Play Video NowPsychology
Psychology is the study of human behaviour and experience. This course will introduce you to the theories and methods of Psychology. It offers the opportunity to look at some of the explanations psychologists make to understand humans and their interactions with the world. From a personal perspective you should find the fundamental questions of the psychologist interesting:
Why do I behave like this? Why do I feel like this? and Why do I think like this?
These questions are explored through a series of activities including research studies and practical work. You will study a variety of psychological studies that represent the range of psychologists' interests and the methods they use. A practical examination gives you the opportunity to apply some of these methods in your own research. The course aims to develop both your psychological skills as well as your psychological knowledge.
Before starting this course it would be helpful if you have some communication and numeracy skills. A GCSE grade C in English would be beneficial. Psychologists use statistical data in their research and analysis so numeracy skills are helpful.
Psychology has close ties with a range of disciplines. Other subjects that go well with Psychology are Biology and Mathematics. Students of Psychology may use their qualification to study the subject or related disciplines at a higher level, or go on to work in a variety of different fields.
The AS level comprises of two units. In the first unit students will be expected to develop knowledge and understanding of concepts, theories and studies in relation to Cognitive Psychology including Memory, Developmental Psychology and Research Methods. Topics such as memory models, eye witness testimony, explanations of child attachment and the impact of day care on children's social development will be studied. In unit 2 students will be expected to develop the same skills with regard to Biological Psychology, Social Psychology and Individual Differences. Topics such as the body's response to stress, explanations of why people conform to authority and definitions of abnormality will be studied.
At A2 students will study Biological Rhythms and Sleep, Relationships and Eating Behaviour. There will also be a synoptic paper as well as more research methods.
Lessons are often based around practical activity but you will also be required to take notes from a variety of sources e.g. video, OHP, handouts and textbooks. You will also make use of the school's extensive ICT resources.