Psychology GCE A Level

In Psychology you will be encouraged to develop a scientific and critically analytic approach to understanding human and animal behaviour.

You will explore, criticise and evaluate theories and research studies conducted in order to explain behaviour and mental processes. As Psychology applies the scientific method to understanding behaviour you will develop skills relating to research, and undertake some practical investigations. You will, therefore, collect and analyse data; there is a mathematical component to the course.

The approaches to Psychology covered include biological, developmental, social, individual differences and cognitive. Psychology is an extremely interesting and diverse subject, unified by the use of the scientific method which is common to all approaches. Therefore, you will develop skills of discussion, critical analysis, essay writing and an understanding of How Science Works.

Course Assessment

Year 1:

Paper 1: Research Methods

Paper 2: Psychological Themes Through Core Studies

Year 2:

Paper 1: Research Methods

Paper 2: Psychological Themes Through Core Studies

Paper 3: Applied Psychology

This course is linear with examinations at the end of the two year course.

The College gives priority to its 11 partner schools. Places are offered to other applicants on a competitive basis.

All prospective students must achieve a minimum of grade 4 in GCSE English Language and GCSE Mathematics, and a minimum of grade 6 in three GCSE subjects.

All prospective Psychology students must achieve a grade 5 or higher in GCSE Biology or a minimum of grades 55 in GCSE Science AND grade 5 or higher in GCSE Mathematics.

The most popular degree courses for past Psychology students have been: Psychology, Law, Primary Education, Business, Medical-related degrees (eg Medicine, Dentistry, Radiography). As it is an extremely diverse subject, destinations are very varied.