A Level Psychology

Name of course

A Level Psychology

Examining board

Edexcel (9PS0)
Link to specification More information about the course can be found from the exam board website here

Course Entry Requirements

To study Psychology you must have at least a Grade 6 in English Language and GCSE Biology/Combined Sciences

Why study Psychology?

The course is designed for those who wish to gain an understanding of the relevance of Psychology to everyday life; as well as for those who wish to pursue a career related to Psychology.

Course

Year 12 Psychology

Students will cover the following content:

  • Social Psychology
  • Cognitive Psychology
  • Biological Psychology
  • Learning Psychology
  • Issues & Debates

Year 13 Psychology

Student will cover the following content:

  • Clinical Psychology
  • Criminal Psychology
  • Psychological Skills (including a review of studies, a review of methods and issues & debates)

Assessment 

Students will be assessed by a combination of short questions and essays ranging from 1,2,3,4,5 mark questions (short questions) to 8, 12, 16 & 20 mark essay questions

  • Paper 1: Social Psychology, Cognitive Psychology, Biological Psychology, Learning Theories, Issues & Debates
  • Paper 2: Clinical Psychology & Criminological Psychology
  • Paper 3:  Review of Studies, Review of Methods, Issues & Debates

Where could this course lead to?

 

A qualification in Psychology is particularly useful for jobs involving the leadership of others or the shaping of others’ behaviour e.g. counselling, psychiatry, child therapy, teaching, policing, forensic science, prison service and human resources. 

Degrees in:

  • Psychology
  • Neuroscience
  • Careers in
  • Educational Psychology
  • Clinical Psychology
  • Occupational Psychology
  • Counsellor

Suggested Reading and resources

 

Books you can read in advance:

  • The Psychopath test
  • Opening Skinner’s Box
  • Manufacturing Depression
  • The Man who mistook his wife for a hat

 What our students say about studying Psychology

“Psychology helps to understand your own behaviour and your family and friends which makes it really interesting”