, sometimes in pairs and sometimes in groups. You may be required to do presentations and teach information you have learnt to other members of the class.
Course Content
Unit 1: Introductory topics in Psychology; Social Influence, Memory, Attachment, Psychopathology
2 hour written exam (96 marks)
33.3% of A-Level
(Including multiple choice, short answer and extended writing questions)
Unit 2: Psychology in Context; Approaches in Psychology, Bio-psychology, Research Methods
2 hour written exam (96 marks)
33.3% of A-Level
(Including multiple choice, short answer and extended writing questions)
Unit 3: Issues and Options in Psychology; Issues and Debates in Psychology, Relationships, Stress and Forensic Psychology
2 hour written exam (96 marks)
33.3% of A-Level
(Including multiple choice, short answer and extended writing questions)
What might this course lead on to?
Psychology is an extremely popular undergraduate degree choice and A Level Psychology will provide you with a good grounding for this as well as a wide variety of other degree choices. Popular career choices for people with qualifications in Psychology include; teaching, social work, psychology, counselling, the police force and many others.
Entry Requirements:
Grade 5 in English GCSE and Grade 5 in Maths GCSE.
