What is Psychology?

Psychology is the study of the brain and behaviour. It seeks to understand why people act the way they do, researching the reasons behind a range of behaviours, including aggression, criminal behaviour, phobias, addiction, schizophrenia, OCD, prejudice, obedience and memory. We also then look at how this research can have positive impacts on society, including reducing prejudice and discrimination, improving diagnosis of mental health disorders, reducing recidivism in offenders and supporting people with dementia. 

What will students learn in the Psychology A Level?

Students follow the Edexcel specification at A Level, which is divided into the following areas:

• Social Psychology
• Cognitive Psychology
• Biological Psychology
• Learning Theories
• Clinical Psychology
• Criminal Psychology
• Psychological Skills including issues and debates

Students will develop a range of skills during this course including:

• Understanding academic texts
• Learning how to build an effective argument
• Essay writing skills
• Data analysis and conducting statistical tests
• Knowing how to conduct Psychological research
• Critical thinking skills e.g. evaluating research
• Revision skills
• Organisation
• Communication skills

During the course, students will conduct 6 practicals, where they will design and run their own research studies. 

What are the entry requirements for A Level Psychology?

Grade 6 or above in Mathematics or Psychology

You do not need to have studied GCSE Psychology to study it at A Level 

 Where can Psychology lead?

Psychology is now one of the most popular degree courses in the UK, and a range of related careers are available to students who wish to study further, including Educational Psychology, Sports Psychology, Criminal and Forensic Psychology, Clinical Psychology and Research. However, the knowledge and skills developed through the A Level course will help to prepare students for a range of wider career paths, including Medicine, Business, Marketing and Management, Law, Education…in fact, there are not many careers that do not contain some element of Psychology! 

Post-16 Psychology

Please see the sixth form handbook for more information.