Psychology AS level

Psychology AS-level
About the Course
AS Level
The course centres on the five main approaches to psychology:
* Social psychology: obedience, altruism and group processes.
* Cognitive psychology: eyewitness testimony, language, and autism.
* Developmental psychology: aggression, cognitive development and the Oedipus complex.
* Physiological psychology: Brain function and the role of genetics/hormones in our behaviour.
* Individual Differences: abnormality and gambling behaviour.
And on the two perspectives:
* Behaviourism: behaviour is the result of learning.
* Psychodynamic: explaining behaviour in terms of inner conflicts of the mind and unconscious forces.
For each of the approaches, you study three core studies in depth. You will also learn about how psychologists conduct research, and carry out your own mini experiments, surveys, correlations and observations.
A2 Level is built around applying psychology. You will study two options from:
A2 is built around applying psychology. You will study two options from:
* Forensic psychology: turning to crime, making a case, reaching a verdict, imprisonment and treatment programmes.
* Health and clinical psychology: healthy living, stress, dysfunctional behaviour and disorders.
* Psychology of sport and exercise: sport and the individual, sport performance, social psychology of sport and exercise psychology.
* Psychology of education: teaching and learning, student participation, the social world of teaching and learning, enabling learning â€" dealing with diversity.
In addition you will study approaches and research methods in psychology exploring the issues and debates arising throughout the AS and A2 course.
There will be opportunities to visit Psychology departments at local universities and on Psychology Day you can take part in real research run by them. You may wish to join our Psychology Academy in your second year, where you can gain extra qualifications, take part in Psychology Plus and have some work experience.
Course Aims
The course aims to introduce you to psychological theories, ideas and research and widen knowledge and understanding of how the subject develops and how its applications interact with changes in human attitudes, and with changes in society and technology. You will develop practical and research skills and recognise the value, use and misuse of the subject in society.
What are the entry requirements?
How is the course assessed?
Assessment is by two written examinations at AS level and two more at A2 Level. There is no coursework.
Fees
No Course Fees for Under 19's. Over 19's must pay, or claim Level 2 or Level 3 Entitlement for FREE courses .
What next?
You can use Psychology AS and A Levels to gain entry to employment and higher education. Psychology is one of the most versatile and highly respected qualifications at advanced level. If you are considering a career in Psychology, medicine, nursing, physiotherapy, sport science, marketing, business or advertising, AS or A Level Psychology will prove to be assets.