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Course overview

Are you interested in people and wish to gain an understanding of human behaviour and the factors which influence us to behave in different ways? This course offers explanations of why humans behave and think as they do. Psychology will allow you to study psychological theories in a scientific manner and then apply them to everyday life. How do you define intelligence? Why do we conform? Do we have control over our own behaviour? What is ‘abnormality’?

Entry requirements

Students studying three A Levels and/or AAQs will be expected to have a minimum of two GCSEs at grade 5 and three at grade 4, including English Language and Mathematics.

Students studying four A Levels will be expected to have a minimum of six GCSEs at grade 7, 8 or 9 including English Language and Mathematics at grade 6 or above.

Topics you will study

Chosen optional topics for Paper 3 include:

  • Schizophrenia

  • Gender

  • Forensic Psychology 

A key focus is applying theoretical knowledge to real life examples and to develop a thorough understanding of the methods we use to research complex human behaviour. This will be achieved by building upon prior Science and Maths knowledge acquired at GCSE level.

Key features

Psychology is an academic subject requiring a high standard of written communication. There are also biological and mathematical elements to the course.

A key focus is applying theortical knowledge to real life examples and to develop a thorough understanding of the methods we use to research complex human behaviour.

Assessment

Assessment is by examination at the end of the second year, which are all of even weighting towards your final grade.

Exam Board: AQA

Enrichment and Work Experience
  • Guest speakers

  • University taster days

  • Conferences of interest

  • Chester Zoo trip investigating phobias and attachment behaviour.

Why choose B6?

The Psychology Department is committed to facilitate your learning in an enthusiastic and supportive manner. We offer additional support and enrichment programmes as well as having many excellent e-learning resources to aid your progression. For students who wish to progress in the field of psychology and or psychological research at university, The Sixth Form also  offers the opportunity to take an additional qualification of Core Mathematics.

A Level Psychology is regarded as a highly academic subject and is well respected by employers and universities alike. We have excellent links with prestigious universities and progression rates to higher education are high.

Future career opportunities

Knowledge of psychology is useful in any career that involves working with people. Careers that directly employ your psychological knowledge include forensic, clinical occupational and educational psychology as well as advertising, sport, business, marketing and human resources.

Additional information

Students must be equipped with files, dividers, highlighters, calculators, paper and pens to ensure they create full sets of notes for their revision. Some find it helpful to buy a textbook for additional reading and suggestions for suitable books are on the reading list provided at the start of term.

Alicia Welch

Alicia Welch

Studying:
A Level Drama & Theatre Studies, Psychology and Single Vocational A Level Health & Social Care

Previous school:
Atherton Community School

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