Psychology Fast Track A Level (Full AS+A2)

Psychology A Level

About A Levels

A levels are subject-specific qualifications normally studied after GCSEs or International GCSEs, though they are appropriate at any age to gain a qualification in a subject in which you are interested.

The qualification is made up of two levels: the AS level and the A2 level. The AS level is the first half of a full A level and is a qualification on its own. The A2 level builds on the knowledge gained from both the AS level, as well as the GCSE level. Both the AS and A2 levels and examinations must be successfully completed to gain a full A level.

Students usually take 1 year to complete the AS and a further year to complete the A2 - so a full A level usually takes two years. This fast track A level, however, lets you complete the course in half the time (i.e. one year instead of two years). The fast track A level works in exactly the same way and you get the same certificate as you would on the two-year course.

A levels are highly valued by schools, colleges and employers. They are at level 3 on the National Qualifications Framework and they carry UCAS points, which will be awarded according to the grade achieved (A = 120, B = 100, C = 80).

Many courses at university or college will require you to take A levels in certain subjects. We recommend you check the requirements for those courses and take the appropriate subject A levels.

About Our A Level Psychology Course

The course aims to give you some fundamental and lasting insights into behaviour and thought processes which will help you cope with the challenges of life, both for yourself and those you come into contact with. As well as learning about behaviour and thought processes you will also learn how to express yourself coherently, how to challenge and evaluate information presented to you and how scientific information is produced.

Psychology is a dynamic, ever changing subject with new information and studies constantly confirming or challenging existing theories and producing new ones. The subject matter of psychology is uniquely around and within you; it is essential that you are curious about the why’s and how’s of behaviour and thought processes in all settings from cradle to grave, from successful relationships (parent-child, work colleagues or romantic) to the best ways to utilize your memory.

What Can I Do After Completing This A Level in Psychology?

Getting A levels can provide you with a variety of options, such as work, further study or an apprenticeship.

After successful completion of this course, you could apply to university, a BTEC Higher National, NVQ, a BTEC Apprenticeship or a mixture of these qualifications.

If you are applying to a UK university you are likely to apply through the University and College Admission Service (UCAS). You can find out more about UCAS and how A levels are valued by Further and Higher education institutes on the UCAS website.

Financing Your Psychology A Level

While our 'Fees' tab below shows only full payment options, we do offer alternatives for financing your A level course. You can either pay everything up front so you don't have to think about it again, or we have an instalment payment plan available, whereby you pay a deposit of £100.84 plus 5 monthly intalments of £60.84.

To take advantage of our monthly instalment plan, you'll need to contact us directly to enrol at +44 (0) 1288 356300, or info@stonebridge.uk.com.

Syllabus

The AS course is laid out as follows:

Unit 1
Introduction Topic 1 Psychology, psychologists and research methods.
Initial assignment. Introduction to Tutor. Topic 2 Investigation design, data, data analysis and preparation. Assignment 1 Section A Topic 3 Memory. Models of memory and memory in everyday life. Assignment 2 Section B Topic 4 Early social development. Attachment. Attachments in everyday life. Assignment 3 Unit 2 Topic 5 Biological psychology. Stress as a bodily response. Everyday stress. Assignment 4 Topic 6 Social Influence and social influence in everyday life. Assignment 5 Topic 7 Psychopathology. Definitions and explanations. Treatment of abnormality. Assignment 6 Topic 8 Preparing for the AS exam.

The A2 course is laid out as follows:

Unit 3 Topic 9 Relationships Topic 10 Agression Assignment 7 Topic 11 Intelligence and learning Assignment 8 Topic 12 Cognition and development Assignment 9 Unit 4 Topic 13 Psychopathology. Depression Assignment 10 Topic 14 Psychology in action. Addiction. Assignment 11 Topic 15 Psychological research and scientific method.

For further information on the course format and assessments, please view the Psychology A Level Syllabus.

Study Hours

Approximately 250 hours.

Qualifications

Qualification: AS/A2 - A level in Psychology

On successful completion of this course you will receive a AS/A2 A level in Psychology from AQA. Both AS and A2 level courses and examinations must be successfully completed to gain a full A level. Specification: AQA (Full A Level) 2180, AQA (AS) 1181 and AQA (A2) 2181

AQA is a leading provider of GCSE and A level qualifications and support services for teachers and students. It provides qualifications that are valued by employers and higher education and enable students to progress to the next stage in their lives.

A levels are at level 3 on the National Qualifications Framework, and they carry UCAS points, which will be awarded according to the grade achieved (A = 120, B = 100, C = 80).

Requirements for Entry

Students are not required to have studied psychology previously. A pass at A-C GCSE in English and mathematics is desirable, but no formal qualifications are required. Although, those who find reading and understanding broadsheet newspapers difficult will find the course more challenging.

Students are not required to have studied psychology previously. A pass at A-C GCSE in English and mathematics is desirable, but no formal qualifications are required. Although, those who find reading and understanding broadsheet newspapers difficult will find the course more challenging.

Benefits

What's Included

Online learning documentation, online resources, plus priority tutor support for 1 year.

More Information

January 2013 will be the last January exam period. All future exams will be held during the May - June exam period only.

Students are required to arrange and pay for their examinations and manage the course work element if the subject requires this. Students must check the relevant examination board website for further information and final examination sitting dates for the specification.

International

If you are based outside the UK, it may be possible to sit your examinations through your local British council depending on your location. Please contact the examination board AQA for details on examination centres in your country.

www.aqa.org.uk