Psychology A Level Results

Nearly half of students achieved an A* to A in 2022 compared to 1/3^rd in 2019

Psychology at KS5 – An Overview

Psychology is the scientific study of the mind and behaviour. It is a multidimensional subject and includes many sub-fields such as human development, health, clinical, social behaviour, and cognitive processes. The study of psychology develops an array of transferrable skills which can lead to a choice of careers.

What will I study in year 1?

Your first year will cover the same topic areas:

Approaches in Psychology

You will learn about five psychological approaches:

• Biological
• Psychodynamic
• Behaviourist
• Cognitive
• Positive

Each approach explains human behaviour in a slightly different way.

Research in Psychology

You will learn more about how psychologists design and conduct research.

As part of the A Level course you will get the opportunity to undertake two of your own research projects. These can be undertaken as a class, in groups, in pairs or individually.

What will I study in year 2?

In the second year of the A-level you'll deepen your understanding of psychology by looking at a range of interesting human behaviours. You will study three of the following six behaviours:

• Addictive behaviours
• Autistic spectrum behaviours
• Bullying behaviours
• Criminal behaviours
• Schizophrenia
• Stress

You will then apply your psychological knowledge to a range of contemporary debates:

• Cultural bias
• Ethical costs of conducting research
• Non-human animals
• Scientific status
• Sexism

How will I be assessed?

At A-level there are three exams.

Each, accounts for one third of your A-level.

Each exam lasts 2 hours 15 minutes and is worth 100 marks.

The exams consist of short answer and extended writing questions.

t