Psychology A Level

A minimum of five GCSEs at grades 4 or above, including English Language and Maths.  Grade 4 or above in any GCSE Science subject, or grade 4:4 or above in Combined Science.

Psychology can be defined as the scientific study of human behaviour and on this course you will learn how to describe, predict and modify human behaviour. Psychology is a challenging subject and requires not only written communication skills, but also the ability to collect, analyse and evaluate data. You can expect to engage in class debates, conduct practicals and address interesting questions, for example:

• Are criminals born or made?
• How and why do memory disorders such as Alzheimer’s occur?
• Do you think that our behaviour is shaped by our environment or is it a product of our biology?

Year 1
You will research psychological phenomena such as memory, obedience and addiction, as well as gaining an understanding of mental illnesses such as schizophrenia.

Year 2
You will apply your knowledge to areas of psychology such as clinical and criminal psychology.
All students will develop a thorough understanding of research methodology including both qualitative and quantitative methods of investigating complex human behaviour.

Examination papers include a range of short and extended answer questions and there are three papers at the end of the two year course.

Our students go on to do a number of different courses at university due to the transferable skills acquired at A Level, such as Psychology, Teaching, Social Work, Nursing, Medicine and Law. It is also useful in careers such Physiotherapy, the Police and Business.

Trips include a visit to the Criminology Conference to gain an understanding of contemporary research in Criminology with the opportunity to meet a convicted offender to question whether prison is a useful deterrent for crime. Workshops at Chester Zoo help to consider how psychological theory is used to manage and train animals.

You can apply online via the APPLY NOW button and then add an additional two or three subjects to make up your academic programme. You can also apply for a second, alternative vocational programme of study via a separate application. If after reading this factsheet, you are still undecided about the course most suitable for you, please drop in to one of our Open Evenings, ring Admissions on 01743 260401 or email admissions@scg.ac.uk