Psychology A Level

Social Sciences

We are only accepting one application per candidate.

What will you be working towards?

Code	TRC52
Qualification Type	GCE A/AS Level or Equivalent
Qualification Level	Level 3
Course type	Full Time

Overview

Psychology is the scientific study of the mind and how it influences our behaviour.

Throughout the two years you will develop psychological knowledge, understanding and skills by learning the AQA A Level Psychology specification.

Details

Unit 1: Introductory Topics

You will study four topics: Social Influence; Memory, Attachment and Psychopathology.

Unit 2: Psychology in Context

This unit is designed to explore the origins of psychology and the scientific nature of the subject. You will study Approaches, Biopsychology, Research Methods and Statistics.

Unit 3: Issues and options in psychology

This unit is designed to introduce you to three contemporary topic areas (Gender development, Schizophrenia and Forensics) and the main issues and

debates within psychology. Throughout each unit you will develop an understanding of the scientific nature of psychology and look at a range of concepts, theories, studies and applications as well as evaluative issues relating to them. Some of the key questions we will explore include:

• How do you treat OCD?

• What might lead humans to commit genocide?

• How does attachment in infancy affect adult relationships?

• What causes schizophrenia?

• To what extent is gender identity genetic or learnt?

Throughout the course you will also develop your own research skills by carrying out a range of practical investigations. This will enable you to develop your knowledge of research methods, statistics and the scientific method.

However, we will go beyond AQA specification (in class and through extracurricular opportunities) to prepare you more widely for the next steps in your education and employment. For example, we will develop your understanding of your own brain and mental processes, learn how to learn and teach effectively, offer you opportunities to participate in research with wider bodies/Universities and gain work experience. We will also explore a few

of the most recent psychological research findings and enable you to search for and read journal articles.

How will it be delivered?

Psychology is assessed entirely thorough three exams each lasting two hours. You will sit all of your exams in the summer of your second year. There is no coursework.

Each exam is assessed through a mix of multiple choice, short answer and extended writing questions.

Entry requirements

Grade 5 Maths. 2 x Grade 4 in GCSE Science. Grade 5 English Language.

Your next steps...

A Level Psychology is useful for a degree in Psychology or the related fields of Anthropology, Counselling, Criminology, Neuroscience, Occupational Therapy, Forensic Science, Sociology and Teaching.

A degree in Psychology is the first step to a career as a Chartered Psychologist (Clinical, Educational, Occupational, Forensic, Sport or Teaching and Research).

In terms of other professions, Psychology is useful for Business and Marketing, Medical, Mental Health and Social Care professions, work in Prisons and the Probation Service, Social Work and Education. You will also find it useful in many wider areas of work including leadership and management and coaching.

There are clear links between psychological literacy and the skills identified as valued by employers, such as effective communication skills, evidence-based problem solving abilities, thinking critically and adopting an evaluative approach to work. However, the ability to apply psychological literacy has a much greater potential: the ability to benefit global society and to enrich individual lives and communities.

Back to courses

Thomas Rotherham College (TRC)

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Moorgate Road, Rotherham, South Yorkshire, S60 2BE

Available dates

01/09/2021 to 31/08/2022
Thomas Rotherham College
1 Year(s)
Full time
Daytime/working hours