AQA A Level Psychology
Psychology is the scientific study of the human mind and behaviour: how we think, feel, act and interact individually and in groups. Psychology is concerned with all aspects of behaviour and with the thoughts, feelings and motivations underlying that behaviour. We are all interested in what makes people tick and how this understanding can help solve major problems in society.
Psychology is a science and psychologists study human behaviour by observing, measuring and testing, then arriving at conclusions that are rooted in sound scientific methodology.
The Psychology A Level will equip you with the skills and knowledge to decode human behaviour in everyday life.
What does the course lead to?
The Psychology A Level will open the door for further study at degree level, a range of vocational courses and employment in many different areas. The opportunities in the job market are varied and wide ranging. You could choose to specialise in educational psychology, forensic psychology, sports psychology or counselling. Further study can lead to work in teaching and the skills developed on the course can be transferred to gain employment in healthcare, law and the media.
What will I learn?
Psychology is now classed as a Science and there is a requirement that the course has 10% maths content. The maths content will be of GCSE standard.
| Content overview | |
| Paper 1:
Introductory Topics in Psychology Written exam: 2 hours 96 marks in total 33.3% of A-level |
Social Influence: Why do people conform to what other people and society want and expect?
Memory: Why do we remember and forget things? What does our brain do? Attachment: Who are we attached to and why? What are the different types of attachment? Is attachment the same in animals as humans? Psychopathology: What is abnormality? What are the psychological explanations of phobias, depression and OCD? |
| Paper 2:
Psychology In Context Written exam: 2 hours 96 marks in total 33.3% of A-level |
Approaches in Psychology: What are the main Psychological theories and what do they believe about the brain and human behavior?
Biopsychology: How does the nervous system and the brain affect our behavior? What is the fight or flight response? Research Methods: How do Psychologists carry out their research and analyse their findings. This is the unit where maths can be of importance. |
| Paper 3:
Issues and Options in Psychology Written exam: 2 hours 96 marks in total 33.3% of A-level |
Issues and Debates in Psychology: What are the key themes and debates running through psychology? Do humans have free will or is behaviour biologically determined?
Psychology of Relationships: What affects human attraction? Why do we form and maintain relationships? Why do we end romantic relationships? How has technology changed relationships? Why does celebrity worship occur? Psychology of Schizophrenia: What are the symptoms and explanations for schizophrenia? How are schizophrenic symptoms treated/managed? Forensic Psychology: What are the psychological explanations of offending? What are the best ways to punish offenders and modify behaviour? |
Is Psychology suitable for you?
To study Psychology you are required to get grade 5s in GCSE English and Maths, along with a grade 5 in GCSE Science(s). If you have studied GCSE Psychology then a grade 5 is desirable but each student is considered on an individual basis.