A Level: Psychology

Psychology is the scientific study of mind and behaviour. Psychology uses well controlled methods of observation and experimentation and analyses the results of experiments using statistical tests.

Psychology is the scientific study of human behaviour. It aims to understand and explain the human experience through looking at biological and non biological explanations. Psychology uses evidence to produce theories about behaviour. These theories have been applied to many fields.

The course is assessed via three written exams. These are:

Unit 1 : Introductory Topics in Psychology (e.g. Social Influence, Memory, Abnormality)

Unit 2: Psychology in Context (e.g Approaches, Biopsychology, Research Methods)

Unit 3: Issues & Options (e.g. nature/nurture, determinism, schizophrenia, forensics, relationships)

For all Level 3 pathways five passes (9-4) or more at GCSE are required, including at least Grade 4 in Maths and/ or English Language.

• Clinical psychologists mainly work in a medical setting helping those with mental disorders or emotional/ behavioural difficulties.
• Educational psychologists work in schools and in cooperation with parents and teachers to help children with learning difficulties.
• Occupational psychologists advise companies on working conditions, recruitment and selection of staff and in the design of equipment.
• Forensic/Criminal psychologists are involved in the training of police and prison officers and, in specialist cases, the detection of offenders.

There are lots of other applied psychology careers such as sport and health psychology. Not all Psychology graduates become psychologists, many will enter the world of business, journalism, politics and social work. Of course psychologists can become teachers as well.