Psychology Department @ Key Stage 5

Course entry requirements

C or above in English Language, Maths and Science

Why study Psychology?

Have you ever wondered why some people obey orders, even to the extent of killing someone? Why some people seem to develop mental health problems whilst others don’t? Why when we look at individuals in a relationship we feel that a large proportion are in ‘the same league as each other’ in terms of their physical attractiveness? Or how you are able to remember some things, but not others?

If the answer is yes to any of these questions then studying psychology might just be for you. Psychology is the scientific study of human behaviour and the mind; it seeks to understand, from a variety of perspectives, why different individuals behave in certain ways. It also pushes us towards greater self knowledge by making usmore aware of our actions and personalities.

What will you study?

AS - Year 12

PSYA1 - 25% of A Level grade

• Cognitive Psychology: focusing on human memory and eye witness testimony
• Developmental Psychology: focusing on attachment and day care
• Research Methods

PSYA2 - 25% of A level grade

• Biological Psychology: focusing on stress and stressmanagement
• Social Psychology: focusing on conformity and obedience

A2 - Year 13

PSYA3 - 25% of A level grade

• Biological Rhythms and Sleep, Cognition and Development, Gender

PSYA4 - 25% of A level grade

• Psychopathology: focusing on Schizophrenia
• Psychology in action: focusing on Media Psychology
• Research Methods

Method of assessment

Both the AS and A2 year are 100% exam based – with two papers to be completed in the AS year and two papers to be completed in the A2 year.

Future prospects

The study of psychology can lead to a vast array of different careers in many areas including counselling, forensic psychology and criminology, work in the police force and offender profiling, research and education, media, sports psychology and social work.