Why Study?
Have you ever wondered if prison really does change criminal behaviour? Or why some people conform? Have you ever considered whether the experiences you had before the age of five really do shape the person you are today? A-level Psychology will give you an understanding of the way people think and why people behave in certain ways. The focus of this subject is not only to support you in getting the best qualification, but will also help you to have a better understanding of yourself and people around you. This knowledge will enrich your communication skills around others and give you a better understanding of the reasons why you and others react in certain situations. In doing this you will be given many opportunities to carry out and analyse your own research to get a greater understanding of human behaviour.
What can I do with it?
You will learn skills including analytical thinking, improved communication, problem solving and many more that will prepare you for the future with the possibility of a range of interesting careers such as counselling, forensic and occupational psychology, nursing, teaching, research, human resources.
Subject combinations
Psychology will combine well with Criminology, English, History and Sociology.
What will I study?
In year 1: Social influence, memory, attachment, approaches in psychology, biopsychology, psychopathology and research methods.
In year 2: Issues and debates in Psychology such as nature v. nurture, and individual topics such as relationships, schizophrenia, and forensic psychology.
At the end of the two-year course there will be three exams, and each account for one-third of the A level. The three exams last 2 hours and are worth 96 marks each. The AQA exam consists of multiple choice, short answer and extended writing questions.
