Psychology

What specification is proposed?

AQA Psychology. What will I be covering in the course?

Psychology is the scientific study of the mind and behaviour. Studying psychology will give you an understanding of the fascinating subject of human behaviour and the reasons that we behave the way we do. The course covers a broad range of topics, approaches and areas of psychology as well as studying some applied topics in more depth – below are examples of some of the questions we will consider;

Paper 1 – Introductory topics in psychology

Social influence – Can we explain why Nazi soldiers obeyed orders?
Memory – Why do we forget things?
Attachment – What happens if we don’t form attachments in childhood?
Psychopathology – Why do people develop depression / phobias / OCD?

Paper 2 – Psychology in context

Approaches in psychology – How do the different schools of thought in psychology explain our behaviour?
Biopsychology – How does our brain function?
Research Methods – How do psychologists conduct their research?

Paper 3 – Issues and options in psychology

Issues and debates in psychology – Is free will an illusion?
Relationships – Why do we choose the partners that we do?
Schizophrenia – How can we explain and treat schizophrenia?
Forensic psychology – Are criminals born or made? Is prison the best treatment for offenders?

How will I be assessed?

All assessments take place in the Summer of Year 13

Each unit will be assessed by a written paper lasting 2 hours, all at the end of the second year of study. This will consist of multiple choice, short answer and extended writing questions. Each unit will carry 96 marks and be worth 33.3% of the qualification.

What can I do with this subject?

Psychology provides you with a wide range of transferable skills relevant to any career or further study, such as the ability to analyse, evaluate, think critically, conduct investigations and write reports. Psychology is both relevant and useful for any career that involves other people and as such the list is endless and there are lots of options in terms of career. Careers that use psychology include psychologists (such as clinical or educational psychologists), education, research, health and social care, sport, public services, marketing and PR, management and human resources. Psycholgy particulary goes well with mathematical and scientifc subjects.

Specific entry requirements for this course

Grade 6 in Psychology if previously studied.

Grade 6 in GCSE English (Language/Literature)