Psychology

Why study Psychology?

Psychology is the scientific study of the mind and behaviour.

It explores how people think, feel and act, both individually and in groups. Psychology aims to understand mental functions, emotional processes, and social behaviours through observation, experimentation, and analysis.

Studying A-level Psychology can be a great choice for the following reasons:

1. Understanding Human Behaviour
   Psychology helps you explore why people think, feel, and behave the way they do. 
2. Developing Transferable Skills
   You’ll gain skills that are valuable in many careers.
3. It Is a gateway to Many Careers
   Psychology A-level is useful for a wide range of university courses and careers.
4. It is a scientific and social blend
5. It’s a unique subject that combines science (biology, experiments, statistics) with social science (theories, case studies, ethics) — ideal if you enjoy both.
6. Gaining insight into mental health

You’ll learn about conditions like depression, anxiety, schizophrenia, and how they’re treated.

Course overview 

The aim of the AQA A-level Psychology course is to provide students with a comprehensive and engaging introduction to the field of psychology, while also developing key academic and practical skills that are valued in higher education and employment.

The core aim:

• Understand the Fundamentals of Psychology
• Develop Critical Skills
• Apply Psychological Concepts
• Engage with Contemporary Debates
• Prepare for Further Study or Careers
• Flexible and Coherent Learning

You will study:

• Memory, attachment, and social influence
• Clinical psychology and Mental Health (e.g. depression, phobias)
• Approaches in psychology (biological, cognitive, behavioural, psychodynamic, etc)
• Research methods and data analysis
• Optional topics: schizophrenia, forensic psychology and cognition and development

The course covers a broad range of topics designed to give students a comprehensive understanding of psychological principles, research methods, and real-world applications.  The course also emphasizes mathematical skills, critical thinking, and scientific inquiry, with assessments including multiple-choice, short answer, and extended essay questions.

How is the course assessed?

The AQA A-level Psychology is assessed through three written exam papers, all taken at the end of the two-year course. Here's a breakdown of the assessment structure:

Paper 1: Introductory Topics in Psychology

• Content: Social Influence, Memory, Attachment, Clinical Psychology and Mental Health 
• 2 hours
• 96 marks
• 33.3% of A-level

Paper 2: Psychology in Context

• Content: Approaches in Psychology, Biopsychology, Research Methods
• 2 hours
• 96 marks
• 33.3% of A-level

Paper 3: Issues and Options in Psychology

• Content Compulsory: Issues and Debates in Psychology

Optional Topics:

• Group 1: Cognition and Development
• Group 2: Schizophrenia
• Group 3: Forensic Psychology
  2 hours
  96
  33.3% of A-level

Assessment Objectives (AOs)

• AO1: Knowledge and understanding of psychological concepts, theories, research studies, methods, and ethical issues
• AO2: Application of psychological knowledge and understanding
• AO3: Analysis, interpretation, and evaluation of psychological information, ideas, and evidence

These exams are linear, meaning all assessments are taken at the end of the course rather than being modular.

What will I do in lessons?

Psychology lessons are well structured, engaging, informative and interactive, helping students develop and explore the scientific study of the mind and behaviour. The course is structured around key topics and skills which includes a mix of theory, application, evaluation with exam focus.

Students are provided with up-to-date textbooks, topic companions and handout resource, to review and consolidate content at a comprehensive level and to apply exam practice skill development.

A vast variety of learning activities are used to support A-Level Psychology students in deepening their understanding of key concepts, theories, and research methods:

• Retrieval practice
• Mini experiments
• Case study analysis
• Debates and discussion
• Essay planning and peer review
• Interactive games
• Data analysis tasks
• Concept mapping
• Flipped learning

This approach ensures that students not only gain in-depth knowledge of psychological theory and concepts but are also well-prepared for the demands of A Level assessment.

What Independent study will be expected? 

Expect to spend 5 hours per week outside of class on:

• Learn key theories and studies (e.g., Milgram’s obedience study, Bowlby’s attachment theory)
• Apply psychological concepts to real-life scenarios or exam-style questions 
• Evaluate research – strengths, weaknesses, ethical issues, and methodological concerns Practice exam questions – short answers, 8-mark, and 16-mark essays.
• Group discussions and debates – especially around controversial topics like mental health or criminal behaviour
• Conduct mini-experiments or observations to understand research methods
• Use case studies and media (videos, articles, podcasts) to explore psychological phenomena

---

Exam Board

AQA

Link to specification

---

GCSE entry requirements:

• 6 in Mathematics required
• 6 in English Language required
• 6 in any science subject required

What A Levels go well with this one?

Psychology is a social science, A-levels that complement Psychology well include subjects that develop analytical thinking, understanding of human behaviour, and scientific reasoning. 

Biology is a strong choice, as it provides insight into the physiological aspects of behaviour and mental processes. Sociology pairs well by offering a broader view of societal influences on behaviour, while Mathematics can be useful for understanding research methods and data analysis in psychology. English, History and Politics also support psychology by enhancing critical thinking and essay-writing skills, which are essential for articulating psychological arguments and theories.  Other social science subjects work well with Psychology; these include Economics and Business Studies.

Choosing a combination of these subjects can provide a well-rounded foundation for further study or careers in psychology and related fields.

What can I do beyond A Levels with this subject? 

Many students at Woodhouse progress to study psychology at Russell group universities and a growing number of students take up places at Oxford and Cambridge to study experimental psychology or psychology with behavioural sciences.

As well as Psychology, students can move onto a variety of related degrees including criminology, sociology, education, social work, counselling, neuroscience, human resources, marketing and business psychology.

Psychology-Specific Careers include Clinical Psychologist, Educational Psychologist, Forensic Psychologist, Occupational Psychologist, Counsellor or Therapist, Neuropsychologist, Health Psychologist

Other related Career Options include NHS/Social services, Mental Health Support Worker, Teaching Assistant, Youth Worker, Human Resources Assistant, Marketing Assistant, Police Officer or Probation Officer, Research Assistant.

---

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between Psychology and Sociology?

Psychology is the study of individual mind and behaviour

Sociology is the study of society and group behaviour

What is the difference between a psychologist and a psychiatrist?

Psychologist: Typically holds a PhD or PsyD and provides therapy.

Psychiatrist: A medical doctor (MD) who can prescribe medication.

How do I become a psychologist?

To become a psychologist in the UK, please find a clear step-by-step guide based on the latest gov.uk guidance.

What opportunities are there to study Psychology further at Woodhouse?

Psychology academy is a super-curricular activity which encourages an awareness of a range of significant topics which are not studied on the Psychology curriculum.  This involves discussing and participating in critical research and report writing plus visits and presentations from specialist guest speakers within the profession, such as counsellors, scientists and therapists. This supports the holistic development needed for success at A level, university and beyond.