PSYCHOLOGY

This course introduces you to the principles and theories of psychological study and research, and develops a critical appreciation of the scientific nature of psychology. It also provides you with an opportunity to identify relationships between different aspects of the subject and relate them to contemporary issues.

The first year of the course emphasises the application of psychology in understanding current developing fields, such as memory, looking at eye witness testimony, abnormal behaviour with reference to eating disorders, physiological and psychological implications of stress, social influence in everyday life specially focusing on conformity and obedience and attachment in everyday life such as daycare issues.

It also gives opportunities to evaluate ethical issues in psychological research and to demonstrate a critical appreciation of the value of psychological research. You will study scientific methods, such as statistics as a form of data analysis, which form the foundation for the scientific study of behaviour and thought that is psychology.

You will make a critical evaluation of research methods and psychological perspectives e.g. observational and experimental methods, Freud and behaviourism etc.

Areas of study include:

Year 1

Research methods; investigation design, methods, techniques, data analysis and presentation.

Cognitive psychology; Models of memory and memory in everyday life.

Developmental psychology; Theories of attachment, attachment styles and attachment in everyday life.

Biosocial psychology; the physiological explanations and treatments for stress.

Social psychology; conformity and obedience in everyday life.

Year 2

Psychology of Agression

Biological Rhythms and Sleep

Relationships

Advanced research methods and data analysis.

Psychopathology - Phobias

Psychology in Action - Media

How you will gain the qualification

Assessment consists of two written 1½ hour papers both at AS and A2.

What qualifications you need

A minimum of 6 full course GCSEs grade C or above, including English Language, Maths and Science is required.

Entry to A2 is conditional on achieving grade A*-E at AS level.

Where to next

An AS in Psychology is valuable as a supporting subject to many courses at Advanced GCE and degree level, especially in the social sciences; Psychology, Sociology and medical courses.

Advanced GCE Psychology is a much sought-after qualification for entry to a wide variety of fulltime courses in higher education. There are also many areas of employment that see a Psychology Advanced GCE as an important qualification and it is often a requirement for the vocational qualifications related to these areas. Examples are: social services, teaching, nursing, research areas, police, journalism, government, human resources and tourism.