About this course
This course is ideal for students who are fascinated by human behaviour and want to understand the scientific study of the mind. You will explore why people think, feel and behave in different ways while developing your understanding of research, evidence and psychological theory. Students who enjoy analysing information, debating ideas and applying scientific concepts to real-life situations will particularly benefit from this course.
Psychology combines scientific investigation with social understanding, making it both challenging and highly relevant to everyday life. Throughout the course, you will examine a range of psychological perspectives and consider how biological, cognitive, social and environmental factors influence behaviour. You will investigate contemporary issues such as mental health, criminal behaviour, memory and relationships, while developing valuable analytical and research skills.
The course offers an engaging balance of theory, research and real-world application, preparing students for further study and a wide range of careers involving people, science and society.
What will you learn?
Throughout the course, you will study a broad range of fascinating psychological topics while developing your understanding of scientific research and evidence.
Social Influence – conformity, obedience and resistance to social influence.
Memory – models of memory, explanations for forgetting and eyewitness testimony.
Attachment – early relationships, caregiver interactions, deprivation and institutionalisation.
Biopsychology – the nervous system, neurons, synaptic transmission, endocrine system and the fight-or-flight response.
Clinical Psychology – definitions of mental health, phobias, depression, obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) and psychological treatments.
Research Methods – scientific investigation, experimental design, data analysis and statistical testing.
Issues and Debates – including the nature versus nurture debate, free will and determinism, and ethical issues.
Gender – explanations of gender development and the influence of biological and social factors.
Schizophrenia – classification, diagnosis, explanations and treatments.
Forensic Psychology – explanations of criminal behaviour, offender profiling and approaches to reducing offending.
Students will also develop an understanding of psychological approaches, scientific thinking, critical evaluation and the application of research to contemporary issues and everyday life.
Who is this course aimed at?
This course is aimed at students who are interested in understanding people, behaviour and the science behind the mind. It is suitable for learners who enjoy critical thinking, analysing evidence, debating ideas and exploring contemporary issues. Psychology is particularly appropriate for students considering careers in healthcare, education, criminal justice, counselling or social sciences.
The course also suits those who enjoy independent study, reading beyond the classroom and applying knowledge to unfamiliar situations. Students should be organised, willing to meet regular deadlines and prepared to evaluate different viewpoints using scientific evidence. A Level Psychology provides excellent preparation for higher education and develops transferable skills valued across a wide range of university courses and professional careers.
Students should have achieved Grade 5 or above in GCSE English, Maths and Biology, with an average GCSE points score of 5 or above. A genuine interest in current affairs, scientific enquiry and human behaviour is expected. This course is best suited to students who enjoy analysing evidence, thinking critically and exploring why people think, feel and behave as they do.
Assessment takes place through three written examinations at the end of the two-year course. Students will complete three assessments covering a broad range of psychological topics, research methods and approaches. There is no coursework; all assessment is examination based and requires students to apply knowledge, analyse research and evaluate psychological theories and evidence.
Students will develop skills in:
Analytical thinking – interpreting evidence, evaluating theories and drawing reasoned conclusions.
Communication and teamwork – discussing psychological concepts and presenting balanced arguments.
Research and investigation – designing investigations, analysing data and understanding scientific methods.
Time management – organising independent study, meeting deadlines and managing revision effectively.
Problem-solving – applying psychological knowledge to unfamiliar scenarios and evaluating solutions.
Academic skills – essay writing, critical evaluation, resilience, numeracy and effective use of psychological terminology.
Progression routes
Possible progression routes include careers in:
Clinical, educational or forensic psychology
Medicine, nursing and other healthcare professions
Speech and language therapy
Teaching and education
Social work and counselling
Criminal justice, policing and probation services
Human resources and organisational psychology
Marketing, business and research
Degree Routes:
Psychology, Medicine, Neuroscience, Criminology, Sociology, Education, Social Work, Nursing, Midwifery and Speech & Language Therapy.
Apprenticeships:
Healthcare, policing, social care, education, business and public sector apprenticeship programmes.
This course also provides an excellent foundation for higher education and degree-level study, while developing transferable analytical, research and communication skills valued by employers across many industries.
Related Courses
Looking for something that works well with this course? Here are some related courses to consider.
Criminology
Biology
