Psychology

Course Full Title: A Level Psychology

Exam Board: AQA

Specification Code: 7182




Why study Psychology?


Psychology is the study of the human mind and behaviour. If you have ever wanted to know more about people and why they do what they do, then Psychology is the subject for you. It covers a huge range of topics from a biological approach to understanding the workings of the mind, to creative social experiments designed to observe how humans behave and interact with each other.


What will I study over the two years?


You will study a huge range of topics that will give you an insight into the many ways that psychologists explain behaviour. This will include Memory, Social Influence, Psychopathology, Attachment, Biopsychology, Aggression, Gender, Eating Behaviour as well as giving you an understanding of how psychologists study behaviour in Research Methods.


What makes a good Psychology student?


Good psychologists are inquisitive and think about why people behave the way they do. They do this because they want to make society better and believe that understanding human behaviour is key to making this happen. A good psychologist can bring together the contrasting skills of analysing evidence with an ability to communicate ideas both verbally and in written format.


Where could Psychology take me?


The great thing about psychology is that the skills and knowledge it gives you can be applied to a huge range of careers. Employers value psychology as it gives you an understanding of human behaviour. Understanding how people work can be a real selling point. Psychology graduates go on to work in social welfare, sport and leisure, education, human resources, marketing, media among many other fields…and of course they become psychologists.


What are the entrance requirements?


  • 2 x Grade 6 or above in Science
  • 5 or more grades 5-9; including equivalents across at least 5 subjects
  • Maths and English Language Grade 6 or above
  • Average GCSE GRADE of at least 4.75 (average of ALL GCSE full courses taken)


If you have any questions about our Psychology A Level please email Mr Swales jswales@oriel.w-sussex.sch.uk, who would be very happy to answer any questions.