Psychology (AQA)

About this course

Psychology is the scientific study of human thought and behaviour. It investigates how biological, social, and environmental elements influence our ideas, feelings, and actions. You will learn how children develop, how mental illness can be treated, how we make decisions and how we can better understand others.

A level Psychology is highly recommended for further study in Psychology and can be accepted as one of the required science or maths-based subjects for entry to a range of courses.

It can be combined with Biology, Chemistry, Physics or Maths for university entry to STEM courses.

It develops your analytical, problem-solving and communication skills and equips you with a deeper understanding of human behaviour.

An A level qualification in Psychology provides a foundation for further study in Psychology, Education, Healthcare, Business and Social Science.

What you will study/learn

A level in Psychology covers the following units:

  • Introductory Topics in Psychology: Social Influence, Memory, Attachment
  • Psychology in Context: Approaches in Psychology, Biopsychology, Clinical Psychology and Mental Health, Research Methods
  • Issues and Options in Psychology: Relationships, Gender, Cognition and Development, Schizophrenia, Eating Behaviour, Stress, Aggression, Forensic Psychology, Addiction

Assessment:

The AQA A Level in Psychology assessment comprises three externally examined papers.

  • Paper 1: a two-hour exam testing Introductory Topics in Psychology- 33.3% of A level
  • Paper 2: a two-hour exam testing Psychology in Context- 33.3% of A level
  • Paper 3: a two-hour exam testing Issues and Options in Psychology- 33.3% of A level

Entry requirements

Students applying for A Level programmes must have the equivalent of 4 GCSEs with a grade 5-8 (A-C grade) or better, or have taken A Levels previously, with unsatisfactory results, and level B2 English according to the CEFR for Languages; either IELTS 5.0 or better, or Cambridge FCE Grade C or above (this only applies to applicants whose first language is not English).

Students may also apply for A Level programmes if they have a satisfactory high school leaving certificate, or secondary school exit qualification, which is not equivalent to the A Level for UCAS purposes.

There are no specific previous learning requirements for AQA Psychology. However, we recommend that students should have the skills associated with a GCSE course or equivalent.

Awarding Body

AQA

Career Prospects and further study

Students with an A level in Psychology can pursue further study and careers in the healthcare, education, legal, sports and commercial sectors in various roles.