Psychology AS Level

PSYCHOLOGY AS Level (Year One)

• Level 3 course
• One year (AS) or two years (A level)
• Progression higher education and employment
• Exam board AQA
• 5 periods a week
• This course is offered within the Society, Health & Professional Studies Division
Course outline
At AS level students study a broad range of topics: social, cognitive, developmental and biological psychology, individual differences and research methods. A variety of issues will be considered such as the accuracy of eyewitness testimony, the impact of day care on childrens social development, stress management, why people obey and what causes abnormality.

Teaching styles
Lessons will be very active and students need to be ready to think and learn. Elements of the course will be teacher led but carrying out research, contribution to discussion, working in groups and presentations will all feature. Students need to engage with the material as to succeed on this course psychological theories and studies need to be applied to real-life.

Assessment
Two papers (one in January, one in J. Each is 90 minutes long and is worth 50% of the overall grade. There are a variety of compulsory questions including short answer, stimulus material and one 12 mark question which requires extended writing.

Key features
If you want to take the first steps to gaining a greater understanding of yourself and the people around you then this course is for you.

Progression
Passing the AS allows for progression onto the A2.

PSYCHOLOGY A2 Level (Year Two)

Course outline
The second year looks at a wide variety of topics. These include: biological rhythms and sleep, relationships, aggression, eating behaviour, psychopathology (mental disorders) and the psychology of addictive behaviours.

Assessment
Again two examined units. You will take one exam in January and one in June.

For more information on Psychology check out The British Psychological Society:
ou might also want to see the AQA (A) Psychology specification: