Psychology
Qualification
A Level
Exam Board
AQA
Entry Requirement
- 5 GCSEs including English Language and Mathematics at grades 5 - 9
Course Overview
Psychology is the scientific study of the mind and how it dictates and influences our behaviour, from communication and memory to thought and emotion. As a science, psychology functions as both a thriving academic discipline and a vital professional practice, one dedicated to the study of human behaviour and the thoughts, feelings and motivations behind it through observation, measurement, and testing, in order to form conclusions that are based on sound scientific methodology.
This two-year study programme will give you the opportunity to develop skills and experiences that will help you to pursue a career in the vast world of psychology. The study programme will allow you to gain knowledge in a wide variety of subjects including memory, attachment, psychopathology, stress, social influence and research amongst many others. You will gain valuable insight from real life practitioners in a range of employments, as well as support to get additional experience from psychology workshops and the Health & Social Care academies run by Bedfordshire NHS trust.
In this exciting course, you will develop transferable skills such as teamwork and communication. You will be given opportunities to speak with a variety of employers and investigate the opportunities available for further study, apprenticeships and other avenues of employment.
Assessment Methods
This is an AQA A Level a which is assessed through 3 x 2-hour examinations which take place at the end of year 13.
- Paper 1 - Introductory topics in Psychology (96 marks) 33.3% of end grade
- Paper 2 - Psychology in context (96 marks) 33.3% of end grade
- Paper 3 - Issues and options in Psychology (96 marks) 33.3% of end grade
QE6 Extras and Opportunities
- Opportunities for additional experience through workshops and events.
- Trips and visits to support learning.
- Speakers and Q&A with different industry professionals.
Progression
Many students continue on to Higher Education at University to study their chosen profession such as a professional psychologist in the fields of counselling, sport, forensics, education, occupation and health etc. Students can also take an alternative route into their career through higher level apprenticeship, such as clinical psychology associate apprenticeship, or Psychology wellbeing practitioner apprenticeships.