Psychology

Psychology
Level 3
AS and A2
Duration 1-2 years
What will I study
The AS course explores five key areas in modern psychology: social, cognitive, developmental, physiological and individual differences. In each area we will look at three research studies that have been carried out and issues raised by them. You will also develop your own research skills by carrying out a range of practical investigations.

At A2 you will look at how psychology is applied in different real life settings. The areas we look at include: forensic psychology, health and clinical psychology and sport and exercise psychology. You will also continue to develop your knowledge of research methods and statistics and approaches to psychology for your synoptic assessment.

Assessment
The AS consists of a one hour exam in January testing your knowledge of research methods and data analysis. You will take a second exam in the Summer (lasting 2 hours) testing your knowledge of the 15 studies you have looked at and the issues around them. You will need good written skills to do well in this exam which involves both short answer and essay questions.

In A2 you will take the Synoptic exam in January, testing your knowledge of issues, methods and debates in psychology and in the summer you will take you Applied Options paper testing your knowledge of Health and Clinical Psychology and either Forensic or Sports Psychology. Both exams will last 90 minutes each and will require you to write both shorter answers and longer essays.

Useful Supporting Courses
Links very well with Biology, Maths, Philosophy, Sociology, and English. It can be taken with any other A Level.