Psychology AS/A Level

Curriculum Area: Social Sciences

Psychology AS/A Level

Advanced Subsidiary (AS)

The Advanced Subsidiary (AS) is studied in the first year. The two modules to be studied will be:

Unit 1 Approaches in Psychology: Biological, Psychodynamic, Behaviourist and Cognitive. Unit 2 Ten Core Studies and Applied Research Methods.

Advanced Level (A2)

The two modules to be covered for A2 will be:

Unit 3 Research Methods and Issues in research, including ethics in human and non-human research and the advantages of the scientific method. Unit 4 Controversies, including free will/determinism, cultural bias and gender bias. Topics, including memory and adolescence and adulthood. Applications: abnormal psychology.

Methods of Teaching and Learning

The courses are taught by well-qualified and experienced members of staff. Students will learn through a variety of methods including whole-class lessons, group work and individual work. Students will be expected to carry out reading and note-taking as part of their extension work.

Methods of Assessment

Both the AS and the A2 Psychology course are 100% exam-based.

Unit 1: Approaches 1h 15mins written paper 40% of total AS marks/20% of total A level marks Unit 2: Core studies and Applied research methods 1h 45mins written paper 60% of total AS/30% of total A level marks Unit 3 : Research methods and Issues in research 1h 30mins written paper 20% of total A level marks Unit 4: Controversies, Topics and Applications 2h 30mins written paper 30% of total A level marks

The Advanced Subsidiary (AS) award comprises two assessment units corresponding with the two modules studied. The assessment units take the form of examinations involving structured questions on the material studied.

The Advanced Level (AS + A2) award comprises the two assessment units from the AS Level plus two further assessment units. The A2 assessment units take the form of examinations involving a combination of focused, short-answer and essay-based questions on the material studied.

Resources

A variety of textbooks are used within the classroom and some resources are also available on the college’s virtual learning environment (Moodle). In addition to this, the library provides a range of resources which students use throughout the course including books, journals and CDROMS.

Progression

The skills and knowledge acquired through studying Psychology provide a sound basis for students who wish to enter Higher Education and as a degree in its own right. It is also a suitable course for those who wish to take up employment immediately from college. The course provides a useful background for nursing, personnel work, and teaching. Some students may wish to follow through their interest in this subject to work in an applied area of psychology.

Entry Requirements

Five GCSE’s at least Grade C or above or the equivalent including GCSE English, Maths and Core and Additional Science (Double Science) at grade C or above.