Why study psychology?

If you are interested in people and human behaviour, then psychology is for you. You will develop a sound understanding of the leading approaches and key research areas in the science of mind and behaviour. During the course you will examine a wide range of topics including memory, social influence, schizophrenia and forensic psychology. You will also develop your communication, analysis and evaluation skills.

Knowledge and skills developed through studying psychology can be applied across a wide range of pathways including arts, social sciences and traditional sciences, leading to careers in psychology, law, medicine, nursing, teaching and social work.

What will I learn about?

Introductory topics in psychology
Studying social influence, memory, attachment and psychopathology.

Psychology in context
You will discover the key approaches in psychology, biopsychology and research methods in psychology to understand the way psychological research is conducted.

Issues and options in psychology
You will study issues and debates in psychology such as the nature-nurture and freewill vs determinism debates. You will then study three psychological topics in depth – gender development, schizophrenia and forensic psychology.

How will I be assessed?

• Examinations

Future pathways and careers

• Clinical psychologist
• Educational psychologist
• Research psychologist
• Law
• Journalism
• Nursing
• Teaching
• Social sciences

Course level

A Level and AS

Entry requirements

GCSE at grade 5 in science and grade 4 in English and maths.

Examination board

AQA

Specification

7181/7182