A LEVEL
To the untrained eye, humans are peculiar creatures.
We might seem irrational. Our habits might confound.
Understanding how we think and behave is the role of psychologists, who try solving the riddle of humanity using different approaches, such as biological, behavioural, cognitive, psychodynamic.
On this course you’ll study in depth the human mind and who we are, and through your new-found knowledge confidently debate questions like:
Much of this course is spent assessing the huge body of research into Psychology and neuroscience. We’ll explore this work in the context of real examples to help you gain a thorough understanding of Psychology in action.
As well as learning why others behave the way they do, you’ll gain an important insight into your own daily routines, behaviours and experiences.
We’ll begin your work in Psychology by studying social influence, memory, attachment and psychopathology. Then we’ll look at how behaviour is perpetuated by four principal psychological approaches – biological, behavioural, cognitive and psychodynamic.
We’ll research many of the more common psychological disorders affecting our lives, and the different ways of diagnosing them. We’ll also look at how people suffering these abnormalities can be supported.
Research is a hugely important part of this course. You’ll have plenty of time to finesse those skills with the chance to take part in academic psychological research.
And to top up your knowledge you’ll be invited to attend lectures by guest speakers spanning a variety of fields including clinical, forensic and educational Psychology.
From an enrichment standpoint, get excited about joining us for a trip to New York City! We’ll also organise a trip to London, while on-Campus you’ll sate your love of movies with our Psychology Film Club.
Mistaken identity and the fragility of memory are under the spotlight in today’s virtual lesson.
Cognitive psychology is a hugely important field of research – especially in helping those working in the judicial system as they process criminal cases.
Every day we forget things – but there are implications, especially in the context of a court case. We’ll look at false memories, recalling occurrences that didn’t exist. False memories are so common that mistaken eyewitness identification contributed to more than two-thirds of wrongful convictions later overturned by DNA evidence.
Memories are not reliable. And leading questions – those phrased in a way to suggest a certain answer (‘what did you enjoy about…’) – can cause witnesses memories to change.
Psychological research suggests leading questions drive either a response-bias explanation – merely influencing, but not changing, how we answer – or the substitution explanation, which changes altogether our answer.
Psychology is critical in helping those upholding the law to make the right decisions. One word in a question can completely change how it is answered.
We won’t give anything away, here – but during this workshop you’ll be tested a few times and the answers may surprise you.
Behavioural psychology has always played a critical role in the success of marketing and advertising world, with experts such as Ogilvy’s Rory Sutherland leading the charge (Alchemy is a great insight into this field of study).
You’ll find your Psychology experience useful in many other roles, including:
We are constantly discovering new ways to support mental health. Psychologists have never been in such high demand.
As a psychologist you might specialise in clinical, counselling, educational, forensic, occupational, sports and exercise or health environments.
Alternatively the lessons you’ve learned through Psychology will help you thrive as a:
Social Influence, Memory, Attachment and Psychopathology
Approaches in Psychology, Biopsychology and Research Methods
Issues and debates in Psychology, Relationships, Stress and Addiction
Six good passes at GCSE including two at grade 6 or above
Grade 5 from English and Mathematics
2 years
3 final exams
Linear A-level
AQA
