Course Content
People are fascinating. It’s this fact that makes the study of psychology so appealing. Does the human mind intrigue you? What are the main approaches to psychology? What have psychologists found out about the causes of our behaviour? By getting to know the workings of the mind, you are on the way to understanding why humans behave the way they do. Psychology can answer so many questions, from why we develop differently to the underlying causes of conditions such as stress & depression. You will learn to design experiments using psychological methods, evaluate scientific research, analyse and compare different perspectives and deal with ethical issues. This qualification offers an engaging and effective introduction to Psychology. Students will learn the fundamentals of the subject and develop skills valued by Higher Education (HE) and employers, including critical analysis, independent thinking and research.
This A Level course consists of Units 1, 2 & 3:
Unit 1: Introductory topics in psychology. In this unit you will learn about theories, concepts and research relating to; Social influence, memory, attachment & psychopathology.
Unit 2: Psychology in context. In this unit you will learn about the different Approaches in psychology the different research methods used by psychologists and focus on the study of biopsychology.
Unit 3: Issues and options in Psychology. In this unit you will learn about key debates and issues relevant to psychology, as well as one topic from each of the 3 topic areas below:
One from: Relationships; Gender; Cognition and Development
One from: Schizophrenia, Eating Behaviour; Stress
One from: Aggression; Forensic Psychology; Addiction
Assessment
Each unit is worth 33.3% of your overall A-Level grade and will be examined in a 2 hour exam at the end of the 2 years of study.
Expectations
To be accepted onto the course students need at least a Grade 6 in GCSE Maths and English Language and a Grade 6 in Biology. The course demands good maths and essay writing skills, a willingness to discuss topics and the ability to work and read independently in class and at home.
Examination Board: AQA. Course Number: 7182