The course offers students a fundamental understanding of
psychological theory, concepts and contemporary and historical
research as well as a critical appreciation of the scientific
nature of the discipline in explaining human behaviour.
It is not necessary for candidates to have studied GCSE
Psychology before commencing this AS/A2 course. However, we would
value students who already have an interest in the subject.
The AS course involves the study of Research Methods,
Approaches, the Psychology of Gender, Social Psychology and
Cognitive Psychology. There is also a component on Individual
Differences where aspects such as Autism and Phobias will be
considered along with other Anxiety Disorders. Students will design
short research practicals to investigate How Science Works in
Psychology by observing, measuring and drawing conclusions, through
statistical analysis, about human behaviour. Students will be
externally assessed on two units, one in January and another in
June.
In the A2 course, students study Child Development, Atypical
Psychology, Perspectives and Criminology. A further two units are
examined, one in January and another in June.
The Psychology Department arranges a number of trips designed to
extend and promote independent learning. For example, we hope to
arrange a trip to Poland at Easter 2010.