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Sixth Form

Psychology

faqs

Is Psychology a science?

In most universities Psychology is studied as a natural science alongside chemistry, biology, physics and maths and is often paired with a science or social science such as sociology or criminology.

 

Which science is most applicable to psychology?

There are assessment opportunities for biological explanations and therapies, along with the nervous system, endocrine system, structure and function of neurons, synaptic transmission, and detailed topics regarding the brain and brain injury.

 

Do I need to use maths in psychology?

Yes, at least 10% of your grade will be assessing mathematical skills.

 

What career could I pursue?

A wide range of career options are open to psychology graduates including marketing, the health sector, as well as sports or criminology. With further training, psychologists can progress into careers such as counselling, teaching, clinical psychologists, forensic psychologists, educational psychologists and occupational psychologists.

 

How will psychology enhance by CV?

Studying Psychology equips you with a number of valuable transferable skills including being able to communicate effectively using appropriate language, to interpret and critically assess scientific data, and to research and critically evaluate a range of sources. The course also encourages a development of strong literacy and numeracy skills. The acquisition of such a diverse range of skills will be of great benefit to students in further education, the workplace and society in general.

 

Will there be much writing?

Yes. Psychology will help you to develop your critical writing skills. You will aim to write approximately 525 in 20 minutes under exam conditions.  

 

Is there any coursework?

No, there are three external exams.  Each exam is worth 96 marks and lasts 2 hours.

Context:

Psychology is the scientific study of mind and behaviour. If you are fascinated by people and the way the mind works this course will inspire you to question everything you experience. Psychology may satisfy your scientific and enquiring mind, leading you to apply your knowledge outside the classroom. In addition to learning about a wide range of engaging subjects you will also develop your analytical, evaluative and independent research skills.

Exam Board:

AQA (7182)

Course Details:

A–level subject content:

  • Introductory topics in psychology
  • Psychology in context
  • Issues and options in psychology

A-level: 3 exam papers. 2 hours per paper
Maximum mark for each exam is 96 marks

Compulsory content:

  • Social influence
  • Memory
  • Attachment
  • Psychopathology
  • Approaches
  • Biopsychology
  • Research methods
  • Issues and debates

Plus one topic from each option below:

Option 1

  • Relationships, gender, cognition and development

Option 2

  • Schizophrenia, eating behaviour, stress

Option 3

  • Aggression, forensic psychology, addiction

Where next with this course?

This course will prepare you for understanding people’s behaviour; which means that what you learn will be useful in any profession. Due to the analytical skills developed throughout this course it is held in high esteem by universities. Careers that are particularly linked to the study of psychology are: counselling, forensic psychology, teaching, nursing, childcare and social work.  

There is a biological module within this course, and your GCSE maths skills will also be required throughout each exam paper.

Further information regarding the specification may be found at:

https://www.aqa.org.uk/subjects/psychology/as-and-a-level/psychology-7181-7182

 

Click on the link below for a copy of the course details.