Psychology - KS5

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When you study Psychology, you will become well-informed empathetic individuals who respect people’s behavioural and biological similarities and differences. You will gain an understanding of how psychological knowledge and research can be used to benefit an ever-changing society.

What is Psychology A-level?

Psychology is the scientific study of human behaviour. Over the course of the a-Level, students learn how human behaviour is studied, and the theories of behaviour that are developed. 

What will you study?

Exam board: AQA

Course: A-level Psychology 7182

What is studied? Psychology a-level is studied over two years and you cover a variety of topics. The topics studied include:

Paper 1 Paper 2 Paper 3
Social Influence Approaches in Psychology Issues and Debates in Psychology
Memory Biopsychology Cognition and Development
Attachment Research Methods Schizophrenia
Clinical Psychology and mental health   Forensic Psychology 

*See specification for further details. AQA Psychology specification.

Click the link below to see the journey we take through the course, and the order the topics are taught: 
SJB Psychology Curriculum Map. 

For students to be successful in Psychology they must be both interested in the subject and able to write!

Entry Requirements:  

  • A minimum of a grade 6 in GCSE Science is essential 
  • It is desirable to also have a grade 6 in GCSE English and a grade 6 in GCSE Maths

Psychology as a discipline draws on many key skills which will be gained and/or developed over the course of the A-level. 

  • Written Skills

Psychology is primarily an essay based subject. Students will be supported in honing their written skills in order to produce high quality, scientific essays which draw on key knowledge, theories and research in psychology. Written communication is so vital to our futures and used in so many ways- Psychology will support the development of students in writing clearly, concisely and coherently. 

  • Evaluative Skills

The Psychology a-level helps students to work on their evaluative skills. Much of psychology involves exploring theories, research and concepts and analysing them for their strengths, weaknesses and relative contribution to society. Students will develop skills in critically evaluating and explaining this in their written work. 

  • Mathematical/research skills

Psychology involves the study of 'Research methods' which is dedicated to teaching students about how research is carried out effectively in the discipline and how data is collected and analysed. Students will therefore develop understanding of research, and various statistical methods used to analyse data and draw conclusions. 

Psychology A-level is 100% exam. 

Students sit 3 exam papers at the end of Year 13

Each exam is 2 hours in length

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