Psychology

Psychology

Exam board: AQA
Course code:
7182

https://www.aqa.org.uk/subjects/psychology/a-level/psychology-7182/specification

Entry requirement: Grade 6 in English (Language or Literature), Mathematics and Biology

 

The aim of the A Level Psychology course is to introduce students to the scientific study of the mind and behaviour of humans. Psychologists are interested in objective measurements of cognition and actions, but also recognise the importance of subjective experiences. The course in A Level Psychology will also develop students’ essay writing, analytical, mathematical and scientific skills. The study of Psychology will be enjoyed by thoughtful students who are interested in their own and others’ thought processes and behaviour.

Subject Content

Paper 1: Introductory topics in Psychology

All of the content for this paper is covered in the first year of the A Level course. Students cover four compulsory topics for this paper. For the topic of social influence, students learn to what extent humans will conform with or obey those around them and why this occurs. For the topic of memory, students study models concerning how the human memory system operates and look at several theories of forgetting. In attachment students will consider the strength of bonds between children and parents and how those bonds develop. In clinical and mental health students will cover phobia, depression and OCD in depth.

Paper 2: Psychology in context

Students cover the content for this paper across the two years of the A Level. The first sections of this examination focus on different approaches to the study of the mind and behaviour. Students learn about behaviourism, social learning theory, cognitive psychology, psychoanalytic theory, and humanistic psychology. In biopsychology, and students gain an understanding of neuroanatomy, basic biochemistry underlying behaviour, and behavioural genetics. This paper also includes research methods where they will come to understand basic research methodology and data analysis.

Paper 3: Issues and options in Psychology

Students cover the content for this paper across the two years of the A Level. Students study issues and debates, alongside gender, aggression and schizophrenia. These involve an in-depth analysis of why human beings are aggressive and the possible reasons for this, as well as an understanding of schizophrenia as a disorder, including how we treatment and manage its symptoms. In gender we consider how children learn what it means to be a man or women, and why some individuals are able to show a greater level of flexibility in this understanding.

Course Assessment

A Level Psychology involves three 2-hour examinations at the end of the 2 year course. Each examination contains multiple choice questions, short answer questions, questions on stimulus material, and essay questions which require extended writing.

Higher Education and Careers

Psychology can be useful for a range of careers, including social work, advertising, teaching, counselling, and human resources. A Psychology graduate can also access careers in sports psychology, educational psychology, clinical psychology, forensic psychology, occupational psychology, health psychology and much more.