A Level Psycology

What does this qualification cover?

By studying A Level Psychology you can begin to understand why humans feel, think and behave the way that they do. Through the work psychologists do we have gained a greater understanding of how the mind functions. Because of this, we’re able to identify and build awareness around mental disorders.

By better understanding disorders, such as obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), we can help people overcome the challenges they bring. Psychology can help explain why people react differently in the same scenario. As well as explains why certain people are more prone to developing mental disorders.

The insight you’ll gain from your A Level Psychology can help you better understand the people around you. As a result, this will make you more compassionate and give you real-life skills to apply in everyday situations.

Throughout your studies you’ll explore many aspects of psychology such as social, cognitive and developmental Psychology. This allows you to gauge what part of psychology interests you most should you wish to carry on your studies. Social psychology analyses social groups and how they’re structured. It focuses on exploring social norms and what that means for the individual’s perception of normality.

Cognitive psychology studies how the brain influences our perception and interprets our surroundings. Developmental psychology covers psychological changes that occur through key developmental stages.

You will build upon this knowledge with modules on psychopathology and biopsychology. This helps us to understand the causes behind mental disorders and what effect biological factors can have on the mind.

What’s included?

Students will be able to:

Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of psychological concepts, theories, research studies, research methods and ethical issues in relation to the specified Paper 1 and Paper 2 content
Apply psychological knowledge and understanding of the specified Paper 1 and Paper 2 content in a range of contexts
Analyse, interpret and evaluate psychological concepts, theories, research studies and research methods in relation to the specified Paper 1 and Paper 2content
Evaluate therapies and treatments including in terms of their appropriateness and effectiveness.

Students will develop knowledge and understanding of research methods, practical research skills and mathematical skills. These skills will be developed through study of the specification content and through ethical practical research activities, involving:

- Designing research
- Conducting research
- Analysing and interpreting data

Key Features

Interesting and challenging learning experience linking key areas of psychology and the human mind and understanding how they relate to each other.

Developing transferable skills that are useful outside of the course and directly applicable to the world of work including:

Research techniques
Critical thinking
Understanding ethics
Learning basic science

You will also be making and recording observations and researching, referencing and reporting.

Links to workplace

By choosing to study A Level Psychology as part of your programme of study you will gain access to a wide range of potential courses at University related to the health sciences and the medical industry sectors.