AS/A2 Psychology (level 3)

This course is designed to enable you to:

Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of key issues studied in psychology

Develop and apply knowledge of research methods to a variety of practical activities

Apply knowledge to real-life examples in psychology

Develop knowledge, critical and analytical skills

Is it for me?

The course suits those with an interest in explaining human behaviour and who enjoy investigating and debating different issues. Assessment is exam based.

What’s involved?

Memory/Attachment/Research Methods

Memory examines an area known as cognitive psychology. It explores how we encode, store and retrieve information. Attachment examines why infants attach and the long term benefits it provides. You will also examine ‘deprivation and privation’ and their consequences for future development. Research methods including research designs, conducting research and the analysis of data, are integrated into both memory and attachment.

Stress/Social Psychology/Abnormality

Stress examines the causes, bodily responses (physiological and psychological) as well as treatments and therapies used for stress. Social influence examines how human beings conform or are obedient to authority figures, whilst Abnormality examines how we define abnormality, its causes and treatments/therapies.

Topics in Psychology – Sleep/Eating Behaviour/ Relationships or Aggression

Sleep examines biological rhythms, explanations of sleep and sleep disorders. Eating behaviour examines explanations of eating, dieting and obesity. The final topic is a choice between aggression or relationships.

Psychopathology/Psychology in Action/Research Methods

Includes psychopathology which is the study of depression - causes, consequences and treatments. Addiction Behaviour examines the mechanisms involved in addiction in relation to smoking, drinking and gambling. Research Methods at A2 level builds on AS research and includes selection of statistical tests for an in-depth analysis of the nature of science.

Entry Requirements:

A minimum of 5 GCSEs at grades A* to C including English Language and Maths. A Science at grade C or above would be preferred.

Which courses go well with this?

Advanced Level: Sociology, Health & Social Care, Law, any Science subjects.

Progression:

Many students who study Psychology go on to complete Psychology degrees, teacher training or opt for courses and careers in Health Care or Counselling.