Psychology

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Psychology is the scientific study of people, the mind and behaviour. A Level Psychology provides many opportunities for routes of progression into a variety of higher education courses and professions including: chartered psychologist, medicine, business and finance, health, education, management, criminology and forensics, sport psychology, social and welfare.

Key Stage 3

N/A – Psychology is not delivered as a subject at Key Stage 3.

Key Stage 4

N/A – Psychology is not delivered as a subject at Key Stage 4.

Key Stage 5

A Level

Psychology is the scientific study of people, the mind and behaviour.

Unit H569/01: Research Methods 1x 2hr exam

Planning, conducting, analysing and reporting psychological research across a range of experimental and non-experimental methodologies and techniques.

This unit is designed to give students some practical experience of psychological research. They have the opportunity to carry out a range of practical exercises involving experiments, observations, self-reports and correlations. The unit examination involves multiple choice questions, a research design and response and data analysis and interpretation.

Unit H569/02: Psychological Themes through Core Studies 1x 2hr exam

This unit uses accessible examples of psychological research to introduce students to the five core areas of the subject. These are:

Cognitive psychology which includes the study of the basic characteristics of memory and attention; social psychology which includes the study of the concepts of obedience and helping behaviour; developmental psychology which includes the study of external influences on children’s behaviour; biological psychology which includes the study of the regions of the brain and brain plasticity, and the psychology of individual differences which includes Autism and theory of mind and an understanding of disorders.

The unit examination involves questions on the core studies, areas, perspectives, issues and debates. Students also look at the way studies have practical applications.

Unit H569/03: Applied Psychology 1x 2hr exam

Issues in mental health

This unit explores issues such as the historical context of mental health, the medical model eg: a genetic or biochemical explanation and treatment of mental illness, alternatives to the medical model, and modern approaches to mental health such as the role of technology in supporting mental health.

Criminal Psychology

This unit explores issues such as turning to crime, building a case, in the courtroom and managing offenders

Sport and Exercise Psychology

This unit explores issues such as exercise and mental health, motivation and audience effects. Each area is evidenced using psychological research and strategies that are used by psychologists to improve performance.

It is assessed through a written examination where the unit examination involves short answer and extended response questions.

Opportunities include:

Visiting speakers – eg: Brain day and psychopathology day with Dr Guy Sutton Nottingham University medical school. Psychology society including conference trips to see leading psychologists talk about their research.

Progression routes include:

Chartered psychologist, medicine, business and finance, health, education, management, criminology and forensics, sport psychology, social and welfare.

Entry requirements: Grade 6 in GCSE English Language or Literature. It is recommended students study Core Maths if they are not taking Maths.