Courses
Overview
Psychology
Introduction
Psychology is the scientific study of the human mind and behaviour. Through the A-level in psychology, students study a variety of human behaviours including: obedience, how memory can be influenced, regions of the human brain and how our morals develop. Through the second year of the A-level, students focus on mental health, child psychology and criminal psychology in order to develop a deeper understanding of specific areas within the subject. Underpinning all of the psychology A-level is a focus on research methods and developing an understanding of how psychologists plan, conduct and analyse research.
Qualification
A-level
Awarding body
OCR
Course leader
Miss A Dawson
Assessment
- Examination: 100%, comprising:
- Unit 1 – research methods (30%)
- Unit 2 – psychological themes through core studies (35%)
- Unit 3 – applied psychology (35%)
- Non-examined assessment: n/a
Curriculum
Curriculum Roadmap
Topics
Paper One - research methods
Students focus on how research is conducted in psychology and have the opportunity to carry out their own research.
Paper Two - core studies
Students learn about twenty core studies from psychology and what they tell us about human behaviour. Particular areas of focus include: obedience, memory and regions of the brain.
Paper Three - options in psychology
In this final unit there is the opportunity for more indepth study focusing on mental health, child psychology and criminal psychology.
Skills and requirements
Skills learned
- Critical thinking
- Reflection
- Evaluation of research
- Knowledge, understanding and application of research methods
- Analysis of sources and data
- Communication
- Literacy
- Numeracy
Subject entry requirements
- At least grade 5 in maths and science.
Sixth Form entry requirements
- 4 A-levels over 2 years: for students who have achieved 5 or more grade 7s or above including English and maths (grade 5 or above).
- 3 A-levels over 2 years: for students who have achieved 5 grade 5s or above including English and maths.
- Level 3 vocational courses: for students who have achieved 5 grade 4s or above including English and maths.
Beyond the classroom
Future pathways
Psychology is an extremely useful A-level to have for a wide range of careers and destinations. In particular psychology may be useful if you intend to work or study in any of the following areas: medicine, neuroscience, psychiatry, marketing, sports coaching, child development, nursing, the police force.
