Psychology

Psychology is the study of the mind and behaviour. We explore different approaches to explaining human behaviour, from the biological approach who attribute behaviour to genes and neural activity to behaviourism who attribute behaviour to rewards and punishments. We study a range of topics within the discipline, including social influence, forensics and schizophrenia. In addition, you will learn how to conduct psychological research, as well as have the opportunity to participate in class experiments.

Psychology complements a range of A-level subjects, including English Literature, Biology, Law, Sociology and Criminology. You will also develop a range of transferrable skills including the ability to summarise and evaluate ideas, conduct research, and analyse data.

Students follow the AQA psychology course

In year 12, you will have 2 formal exams in the summer term:

• Paper 1: Social Influence, Memory, Attachment
• Paper 2: Approaches and Biopsychology, Psychopathology, Research Methods

In year 13, you will have 3 formal exams in the summer term:

• Paper 1: Social Influence, Memory, Attachment, Psychopathology
• Paper 2: Approaches, Biopsychology, Research Methods
• Paper 3: Issues and Debates, Gender, Schizophrenia, Forensics

Psychology is a great subject for the curious; particularly if you are interested in developing an understanding of yourself and others, and exploring how psychological knowledge can help to explain everyday social phenomena. Psychology students should enjoy observing and analyzing behavior, participating in discussions and have basic mathematical skills.

Psychology is a great subject for almost all careers where you will be dealing with people, and is a useful first step for careers in advertising, marketing, research, forensics, therapy, leisure and tourism, criminology, education and health and social care.