6th Form: GCE Advanced Psychology

Course Description

Psychology is a science studying the mind and behaviour.  It focuses on investigating key areas of human behaviour, including child care issues, the nature of memory, stress and mental illness.  As well as engaging with a wide range of contemporary issues, you will also have the opportunity to develop your research, analysis and evaluation skills. 

Course Content

AS Units:

Unit 1: Cognitive Psychology, Developmental Psychology and Research Methods
Students will develop their knowledge and understanding of theories and studies in relation to Memory, Eye Witness Testimony, Attachment and Child-care

Unit 2: Biological Psychology, Social Psychology and Individual Differences
Students will develop their knowledge and understanding of theories and studies in relation to Stress, Abnormality and Social Influence. 

Both Units will develop knowledge and understanding of Research Methods through
direct study of research methods, undertaking practical research activities and developing skills of analysis, evaluation and application.  Each unit is assessed by a 90 minute exam using structured compulsory questions with a mix of short answers and extended answers questions.

A2 Units:

Unit 3: Topics in Psychology
Students will develop knowledge, understanding and skills of analysis and evaluation in relation to three topics selected from the syllabus and an appreciation of the issues and debates that surround each topic, for example issues of bias, including gender and culture, the role of animals in research, ethical issues, the nature/nurture debate, free will and determinism, and reductionism.  The unit is assessed by a 90 minute exam with three essay-style answers from a choice of eight questions.

Unit 4: Psychopathology, Psychology in Action and Research Methods
Students will develop knowledge and understanding of either schizophrenia, depression, or anxiety disorders.  In addition they will develop knowledge, understanding and critical thinking in relation to media psychology, the psychology of addictive behaviour or anomalistic psychology and of the nature of psychological research and scientific method.  The unit is assessed by a 2 hour exam consisting of 1 compulsory question, and two sections each with one essay-style answers from a choice of three questions.

Career Possibilities

A Level Psychology contains a large number of transferable skills, which makes it a popular choice for both university entrance and employment. Psychology graduates are highly valued for their skills in literacy, numeracy, evaluation and research in a broad selection of careers.

GCSE Grade Profile

Students who study this subject normally achieve A* to C in a range of subjects including Maths and English Language.