Why Psychology?
Psychology involves the systematic study of human behaviour. The AS course introduces students to the five core areas of Psychology: social, cognitive, developmental, physiological and individual differences through the study of 15 core studies. Students also get a taste of how psychologists conduct their research through carrying out four practical investigations. The A2 course builds on this knowledge by applying it to two specialist areas: Health and Clinical Psychology and Forensic Psychology as well as consolidating understanding of theoretical approaches and methodology through a synoptic unit.
Course Overview
Unit 1 - Psychological Investigations
Students undertake small scale practical investigations which are written up in a portfolio.
Unit 2 - Core Studies
Students are introduced to the key psychological theories and concepts through the in-depth study of 15 core studies which have been chosen to reflect the main branches of the subject.
Unit 3: Options in Applied Psychology
This unit is designed to give students the opportunity to learn about Applications in Psychology and how theory is applied in real-life situations. The options reflect the British Psychological Society classification of applied areas and the department has selected Health and Clinical Psychology and Forensic Psychology from the list of options, for the students to study in depth.
Unit 4: Approaches and Research Methods in Psychology
This unit is a synoptic one building on the AS units. Students are required to design a piece of research on a given topic and to complete a structured essay question on either a psychological approach or perspective or debate or issue or method.
Assessment
AS Level is assessed by written examinations on Psychological Investigations and Core Studies. For A2 Level, assessment is by written examinations on Options in Applied Psychology and Approaches and Research Methods in Psychology.
Beyond A Level
Psychology students enter a range of degree courses and professions. If a Psychology-based career such as Clinical or Forensic Psychology, is aimed for, then the student should select undergraduate courses which have been accredited by the British Psychological Society. Former students have followed courses in criminology, sociology, physiotherapy, medicine, law and business. Potential Psychology students should not be number-phobic as courses will involve inferential statistical analysis.