MyAV·¶ Sixth Form College
Psychology
Find a course
Psychology A Level
Psychology can be defined as the scientific study of behaviour and experience. It includes consideration of both humans and animals and of normal and abnormal behaviour.
Psychology will help you to understand yourself and others in many ways. It will allow you to challenge the stereotypes and “quick fix” answers often provided by the media to questions relating to mental health and the effect of violent videos on children’s behaviour.
Psychology
What does the course involve?
Psychology deals with scientific research. This includes studying theories and considering the relevance of research studies.
You will also study research methods, investigation design, data analysis and data presentation.
You will develop an understanding of potential ethical issues in Psychology and ways in which Psychologists deal with these issues.
Psychology
Year One
The main topics studied are:
- Research Methods and Statistics in Psychology.
- Memory and Eye-Witness Testimony: Models of memory, forgetting and eye-witness testimony.
- Attachment: Explanations of attachment and maternal deprivations.
- Bio Psychology: The nervous system, endocrine sysytem and the fight or flight response.
- Conformity and Obedience.
- Explaining and Treating OCD, Depression and Phobias.
Year Two
The main topics studied are:
- Research Methods and Statistics in Psychology.
- Approaches, Issues and Debates in Psychology.
- Aggression: Biological, evolutionary and social psychological explanations of aggression.
- Gender or Relationships: Biological and psychological factors in gender development, or explanations of the formation, maintenance and breakdown of romantic relationships.
- Schizophrenia: Biological and psychological treatments.
Please note: /404Certificate in Mathematical Studies must be studied alongside this course, unless you are also studying Mathematics or Statistics.
Trips
You will have the opportunity to attend conferences and lectures.
What can you do after the course?
For some students this may be the first step towards a career in psychology, such as clinical, educational, occupational or sport psychology.
Others have gone on to study a wide range of subjects at degree level, including law, medicine, politics and English.
An A Level in Psychology is well regarded by most employers, especially in areas that are “people orientated” such a teaching, nursing and social work.