A Level Psychology

This course is ideal for learners who wish to learn more about the human behaviour and the science of the brain. The course covers how individual behaviour can be influenced by a range of different factors and how we process this information from our senses. Learners will also have the opportunity to learn about an area of mental health explaining the diagnosis and treatment of Schizophrenia, child psychology and forensic psychology.

This qualification teaches learners research, analytical, communication and logical thinking skills which are transferable skills to a wide variety of courses and jobs.

You could complement your studies with enrichment activities including work experience or our Debating or Culture society, Sign Language or Preparing for Medicine by completing a MOOC.

The Units are:

• Social Influence: This approach will include types of conformity, explanations for obedience, resistance to social influence and the role of social influence on social change.
• Memory: This is part of Cognitive psychology. Cognitive psychologists are concerned with the internal processes of the mind of which memory is one. Learners will have the opportunity to take part in numerous memory experiments and tests in order to develop understanding of types and functions of memory. This will include explanations for forgetting and factors affecting the accuracy of eye witness testimony.
• Attachment: Developmental psychology focuses on the behaviour of infants from birth through to adulthood. This includes care giver and infant interactions, and explanations of attachment. Learners will have the opportunity to study key case studies of deprivation and the effects of institutionalisation.
• Biopsychology: Topics include the division of the nervous system. The structure and function of sensory, relay and motor neurons and the process of synaptic transmission. Learners will also study the function of the endocrine system and the fight or flight response.
• Psychopathology: This includes definitions of abnormality. Mental Health issues including phobias, depression and OCD, explained from different psychological perspectives.
• Research Methods: Students will learn scientific process and techniques of data handling and analysis.
• Issues and debates: The nature/nurture debate
• Gender: The role of gender and gender development
• Schizophrenia: Classification, diagnosis and treatment
• Forensic psychology: Defining crime, explaining criminal behaviour and dealing with offending behaviour

This course is assessed by exams.

GCSE Grade 5 or above in Maths, English and Science with an average points score of 5 or above.

There are a variety of different progression routes you can follow with this course. This can include different pathways to achieve numerous careers through Higher Education, Apprenticeships or directly into Employment. Here are some progression routes:

• Psychologist
• Speech and Language Therapist
• Counsellor
• Social Work
• Teaching
• Criminal Justics System