Course Title Advanced GCE in Psychology
Examination Board AQA
Subject Code A Level Award 7182
Course Content
Paper 1: Introductory topics in Psychology: Social Influence, Memory, Attachment and Psychopathology
In Social Psychology you will learn the processes that cause humans to conform and obey as well as their real life applications, including researching some of the most influential psychological studies of all time. In Cognitive Psychology you will learn about; how your memory works; how accurate eyewitness testimonies are; and strategies to improve your memory. In the Developmental Psychology topic 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 what is mental illness/madness and the different psychological perspective views on the issue. You will also explore what causes mental illnesses including OCD and depression.
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, bodily rhythms and how to study the brain. In Research methods you 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. In these topics we explore whether or not our behaviour is due to our genes or is it due to our environment? Other issues that will be studied will include some of the issues associated with psychological research. Other optional topics that will be explored include aggression, schizophrenia, Forensic Psychology, addiction, cognition and development.
Assessment
Paper 1: Introductory Topics in Psychology
2 hours
96 marks
33.3% of full 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 full 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
Future Progression
Psychology complements both the sciences and arts. Psychology degrees are available at nearly all UK universities including the competitive leading universities. Psychology graduates go into diverse fields, including careers in Clinical Psychology, Forensics, Child Health, Sport, Organisation, Counselling and Educational Psychology. It is useful for students studying medicine as universities are developing the psychology element for prospective doctors. It is also very relevant to those wishing to work in any field where the focus is on people e.g. Education, Human Resources, Marketing, Care Work and many more…The combination of essay writing, logical thinking, critical evaluation skills will bode well for any university degree subjects.
Skills gained in Psychology
- Students develop some of the key skills of a Psychologist
- They learn how to plan, carry out, and analyse their own research
- They will be able to carry out observations, experiments and interviews competently
- They develop the higher order skills of synthesis and application, many of the examination questions require students to apply their knowledge to real life situations
- During lessons they will be required to improve their listening and interpersonal skills which are paramount in Psychology
- Other more generic skills that they we acquire will be effective writing skills. They are required to write focused, concise and well balanced essays.