Psychology

Psychology is the study of behaviour and how human beings develop from birth. It is concerned with thoughts, feelings and motivations which underline how we behave. The AS Level will consist of two modules with three sections in each module. Each of the sections explores one area of human development.

AS Module 1

Cognitive Psychology, Developmental Psychology and Research Methods
Topic List
• Cognitive psychology, including memory and eyewitness testimony
• Developmental psychology, including early social development, attachment and the effects of day care
• Research methods, in the context of the topic areas.

AS Module 2

Biological Psychology, Social Psychology and Individual Differences
Topic List
• Biological Psychology, including stress, factors affecting stress, coping with stress and managing stress
• Social psychology, including majority and minority influence, obedience and independent behaviour
• Individual differences, including definitions of abnormality, approaches and therapies.

A2 Module 3

Topics in Psychology
Topic List
• Biological rhythms and sleep
• Perception
• Relationships
• Aggression
• Eating behaviour
• Gender
• Intelligence and learning
• Cognition and development

A2 Module 4

Psychopathology, Psychology in Action and Research Methods
Topic List
• Biological approach, behaviourism, social learning theory, cognivie psychodynamic and humanistic approaches
• Comparison of approaches
• Debates in psychology
• Methods in psychology, inferential statistics, issues in research

Links with other subjects

Psychology fits very well with a wide range of subjects especially sociology, sport studies, biology, business studies, art and English language.

Post A Level

The subject provides an excellent background for a degree in psychology as well as a wide range of other courses in the social science, humanities and health related areas. It is also looked on favourably for medical school entry, if combined with chemistry and biology. In many cases psychology is counted as a science A level for university entry purposes, thus widening the range of courses available to you with other non-science subjects.