Psychology – A Level

A LEVEL · PSYCHOLOGY

Investigate behaviour. Challenge assumptions.

Explore memory, social influence, attachment, mental health and human behaviour using scientific research and critical analysis.

QUALIFICATION
A Level

EXAM BOARD
AQA

DURATION
Two years

ASSESSMENT
Three written examinations

Why choose Psychology?

Psychology asks why people think and behave as they do. It develops independent thinking, research literacy, data interpretation and the ability to evaluate competing explanations.

What you will study

Foundations of behaviour
Social influence, memory, attachment and psychopathology.

Approaches and research
Psychological approaches, biopsychology and research methods.

Contemporary issues
Relationships, schizophrenia, forensic psychology, and wider issues and debates.

Entry requirements

Standard PH6 entry requirements: at least five GCSEs at grades 9–6.

Essay-based GCSE
Grade 6 or above.

Mathematics
Grade 5 or above. Core Maths is recommended alongside Psychology.

This course suits you if…

You are curious about people and human behaviour.
You contribute to debate and consider different viewpoints.
You can research independently and write balanced arguments.
You are comfortable interpreting and presenting data.

How you will be assessed

Component

Content

Weighting

Paper 1

Social Influence, Memory, Attachment and Psychopathology; 2 hours

33%

Paper 2

Approaches, Biopsychology and Research Methods; 2 hours

33%

Paper 3

Issues and Debates, Relationships, Schizophrenia and Forensic Psychology; 2 hours

33%

Where Psychology can take you

Psychology complements sciences, humanities and social sciences and leads to many university and professional routes.

Psychology Counselling Forensic psychology Business Sport Research