The course aims to provide a broad, balanced and stimulating introduction to a wide range of psychological topics and research. As a science subject, Psychology offers students the opportunity to develop skills of research design and data analysis, in addition to challenging students to precisely convey, apply and critically evaluate psychological evidence and explanations.
| Topics | Assessment | |
|---|---|---|
| Paper 1 | Social Influence, Memory, Attachment.and Psychopathology | Exam: combination of multiple choice questions, short answer questions and some extended writing questions. |
| Paper 2 | Approaches in Psychology, Biopsychology and Research Methods | Exam: combination of multiple choice questions, short answer questions and some extended writing questions. |
| Paper 3 | Issues and Debates in Psychology Options in Psychology (which will include Gender; Schizophrenia and Aggression) | Exam: combination of multiple choice questions, short answer questions and some extended writing questions. |
Additional background reading is helpful and encouraged by the department in order to develop an in-depth understanding of the subject matter. The department provides a substantial reading list as well as recommending, when appropriate, further reading to support A Level work in progress.
There are also opportunities for extension work and extra practice in typical examination questions. Students are invited to attend additional workshops which are run during lunchtime at various points in the academic year.
In Psychology, a variety of teaching and learning activities are used to allow a great deal of flexibility in our approach. These include lectures, videos, use of ICT, small group work, revision and individual tutorials.
Psychology will provide the opportunity to develop your skills in communication, information technology and application of number as well as improving your study and research skills.
The Psychology Department is one of the largest in the college being responsible for the work of about 450 students and the vast majority of students achieve an excellent pass rate.
The Psychology courses we offer aim to enable students to realise their own potential by creating an atmosphere of enthusiasm and responsibility for their own learning, encouraging them to become self-motivated and effective learners.
According to the British Psychological Society ‘Psychologists are committed to increasing the understanding that people have of their own and other’s behaviour in the belief that this understanding improves the human condition and enhances human dignity'.
We are housed in an impressive set of classrooms and offices and students are actively encouraged to bring their computer/devices to lessons to allow opportunities to design and undertake 'online' experiments and classwork.
The teaching involves a variety of approaches designed to suit different abilities and learning activities. We try hard to help any student with his or her own learning difficulties such as dyslexia and to stretch those with high academic ability. There are also opportunities for students to attend relevant student conferences and be involved in Psychology focused enrichment opportunities.
A Level Psychology is taken by students doing a wide range of other subjects but is perhaps especially suited to students with a preference for more analytical subjects such as Maths, Science and History.
Students of Psychology go on to do a wide range of courses and careers, with Psychology now being a very popular choice of course in Higher Education. A qualification in Psychology may be relevant to several different career options including market research, advertising, social work, teaching, nursing, the police service and personnel management.