Psychology A2 Level (Edexcel

Psychology is about the study of human and to some extent animal behaviour. The discipline contains many schools of thought that have different approaches to what it is to be human. For example, at the social level you will learn that our behaviour is influenced by others. At the biological level, conditions such as schizophrenia may be caused by excessive chemical activity in the brain.
Psychology is a science and you will be expected to develop your statistical and mathematical skills. You will also be expected to participate in and conduct experiments and research
Entry RequirementsAS Level in Psychology
5 GCSE's at Grade C or above, including English Language and Mathematics.
Course Content
A2 Unit 3 - Applications of Psychology
The aim of this unit is to enable students to study how psychology can be applied to the real world. Each of the four applications within unit is related to vocational contexts in which a psychology graduate (with the appropriate training) may operate. In this sense, the unit is intended to further contexualise and make real the understanding of approaches. There is a focus on evaluation, assessment, application and comment as well as on knowledge.
Students must select two of the following four applications:
Criminological psychology
Child psychology
Health psychology: Substance misuse
Sport psychology
A2 Unit 4 - How Psychology works
This unit focuses on the debates between approaches within contempary psychology.
In the clinical psychology section of the unit, students study aspects of clinical psychology, which include how different approaches in Psychology explain and treat mental health issues.
In the issues and debates section, students will be asked to draw on other areas of the specification in order to understand conceptual and methodologocal issues. Students will develop an understanding of how to use theories and evidence from different areas of psychology and apply them to issues.
How will I be assessed?
A2 Unit 3:1 hour 30 mins exam. This is divided four options, of which students must select two. Each option will consist of short-answer questions and a section of extended writing.
A2 Unit 4:2 hours exam. This is divided into two sections, one focusing on clinical psychology, one on issues and debates. Each section will consist of short-answer questions and a section of extended writing. Students must answer both parts.
What can I do next?
Degree course in psychology, Social Science, Nursing, Advertising or Business Studies.
Higher National Course in related programmes seek employment in the areas of Human Resources, Care Sector, Hotel Management advertising.
Additional costs
Please enquire