Course title Advanced GCE in Psychology
Exam board AQA
Subject specific entry criteria Grade 6 in GCSE Additional Science or a Separate Science GCSE
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Course overview |
Assessment overview |
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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, 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. Other optional topics that will be explored include aggression, schizophrenia, cognition and development. |
Paper 1: Introductory Topics in Psychology 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 33.3% of full A Level Multiple choice, short answer and extended answer questions for each of the 3 topic sections
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Future progression
An excellent stepping stone for studying Psychology/ Sociology/ Criminology at university. Useful for health-care related subjects such as Medicine, Nursing, Speech and Language Therapy, Physiotherapy and Education. Psychology contains a useful mix of both essay writing and logical experimental skills.
Potential careers
Psychology: Clinical, Sport, Health, Educational, Forensic.
Other: any career needing statistical analysis (Accountancy) or a focus on human interaction e.g. Human resources, Marketing, Business Management to name a few.
How to succeed in Psychology
- Be organised, read around the subject and seek out current research in Psychology via the BPS Research Digest
- Write focussed essays.