A Level Psychology

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A Level Psychology at Kimbolton

About the course

Course code: AQA Psychology (7182)

Preferred Psychology entry requirements: Grade 6 in GCSE Mathematics, English, and Combined Science is preferable. A keen interest in understanding human behaviour and analytical thinking is essential.

A Level Psychology explores the science of human behaviour, thought, and emotion, helping students understand how people think, develop, interact, and respond to the world around them. Topics include memory, attachment, schizophrenia, and forensic psychology.

Research methods are at the heart of the course, giving students practical skills to design, carry out, and evaluate psychological investigations using their own data and evidence. Psychology is ideal for students who are curious about human behaviour and interested in areas such as mental health, decision-making, relationships, wellbeing, and the influence of society and technology on everyday life.

Assessment

During A Level Psychology, you will study a range of topics that provide a comprehensive understanding of psychological theories, research, and applications.

Assessment includes:

  • Paper 1: Introductory Topics in Psychology – covers social influence, memory, attachment, and psychopathology.
  • Paper 2: Psychology in Context – includes approaches in psychology, biopsychology, and research methods.
  • Paper 3: Issues and Options in Psychology – explores issues and debates in psychology, as well as optional topics such as relationships, schizophrenia, and forensic psychology.

All assessments are equally weighted (33% of the grade each), written exams combining multiple-choice, short-answer, and extended writing questions.

Beyond the classroom

  • Opportunities to conduct and analyse psychological experiments.
  • From online psychology conferences to visits from psychologists and neuroscientists, we will explore a range of external activities to advance student’s learning experience.
  • Workshops on mental health awareness and wellbeing.
  • Access to psychology journals and online resources for independent study.
  • Participation in debates on ethical issues in psychological research and applications.

“A Level Psychology opened my eyes to the scientific study of behaviour and prepared me for a degree in neuroscience.”

You will enjoy Psychology if you…

  • You’re fascinated by the workings of the human mind and behaviour.
  • You enjoy combining scientific investigation with theoretical exploration.
  • You want to explore how psychology applies to real-world issues.
  • You thrive in a subject that balances analytical and creative thinking.