Psychology - A Level (AQA)

Why do individuals behave the way they do? Why do entire cultures have such diametrically opposed attitudes to social issues from each other? A Level Psychology is an exciting course that introduces you to the scientific study of human behaviour, while also helping you learn how to plan and conduct your own research.

Psychology explores the idea of 'nature vs. nurture'; is our behaviour determined by biological factors, or the environment we are exposed to? For example, how infant-caregiver relationships influence people's lives, how our memory works (or doesn't), what makes some people criminals and not others. You will also learn about the role of biology in influencing our behaviour, set against psychological explanations for mental health issues including depression, phobias, OCD and schizophrenia. In addition, you will study how culture and gender influence our ways of thinking. Throughout the course you will be learning about how to plan and conduct research in psychology, and how to mathematically analyse your results.

Topics covered can include:

• Social influence

• Memory

• Attachment

• Psychopathology

• Approaches in Psychology

• Biopsychology

• Research methods

• Issues and debates in psychology

• Gender

• Schizophrenia

• Forensic psychology

You will need:

• Grade 5 or above in GCSE Maths
• Grade 5 or above in GCSE Science (if you study triple Science, the grade 5 or above must be in Biology)
• Grade 5 or above, and at least one grade 6 or above, in GCSE English Language plus one other written subject such as History, Geography, Humanities, English Literature, Business, Media Studies, Religious Studies, Drama and Film Studies
• A further GCSE at grade 4 or above

If you wish to study 4 A Levels, you will need 7 GCSEs at grade 7 or above, including two at grade 8.

All applicants must have an interview to confirm that A Levels are suitable for them.

The course is assessed by three exams at the end of the second year.

School Leavers

If you will be aged 16, 17 or 18 on 31 August in the year you begin your course, and have been resident in the UK/EU/EEA for the past 3 years, it will be free. Some courses will have other costs associated, such as for materials and trips. Many of our students are eligible for financial support when studying at college – please click here for more information.

Psychology is a broad subject, and it can lead to many career pathways including medicine, law, human resources, physiotherapy, counselling, teaching, and many more.