Psychology
A LEVEL (AQA)
Psychology is the science of mind and behaviour. You will consider the role of psychology and its various applications within society and discover how people behave in groups and as individuals. Is our behaviour a product of nature or nurture? Are we determined from birth? How can we treat mental disorders? These are some of the questions that psychology will explore.
Key topics
social influence, including why people conform and obey
the development of attachments during infancy
psychopathology which includes explanations and treatment of phobias, depression and OCD
approaches in psychology
biopsychology which includes ‘fight or flight’, the sleep-wake cycle and ways of studying the brain
second year topics focus on the psychology of human relationships, aggression and eating behaviour
there is also a major focus on research methods throughout
You will
study interesting topics such as mental disorders, relationships in social media, why diets don’t always work and aggression in prisons
appreciate the link between psychology and science
design, conduct and carry out practical research
use statistics to test the significance of your results
build upon your analytical skills
apply what you learn to real-life examples
+ Entry requirements
A minimum of 5 GCSEs (average score of 5)
These must include:
- English Language at grade 6
- Maths at grade 5
- Combined Science at 6/6 or Biology, Chemistry or Physics at grade 6
+ Assessment
Assessment methods include:
- Exams
+ What can I study with this course?
This course can be taken as part of an A Level programme.
We recommend that students choose three A Levels or a combination of Level 3 Extended Certificates and A Levels. Depending on your GCSE grades and long-term destination, some students may be able to take up to four A Levels.
If you are planning on progressing to university, the majority of university courses do not require specific subjects. Most universities prefer that you are able to demonstrate skills and competance via the successful completetion of related courses. Therefore we recommend that the most important thing when choosing course combinations is that you choose a range of subjects that your enjoy and excel in.
We do not recommend that your take two courses that are similar to each other in content.
Some courses and universities require that you take specific A Levels for entry onto their courses. Please visit: UCAS.com and explore individual university entry requirements for more information.
If you are planning on studying Medicine, Veterinary Science, Dentistry or other competitive science based courses, most universities require you to take Biology, Chemistry and either Maths, Statistics or Physics.
If you want more information on choosing your A Levels, please speak to your schools career advisor or chat to us at any of our careers or open day events.
+ Why study at NewVIc
Prepare to study many subjects that you have not come across before at school. Popular and interesting subjects such as Psychology, Sociology, Law and Criminology will allow you to engage in a broad range of intriguing topics which explores behaviours, feelings and actions of citizens and criminals.
Trips and opportunities
Criminology students: receive talks from a reformed criminal and a Rwandan genocide survivor as well as talks on honour crime and Jack the Ripper tour.
Law students: visit The Old Bailey court to view a live court case and understand how the judicial system works.
Psychology students: visit ZSL London Zoo and take part in sessions on hypnotherapy, phobias and animal intelligence.
Sociology students: visit to the Museum of Childhood to explore changes in the making of toys throughout history.
Inspirational academics
The Social Sciences team has over 150 years of teaching experience, supporting students with university applications and experience as examiners in sociology, business and psychology. All of the Social Science team have industry experience in a wide range of sectors.
+ How we support you
Whatever support you need, we’re here for you and will make sure you get the most out of your time at college.
We have expert teams in place to look after every single one of our students.
Our specialist teams can help with:
- Learning difficulties
- Physical and sensory disabilities
- Dyslexia, Dyspraxia, ADHD, Aspergers or other specific learning difficulties
- Mental health, counselling and wellbeing
- Exam access arrangements
- Money, finance and bursary advice
- Careers advice, job and university applications
+ Next steps
Psychology is useful for any job that requires lots of interaction or an understanding of human behaviour and development. As a science, Psychology is a thriving academic discipline dedicated to the study of human behaviour and the connected thoughts, feelings, and motivations behind it. People with skills in Psychology are sought after in business, management, sport, teaching, research, social work and careers in counselling and healthcare.
Skills that you will develop from studying Psychology will include analytical and organisational skills and learning about scientific research methods and collecting and working with data. Learning about human behaviour can also help to build your communication , teamwork and leadership skills.
+ Top universities for Psychology
The Complete University Guide give university rankings each year. If you are planning on progressing to university, find out which universities are ranked most highly for Psychology.