The Emmbrook School

Psychology A-Level

 

Subject: Psychology

Qualification Level: A Level

Qualification Duration: 2 years

Exam Board: AQA

Overview:

Psychology is a fascinating subject that explores the scientific study of the mind and behaviour, both human and non-human. It investigates how we think, feel, and act—helping us understand what motivates us, how we change, and how we interact with others. Psychologists use observation and experimentation to tackle real-world issues, from mental health to social challenges.

Studying psychology allows you to explore key questions such as:

  • Why do some people experience stress or mental illness?
  • How do early experiences shape our development?
  • Is criminal behaviour driven by nature or nurture?

You’ll develop analytical and organisational skills, learn how to conduct scientific research, and work with data. Psychology also builds transferable skills in communication, teamwork, and leadership—valuable for both further study and future careers.

Subject Content:

  • Students will follow the A level AQA specification linear programme. The A level consists of three papers.
  • The following content will be covered over the two years:

Paper 1 - Introductory topics in psychology:

  • Social Influence
  • Memory
  • Attachment
  • Clinical Psychology and Mental Health

Paper 2 - Psychology in context:

  • Approaches in psychology
  • Biopsychology
  • Research methods with inferential statistics

Paper 3 - Issues and debates and other options:

  • Psychology of relationships
  • Forensic psychology
  • Schizophrenia
  • Issues and debates in psychology

 

  • Students will be examined on each paper. Each written exam will be two hours; 96 marks in total and each paper is worth 33.3% of the A level. Individual topics per paper are assessed out of 24 marks.
  • Questions will consist of multiple choice, short answer and extended writing.

The skills that will be assessed are:

  • AO1 - Knowledge/Understanding,
  • AO2 - Application
  • AO3 - Analysis/Evaluation.

Year 1 content:

Year 2 content:

Trips and other costs:

We plan to take students to Psychology conferences, including Science and Pseudoscience and Criminology, which aim to educate, entertain and enthuse students facilitating their understanding and increasing their motivation for Psychology. Furthermore, visits to museums, universities and listening to key speakers will bring psychology to life

Career and further study:

The A level Psychology course is a great subject to study because it will help students develop a range of transferable skills including critical analysis, independent thinking and research. These skills are beneficial in both the working world and when going onto further study.

Studying Psychology at university can give you a whole host of exciting career options and is useful for any job that requires lots of interaction or an understanding of human behaviour and development.

People with skills in psychology are sought after in Business Management: Marketing, Human Resources, Education; Teaching, Lecturing, Research, Social Work, careers in Medicine and Healthcare; Nursing, Sports, Research, Law, Forensic psychology and occupational psychology

 

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