A level Psychology
Subject Introduction
Psychology is the scientific study of the human mind and behaviour. Psychologists are interested in the influence of your environment, your genes and brain structure, as well as your unconscious mind, on your behaviour.
In A-level psychology, we explore experiments and theories investigating these different explanations. At Hanson, students are taught to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of psychological concepts, theories, research studies, research methods, and ethical issues. You will apply your understanding of these studies and theories to real-world examples.
With this, students will learn the fundamentals of the subject and develop skills valued by Higher Education (HE) and employers, including critical analysis, independent thinking and research.
Many of our A-level Psychology students go on to study clinical psychology, midwifery, medicine, pharmacy, law, sports physiology, social work, and mental health nursing at a degree level.
Assessment: AQA Exam Board 3x 2hour exams
A Level Psychology is a linear subject, assessed at the end of two years of study.
Paper 1: Introductory Topics in Psychology (Social Influence, Memory, Attachment, and Psychopathology).
Paper 2: Psychology in Context (Approaches in Psychology, Research Methods and Biopsychology).
Paper 3: Issues and Options in Psychology (Section A is a compulsory section on Issues and Debates in Psychology. Sections B, C, D each contain questions on the in-depth option topics you’ve studied).
Useful links:
On the first website, you can explore the specification, and past papers. The others contain useful information for wider reading and revision material.
- https://www.aqa.org.uk/subjects/psychology/as-and-a-level/psychology-7181-7182/specification-at-a-glance
- https://www.simplypsychology.org/a-level-psychology.html
- https://www.tutor2u.net/psychology
- https://studyrocket.co.uk/revision/a-level-psychology-aqa/issues-options-in-psychology/research-methods-concerns