AS/A2 Level Psychology

AS/A2 Level Psychology

COURSE TITLE: AS/A2 Level Psychology
COURSE CODE: 3a913-09
DAYS & TIMES: Monday's 6.30 - 9.30pm

WHAT'S IT ALL ABOUT?
The A level specification changed in 2008 and the AS course follows the new AQA specification A (AQA code 2180). The content and format has slightly changed although those doing retakes will find the course useful as some of the content is similar to the old specification.

WHAT DO I NEED?
WHAT ARE MY COMMITMENTS?
It will be expected students will have to commit themselves to personal study in addition to classroom teaching. The more effort that is put in, the more you will get out of the course and this will enhance your ability to gain a higher grade. Your friends will think you are far more interesting too!

WHAT WILL I ACHIEVE?
You will achieve an AS or A level in Psychology.

WHAT WILL I STUDY?
AS

The new course has reduced the AS specification to Unit One which covers memory, early social development and research methods. Unit Two looks at stress, conformity and obedience and finishes with looking at psychological disorders. The daytime students will take this in their first year and then move on to study the A2 course in their second year. If there are no timetable clashes, the AS and A2 can be studied in one year. Some evening class students have taken the AS on Monday nights and then the A2 on Thursday nights. Its difficult because of the amount of work but it can be managed. Coursework has been removed which takes some of the pressure off.

A2

Now this is where it could get confusing, in 2008-09 the old specification was followed to allow people to finish off their
A level. The content then covered social, developmental and biological psychology as well as psychological disorders and a research project. For those wanting to take retakes, the A2 for
2009-10 will allow some of the same content to be covered and
retakes are held in January and June.

The new specification for A2 which starts this year will have two units to study with no coursework requirement. Unit Three covers areas in psychology such as relationships, biological rhythms and sleep, eating behaviour, intelligence, gender, and cognition. The specification is quite extensive and we only have to study some of these areas in depth. The final unit, Unit Four, looks at psychological disorders such as schizophrenia, depression and anxiety disorders. This is followed by what is called psychology in action (which examines various aspects of how psychology is applicable to the media), addictive behaviour, plus a new area of study for A level students called Anomalistic Psychology (some would know it as Paranormal Psychology). The final part of this unit considers research design and scientific method. It sounds more difficult than it actually is but reflects Psychology being a science in itself.

Details of recommended books provided for AS and A2 will be given out on the first night as new revised editions will be reviewed this summer.

WHAT WILL IT COST ME?
3a913-09 Course fees 0 16-18 year olds, 257(19) 19 years and over

Course fees are payable on enrolment. Costs shown in brackets are for those on income-based benefits. Refunds are not normally available.

WHAT ADDITIONAL COSTS ARE THERE?
Exam fees 12 per unit per level (max 6) approximately
Textbook 25 approximately

Additional costs are at various times of the year (conferences, trips).

WHAT CAN I DO AFTERWARDS?
You can use this qualification, with others, for entry to University, If help is needed to apply for a place at university or to change career, we can help you with this. The qualifications can lead to employment in many occupations, Educational Psychologist, Journalism, Market Research, Nursing, Personnel Management, Psychologist, Police, Social Work, Teaching
DISCLAIMER
*Leaflet information is correct at time of print, however it may be subject to change.