Psychology

This is an excellent A’ level as it really is an introduction to the subject as a whole. It covers all the areas of psychology that would be studied at university and beyond and in the same format. In AS memory is studied as part of cognitive psychology, early social attachments of children in developmental psychology, stress in biological psychology, mental abnormality in psychopathology and conformity and obedience in social psychology. There is strong emphasis on theories, research methods and the role of science.

A2 psychology covers a wide spectrum of the study of psychology and there is a chance to make choices in terms of topics to be studied. Three topics from the following are studied for the first A2 paper: biological rhythms and sleep, perception, eating behaviour, relationships, aggression, gender, intelligence, intelligence and learning and cognition and development. We tend to learn the first three on the above list. In the second paper we also have to learn three topics. There is a compulsory and challenging research methods question which builds on AS content but goes further and includes the understanding of and application of statistical tests but there is no use of maths. One form of mental illness is studied in depth in terms of classification, characteristics, treatment and possible cure. Our chosen condition is schizophrenia. One of the following contemporary issues is studied: media psychology, the psychology of addictive behaviour and also anomalistic [paranormal] behaviour. We study the last one.

In A2 there is strong emphasis on research and the role of science, the major approaches and debates on reductionism and determinism. Students are expected to apply a synoptic approach to the final paper, bringing together wide ranging aspects of the course.

If you have an interest in the workings of the human mind and human and animal behaviour then seriously consider taking psychology as an A’ level. It complements both science and arts subjects. Not only will you gain insight in terms of why people behave the way they do but you will acquire skills that will be useful throughout life. Studying psychology helps to develop a perceptive, analytical, evaluative and questioning mind.

Psychology can be studied at university as a degree in its own right or as an applied subject, eg. forensic. The career options are endless ranging through forensics, therapy, police, education, research, medicine to teaching and many more.

AS is short questions for the main part with one extended essay. A2 is essay based. There is no coursework. It is a challenging academic subject but is also current, controversial and endlessly entertaining. Research is always taking place, new ideas fly around. Arguments abound as do controversial and very important issues like the provision of therapy on the NHS.