Psychology A Level
Overview
Why choose Psychology?
Psychology is the scientific study of behaviour and the mind. It offers a unique educational experience that develops a distinctive and broad set of skills. It’s located in scientific method and allows scope for extensive evaluation from a range of perspectives.
Students will have the opportunity to develop a wide-ranging set of key 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 specifications also encourage the development of strong literacy and numeracy skills. The acquisition of such a diverse range of skills will be of great benefit in further education, in the workplace and society in general.
The study of psychology enables students to:
- gain hands on experience of different research methodologies encouraging active learning
- explore applications of psychology and gain an insight into how psychological theory can be applied to real world situations
- appreciate how psychological knowledge and understanding develops over time
- develop the ability to communicate effectively using appropriate language and becoming psychologically literate
Details
The Pearson Edexcel Level 3 Advanced GCE in Psychology is structured into nine topic areas. Topics 1 – 4 are compulsory and focus on the areas that have laid the foundations of modern psychological understanding. Topics 5 – 8 focus on how our understanding of psychology is applied today. Topic 5 is compulsory. One topic from 6, 7 or 8 must be studied. Finally, Topic 9 summarises the psychological skills and research methods covered in the qualification.
- Topic 1: Social psychology
- Topic 2: Cognitive psychology
- Topic 3: Biological psychology
- Topic 4: Learning theories
- Topic 5: Clinical psychology
Optional topics (students must study one)
- Topic 6: Criminological psychology
- Topic 7: Child psychology
- Topic 8: Health psychology
- Topic 9: Psychological skills:
- Methods
- Synoptic review of studies
- Issues and debates.
How will it be delivered?
This qualification consists of three externally examined papers.
Students must complete all assessment in May/June in any single year.
Entry requirements
Grade 5 in English Language, Maths and grade 4 in Science.
Students must select a specialism (Computing, Health Sciences or Sport Science) alongside this course.