AQA Syllabus A

Introduction

 

Psychology A Level will offer you the opportunity to look at some of the explanations psychologists make to understand humans and their interactions with the world.

The course aims to develop your awareness and

understanding of psychological theories, research, concepts and methods and of ethical issues in psychology, such as the ethical implications of psychological research.

You will explore many different areas of Psychology, including the core areas of Cognitive, Social, Developmental, Biological and Social Psychology together with Individual Differences and Research Methods.

The topics covered will reflect some contemporary issues and Classic research studies. Through designing and reporting psychological investigations, you will develop the skills of analysis, interpretation and evaluation.

From a personal perspective you should find the fundamental
questions of psychology interesting:-

Why do I behave like this? Why do I feel like this? Why do I think like this?

Psychology combines well with many subjects including Sociology, English Literature, Mathematics and Biology. It is not necessary to have studied Psychology A Level to follow a degree course in Psychology but it is relevant to any of the caring professions as well as employment in such diverse areas as advertising, management and human resources.

 

Course Details

 

AS Unit 1: Cognitive Psychology: Memory: Developmental 

                   Psychology: Early Social Development.

                   Research Methods.

       Unit 2: Individual Differences: Psychopathology.

                   Biological Psychology: Stress. Social

                   Psychology: Social Influences.

 

A2 Unit 3: Topics in Psychology = 3 from: Biological

                  rhythms and sleep, Perception,

                  Relationships, Aggression, Eating Behaviour,

                  Gender, Intelligence and Learning and

                  Cognition and Development.

      Unit 4: Psychopathology: Schizophrenia or Depression

                  or Anxiety Disorders. Psychology in Action:

                  Addiction or Media Psychology or Anomalistic

                  Psychology. Psychological Research and

                  Scientific Method.

 

Subject Specific GCSE requirements

As you will need to be able to communicate effectively and to handle research data, GCSE Grade B or above in English, Mathematics and (especially) Double Award Science or Single Sciences is required.

AQA

Introduction

 

The course has five main aims. These are to:

1) enable you to acquire knowledge and a critical understanding of contemporary social processes

and structures.
2) appreciate the significance of theoretical and conceptual issues in sociological debate.
3) understand sociological methodology and a range of research methods.
4) reflect on your own experience of the social world in

which you live.

5) develop skills which enhance your ability to participate

more effectively in adult life. Specific skills will include the ability to acquire and present evidence and the interpretation and evaluation of that evidence in relation to a range of sociological debates.

The subject is not one in which there is a clear cut correct answer to each issue. Rather there are a number of perspectives which you will need to consider before you reach your own conclusion. Therefore a willingness to keep an open-mind and to discuss issues is essential. You will need to be prepared to work independently on coursework and to maintain a high level of awareness of relevant current affairs.

The course will challenge your previously held views, but should also lead to a much greater understanding of the society in which you live.

 

Course Details

 

AS Unit 1: Families and Households or Culture and Identity

      Unit 2: Education

 

A2 Unit 3: Beliefs in Society or Global Development

      Unit 4: Crime and Deviance and Theory and Methods

 

 

Subject specific GCSE requirements

Grade B or above in English Literature or Language.