About the Course
This A Level is included within the following A Level pathways as a RECOMMENDED CORE subject: Business and Entrepreneurship; Social Sciences; STEM and Healthcare. It is included in the following pathways as a RECOMMENDED ADDITIONAL SUBJECT: Creative Studies; English and Communications; Law and Legal; Medical Health. However, you can take Psychology with any A Level/equivalent combination – there is plenty of choice and flexibility.
Psychology is the study of human behaviour. During the course, we will consider how we become the people that we are, and how we are influenced by the experiences that we have as well as the characteristics we inherit. You will also study the process of development, the way memory works, why people become criminals and consider the issues involved in mental illness. You will discover how the brain functions and how it controls aspects of our behaviour.
As part of the course, you will learn how to conduct research on people and will have the opportunity to design a variety of experiments. You will learn how to analyse the results from experiments and draw conclusions about human behaviour from what you have found.
You will study the course for 4.5 -5 hours per week in class (first year is 4.5 hours and second year is 5) and should expect to spend an additional 4.5 hours per on homework and private study. Mock exams are held during the first year (in February/March), but do not count towards the final A Level. Exams for the whole A level are held in May or June of the second year.
Entry requirements
Five GCSEs at grade 4/C or above including English Language, Maths and two Sciences which could include Psychology. No previous knowledge is required, but a keen interest in understanding and examining human behaviour from a scientific standpoint.
Where next?
Psychology is particularly valued in all the caring professions, personnel work, the media, marketing, teaching and the police force. If you choose to follow Psychology in Higher Education, additional opportunities include clinical, educational, occupational and forensic Psychology.
Work experience and employability
This course does not contain a work experience component, but has other activities to help you develop employability skills. If you would like to undertake a work placement alongside your studies, our Employability Team can help.
What additional resources will I need?
You will be encouraged to use the online textbooks that are offered by the college and to print off a set of study notes that your teacher will provide. We encourage students to bring a folder to class with their study notes in and to add to these in class. You will have the opportunity of using the internet and Virtual Learning Environment, using College computers.
Fees information
This course is free to students aged 16-18.
Students aged 19+ will usually be charged a tuition fee, unless they meet certain eligibility criteria for fee remission. For those paying, an Advanced Learner Loan may be available. For further advice on fees, waivers and loans, please contact the Fees Co-Ordinator at Queens Drive.
Contact
If you would like any further information, please do not hesitate to contact us by emailing enrolment@newcollege.ac.uk