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Psychology

Title & Level: AS/A Level Psychology (Level 3)

Introduction
Psychology is the scientific study of behaviour and experience. It is concerned with what people do and how people think and feel. This course covers theories and research relating to various aspects of behaviour including cognitive psychology, developmental psychology, physiological psychology, individual differences, social psychology, bio-psychology, atypical development, abnormal behaviour and more. This course is exam-based only.

Entry requirements
Standard entry requirements for A Levels apply. You need GCSEs in English (grade A* to C), Maths or Statistics (grade A* to C). You need not have studied Psychology before.

Duration
AS Level is one year. A Level is two years. Enrolment is in September.  

Career Prospects/Progression
A Level Psychology is a useful qualification, widely accepted for entry to Higher Education courses.  Many students progress to university courses. Knowledge of Psychology is considered useful for many areas of employment which involve working with people, e.g. personnel, management, education and training, health, public relations, advertising, marketing or counselling.

How will I be assessed?
Exams. No coursework in either AS or A Level.

Course Content/units

AS LEVEL

Unit 1—Cognitive Psychology, Developmental Psychology and Research Methods.
Unit 2 – Biological Psychology, Social Psychology and Individual Differences.
Structured compulsory questions. Questions include short answer, stimulus material and one or more long question requiring extended writing in which Quality of Written Communication (QWC) will be assessed. 1 hour 30 minutes exam in January.

A LEVEL

Unit 3—Three essay-style questions on Biological Rhythms and sleep, Relationships and Aggression. 1 hour 30 minutes exam in January. QWC will be assessed in each essay.
Unit 4 –  2 hours exam in June on:
1. Psychopathology- One essay style question. QWC will be assessed.
2. Psychology in Action-  One question
3. Research Methods- One compulsory structured question

Course expenses
Textbook must be bought by students; students will be informed during their first session which textbook is most appropriate.

Compulsory revision conferences with visiting speakers - Up to £20. A letter will be sent home early September in order to collect this money.

Awarding Body
AQA

What next?
For further information, advice and to enrol, please call our Customer Liaison Team on 01935 423921