Examination Board : AQA
Link to Specification : http://www.aqa.org.uk/qual/gceasa/psya.php
Units Taken : 1,2,3,4

The course covers a brief overview of the core areas of Psychology at AS. Students learn about memory, stress, abnormality, why people obey and conform, how our childhood affects our subsequent development and how to carry out Psychological studies. The programme of study enables students to gain an understanding of the key theoretical perspectives in Psychology; the Psychodynamic, Behaviourism, Evolutionary and Cognitive approaches.

At A2 course areas are covered in greater depth. They study new areas including sleep and dreaming, aggression and helping behaviour, Depression and schizophrenia, Developmental Psychology.

Students develop some of the key skills of a Psychologist throughout the course. They learn how to plan, carry out, and analyse their own research. They will be able to carry out observations, experiments and interviews competently. They develop the higher order skills of synthesis and application, many of the examination questions require students to apply their knowledge to real life situations. During lessons they will be required to improve their listening and interpersonal skills which are paramount in Psychology.

Other more generic skills that they we acquire will be effective writing skills. They are required to write focused, concise and well balanced essays.

Entry Requirements (all A2 subjects carry a minimum requirement of a D-grade AS level)

The school offer for entry is 5 GCSEs at B Grade and above with English Language or Literature and Mathematics at A* - C grade.

B in Maths, English and Science

Entry Suggestions

Students need to be scientifically minded and able to write balanced essays.

If you are made an offer and meet the required grade, you will be expected to complete the following before your first lesson in September:


Write a one page summary of what is meant by psychology.
Find 2 articles from different newspapers that refer to psychological theory, ideas or studies.

Resources needed for this course (Books, Field-trips etc)

AS Psychology: The Complete Companion £15.99 (Cat book)