Course Title: Advanced GCE in Psychology
Exam Board: AQA
Subject-specific Entry Criteria: Minimum Grade 6 in a Separate Science GCSE or Grade 6-6 in GCSE Combined Science

Course Overview

Paper 1: Introductory topics in Psychology – Social Influence, Memory, Attachment and Psychopathology

In Social Influence, you will learn the processes that cause humans to conform and obey, including researching some of the most influential psychological studies of all time.

In Memory, you will learn about how your memory works, how accurate eyewitness testimonies are and strategies to improve your memory.

In Attachment, you will learn about how we develop emotional attachments to others as a child, as well as what happens if we are unable to make these attachments.

In Psychopathology, you will study depression, OCD and phobias. You will investigate potential causes and treatments for these disorders.

Paper 2: Psychology in Context – Approaches in Psychology, Biopsychology, Research

In Approaches to Psychology, you will learn about the different famous theoretical approaches to studying behaviour including, Psychodynamic, Cognitive and Behavioural approaches.

In Biopsychology, you will study the effect of stress on the body, brain damage and the different areas of the brain that control behaviour, biological rhythms and how to study the brain.

In Research Methods, you will learn how to carry out psychological investigations.

Paper 3: Issues and options in Psychology

In this paper we will explore some of the key issues and debates in Psychology including; nature or nurture; free will versus determinism.

Other optional topics that will be explored include aggression, schizophrenia, and cognition and development.

Paper 1: Introductory Topics in Psychology

  • Written exam 2 hours
  • 96 marks
  • 33.3% of A Level
  • Multiple choice, short answer and extended answer questions for each of the 4 topic sections.

Paper 2: Psychology in Context

  • Written exam 2 hours
  • 96 marks
  • 33.3% of A Level
  • Multiple choice, short answer and extended answer questions for each of the 3 topic sections.

Paper 3: Issues and Options in Psychology

  • Written exam 2 hours
  • 96 marks
  • 33% of full A Level
  • Multiple choice, short answer and extended answer questions for each of the 3 topic sections.

A Level Psychology is an excellent stepping stone for studying Psychology/ Sociology/ Criminology at university.

It is useful for health-care related subjects such as Medicine, Nursing, Speech & Language Therapy, Physiotherapy and Education.

Psychology contains a useful mix of both essay writing and logical experimental skills.

Psychology: Clinical, Sport, Health, Educational, Forensic.

Other: any career needing statistical analysis (such as Accountancy) or a focus on human interaction e.g., Teaching, Human Resources (HR), Marketing, Business Management to name a few.

  • Create revision resources throughout the course and revise the content throughout the two years to fully prepare for your exams
  • Use exam practice questions to assess your knowledge
  • Performance on extended answer questions is key to success. Create essay plans for every potential topic and practise writing them under timed conditions
  • Read around the subject and seek out current research in Psychology via the BPS Research Digest.