Psychology
| What is this course about? |
This course aims to develop your understanding and awareness of psychological theories and research over a variety of different areas concerned with humans and animals.
Topics studied at AS include: how our memory works: why do we forget things? Child care and the importance of forming bonds with others: is day-care a good thing? Stress and how to cope with it, and mental illness and eating disorders: why do some people develop them?
At A2, students expand on these areas, covering topics such as language and thinking, evolutionary psychology aggression and anti-social behaviour, visual illusions, and how to treat mental illnesses. In addition, a piece of coursework is also completed, involving the students' own research. |
What topics will I study?
As Units
(First year work)
| Unit 1: Cognitive and Developmental Psychology |
| Memory, forgetting and eyewitness testimony. Attachment, deprivation and day-care. |
| Unit 2: Physiological and Abnormal Psychology |
| Stress and its management. Models of Abnormality and Eating Disorders. |
| Unit 3: Social Psychology and Research Methods |
| Conformity and obedience to authority; Ethics Methods of conducting Psychological research. |
A2 Units
(second year for those who decide to continue)
| Unit 4: Social, Physiological and Cognitive Psychology |
| Pro- and anti-social behaviour; visual perception; language and thought, language acquisition and problem solving; evolution of human reproductive behaviour, mental disorders and intelligence. |
| Unit 5: Individual Differences and Perspectives |
| Different mental illnesses and their treatments; issues, debates and differing approaches within Psychology. |
| Unit 6: Coursework and Brief |
| One practical investigation together with a project brief describing the planning and implementation processes |
| How will my work be assessed? |
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In January you will take a 1-hour exam in 1 of the 3 units which make up the AS, with the other 2 taken in June. The exams involve answers to structured questions and short answer questions.
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If you continue with the A2 course, in January of the second year you take Unit 4 (a 1½ hour exam), and submit a piece of coursework, and at the end of the second year course you sit Unit 5 (a 2 hour exam).
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These exams involve a mixture of essays and short answer questions based on the Research Methods topics you have studied.
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| Frequently asked questions |
What are lessons like?
A range of teaching styles is used throughout the course. In addition to teacher presentations with discussions in class, students engage in practical activities, such as small research investigations, debates, group presentations, Internet researches and e-learning. Students are also given the opportunity to visit a conference in London specifically for A level students, a trip to the zoo, and other relevant, interesting places as appropriate Financial contributions are invited from you to cover the cost of transportation (and entry tickets where appropriate).
What do people do with AS/A Level Psychology?
Psychology is recognised as an academic subject which counts as both an Arts and Science subject, and indeed counts as either for university entrance purposes. It is also useful for all careers dealing with people. It is particularly good for jobs in medicine (doctors, nurses, and physiotherapists), sport (training and managing teams), education, law as well as the more obvious psychology-related areas (e.g. educational psychology, psychotherapy). However, as Psychology is interesting and related to animals or human beings, people take it to use wherever they may go!
Are there any special entry requirements?
Normal college entry requirements for Level 3 courses. You should also have an interest in social issues and a willingness to read and participate in discussions. The ability to write fluently is also important.
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| AS/A Level Courses |
A Level is split into two parts : AS and A2
 AS is the first year of the A level course and the standard expected is between GCSE (grades A* - C) and an A2 course.
A2 is taken in the second year and builds upon AS level work.
Together AS and A2 make up a full A level: AS + A2 = A level.
AS and A2 courses are usually made up of three units each. AS units are taken during the first year of the course and A2 units in the second year. Unit examinations can be taken in January and in June but subjects vary in when exams are taken. Often one unit takes the form of coursework. It is possible to re-sit AS and A2 units, the best marks count towards the final AS or A level grade.
AS and A level qualifications are graded A – E (pass) and U (fail).
AS and A2 also provide opportunities to develop key skills
You may choose to take an AS course and then continue to the full A level or to take the AS course as a stand-alone qualification. Progression from AS to A2 is dependant upon a pass at AS and a recommendation from your subject tutor that you have developed the necessary skills for the A2 course.
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