Psychology is the study of the mind and behaviour, in particular how and why people behave in certain ways. It can provide theories and suggestions, as well as practical ways of explaining, understanding, and solutions for behaviour. If you are interested in human behaviour and why we are all different but also share similarities, then A Level Psychology is for you. This course would suit being taken with subjects, such as Sociology and Law.
Key Facts
Programme Costs:
The fees for this course are currently being confirmed.
Please contact Student Recruitment for more information.
Level:
3
Course Code:
- 24/25A1QP
Mode of Attendance:
- Full Time
Course Duration:
2 Years
Dates:
- September 2024
CourseContent
Over the course of the two years you will study the following topic areas: Approaches in Psychology (different ways of explaining behaviour), depression, OCD, phobias, memory, attachment (how babies form relationships with their carers), social influence (for example why people obey), research methods including statistics, schizophrenia, gender development, offending behaviour, biopsychology (looking at how biological factors can explain behaviour) and issues and debates in Psychology (for example, the nature/nurture debate).
Structure of programme:
- In Year 12 we study the following:
Paper two: Psychology in Context - Approaches in Psychology, Psychopathology, and Research Methods.
Paper one: Introductory topics in Psychology - Memory, and Psychopathology. - In Year 13 we study the following:
Paper one: Introductory topics in Psychology – Social Influence and Attachment.
Paper three: Issues and options in Psychology -Issues and Debates in Psychology and then three Psychology options (for example; Gender, Schizophrenia, and Forensic Psychology).
We start with paper two because it includes the key approaches to explain
human behaviour as well as research methods which can be applied to the other
papers.
Features/
Benefits
You will get the opportunity to take part in small experiments to gain an understanding of psychological research. You will also gain skills in critical analysis, essay writing, and independent study during this course.
Entry
Requirements
Minimum Entry Requirements:
All Loughborough College
Sixth Form courses have minimum entry requirements of at least five GCSEs at
grade C/4 or above, including English Language and Maths.
Subject Specific Entry Requirements:
GCSE English
Language and one science at grade 5.
Assessment
Methods
Three x 2 hour exams.Progression
Opportunities
Students who have studied A Level Psychology often go on to Higher Education to study for degrees in Psychology, Criminology, Forensic Psychology, Social Policy, Sociology, Media, Law, or other humanities-related courses.
Psychology is particularly relevant for careers that are people-based, such as human resources, advertising, business, social work, or politics.
FAQs
DO YOU HAVE TO HAVE DONE GCSE PSYCHOLOGY TO DO A-LEVEL PSYCHOLOGY?
No
DOES AN A-LEVEL IN PSYCHOLOGY MAKE YOU A PSYCHOLOGIST?
No - you have to
have an undergradute degree and post graduate qualifications to become a
psychologist.
DO YOU OFFER THE EXTENDED PROJECT QUALIFICATION (EPQ)?
- Yes, but only to Year 2 students who have demonstrated in Year 1 that they have the academic ability to cope with this extra research project.
HOW MANY A LEVEL SUBJECTS DO I NEED TO TAKE?
- You will need to choose three subjects minimum with a maximum of 4. See page 5 for more details on subject choices.
I’M INTERESTED IN A LEVELS BUT I’M NOT SURE WHICH ONES
- That’s okay! We know that deciding on A Levels can be a long process and
that you can change your mind—a lot.
When you initially apply, we’ll ask you for your options, but you’re not tied down to these subjects. We’ll confirm your final choices at a later date.
DO I HAVE TO STUDY THE SUBJECT I WANT TO STUDY AT UNIVERSITY AS AN A
LEVEL?
- Not always; it depends on your chosen university course. Subjects like Medicine and Architecture have very specific entry requirements, whereas you can study Psychology or Law at university without having studied them at A Level. Check university entry requirements to see if they are asking for specific subjects.
ARE A LEVELS THE ONLY ROUTE INTO UNIVERSITY?
- No. We also offer Level 3 BTEC Extended Diplomas, which are the equivalent to three A Levels and many universities accept them as an alternative.
CAN I STUDY 3 A LEVELS AND BE A PART OF THE ACADEMY OF SPORT PROGRAMME?
- Yes. Visit the Academy of Sport pages for more information.
CAN I STUDY A DIPLOMA IN SPORT AND ONE A LEVEL?
- Yes, but it is only recommended for high-performing students due to the demands that both courses will place on timetable and ability. We will need to ensure that your combination is suitable for future progression and doesn’t clash on the timetable.
Disclaimer
Whilst every effort is made to ensure that the information contained on this website is correct, the College accepts no liability for any errors or omissions. Please note that details are subject to change without notice with regard to the provision of courses, course times and dates and the fees and charges levied.