A-level Psychology will give you an understanding of the way people think and why people behave in certain ways. Have you ever wondered if prison really does change criminal behaviour? Or why some people conform? Have you ever considered whether the experiences you had before the age of five really do shape the person you are today? If you have an enquiring mind that often questions why we behave the way we do, then Psychology is for you.
Subject Information
Psychology is the scientific study of the mind and how it dictates and influences our behaviour. By studying psychology you can help address many of the problems and issues in society today. People seek the help and support of psychologists for all sorts of problems, and psychologists employ their knowledge and expertise to help in many areas of society. Psychology A level will also help you to have a better understanding of yourself and people around you. This knowledge will enrich your personal development and give you a better understanding of the reasons why you and others react in certain situations.
Course Details
- In year 1 you will study social influence, memory, attachment, approaches in psychology, psychopathology and research methods.
- In year 2 you will study biopsychology, forensic psychology, schizophrenia, gender, and issues and debates in Psychology such as nature v. nurture.
You will be given many opportunities to carry out and analyse your own research to get a greater understanding of human behaviour.
At the end of the two-year course there will be three exams, and each account for one-third of the A level. The three exams last 2 hours and are worth 96 marks each. The AQA exam consists of multiple choice, short answer and extended writing questions.
Subject Specific Entry Requirements
- Grade 6 in GCSE Maths or a Science.
- Grade 6 in GCSE English.
Where could Psychology take me?
The A level Psychology curriculum at Chesterton will not only give you a strong foundation to pursue a career in the field, but also open up a huge range of career pathways due to the transferable skills developed in critical thinking, analysis and evaluation, problem solving, communication and teamwork. Students go on to have a range of interesting careers such as counselling, forensic and occupational psychology, nursing, teaching, research, human resources.
Reading List
Non-essential/useful additional reading
- Opening Skinner’s Box: Great Psychological Experiments of the Twentieth Century. Lauren Slater
- Reaching Down the Rabbit Hole, by Dr Allan H. Ropper & Brian David Burrell.
Extraordinary journeys into the human brain - The Little Book of Psychology, by Emily Ralls and Caroline Riggs.
The Little Book of Psychology offers a comprehensive overview of the subject, teaching students about the key theories and ideas. At just 128 pages long, it’s a great place to start if you’re just starting your Psychology A-Level or undergraduate degree. - The Lucifer Effect, by Philip G. Zimbardo.
The book offers excellent insight into the power of identity and roles, and how humans can separate themselves from their ‘personal’ ethics and the ethics that their ‘job’ demands of them – a fundamental module you’ll be studying either in your A-Level or undergraduate degree in Psychology. - Pioneers of Psychology, by Raymond E Fancher & Alexandra Rutherford.
The book proves that psychology is a hotly debated subject, with different approaches and biases affecting the way everyone observes it. It’s great for those studying the subject at A-Level or further, who need to approach essays and examinations with a balanced debate of different opinions. - Career Paths in Psychology: Where Your Degree Can Take You, by Robert J. Sternberg.
There are over 30 different career paths discussed in the book, over three different areas: academia, clinical and counselling psychology, as well as using psychology in specialised settings such as within the military, schools or businesses. You’ll learn about the typical daily activities involved, including some of the advantages and disadvantages to the job roles.
Reading List
Podcasts
- Mind changers – series exploring the development of the science of psychology during the 20th century (BBC Sounds).
- All in the mind – the show on how we think, feel and behave. Claudia Hammond delves into the evidence on mental health, psychology and neuroscience (BBC Sounds)
- Made of stronger stuff – our bodies reflect change in the world around us. Psychologist Kimberley Wilson and Dr Xand van Tulleken ask (one body part at a time) how much control do we have? (BBC Sounds).
- Deeply human – why do you do the things you do? (BBC Sounds)
