Psychology (A-level)

If you are fascinated by the complexities of human behaviour, then the study of psychology is ideal for you. This well-established course encourages students to engage with psychology in their everyday lives and to adopt a scientific approach to studying human behaviour.

If you are interested in studying A-level Psychology, you may also be interested in our alternative pathway, T-level in Education and Childcare. All A-level applicants are encouraged to research alternative pathways before accepting their offer to study A-levels.

You will need at least five GCSEs at grade 4 (C) or above, including English Language at grade 5 (C/B) and Maths at grade 5.

In addition, you should have GCSE Combined Science at grade 5,5 or above.  If you have taken Triple Science, then Biology must be at grade 5, with the other two sciences at grade 4.

A recent school report will be required which demonstrates a committed attitude to learning.

It is assumed that students enrol on a two-year A-level programme of study consisting of three or more subjects. However, students will be expected to demonstrate a committed attitude to learning and make positive progress in their first year of study.

Unit 1 – Introductory topics in psychology

Students will explore a range of introductory topics in psychology. These include social influence, memory, attachment and psychopathology.  Students will demonstrate knowledge and understanding of psychological concepts, theories, research studies, research methods and ethical issues in relation to Paper 1 content. They will also apply psychological knowledge and understanding in a range of contexts.

Unit 2 – Psychology in context

Students will be learning about approaches in psychology (biological, cognitive, psychodynamic, humanistic, behavioural and origins of psychology), biopsychology and research methods. Students will demonstrate knowledge and understanding of psychological concepts, theories, research studies, research methods and ethical issues in relation to Paper 2 and apply their psychological knowledge and understanding of the specified Paper.

Unit 3 – Issues and options in psychology

Students will be learning about issues and debates in psychology, gender (sex-role stereotypes, androgyny and gender identity disorder), stress (managing and recognising when the body is stressed) and forensic psychology (offender profiling and dealing with profiling behaviour). Students will demonstrate knowledge and understanding of psychological concepts, theories, research studies, research methods and ethical issues in relation to the specified Paper 3 content.

We also have visits and in-house talks by specification-based psychologists.

This course will be delivered on-site.

It is advisable to buy a copy of AQA Psychology for AS Level Year 1 and AS  – Student Book by Cara Flanagan, Dave Berry and Rob Liddle (Illuminate Publishing £15- £20)

Assessment is 100% by written essay-based examination.

Unit 1 – Introductory topics in psychology – two-hour exam (96 marks) worth 33.3%

Unit 2 – Psychology in context – two-hour exam (96 marks) worth 33.3%

Unit 3 – Issues and options in psychology – two-hour exam (96 marks) worth 33.3%

Careers 

This A-level is valuable for careers in areas such as:

• Social services
• The probation service
• The armed forces
• Hospital administration
• Occupational therapy
• Physiotherapy
• Personnel
• Banking
• Retail management
• Teaching
• Lecturing

Further study 

You can progress to university study in fields such as:

• Biological Sciences
• Social Sciences
• Criminology
• Education
• Law

For more information, contact Derby College Group on 0800 0280289 or enquiries@derby-college.ac.uk