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This qualification offers an engaging and effective introduction to Psychology. Students will learn the fundamentals of the subject and develop skills valued by Higher Education (HE) and  employers, including critical analysis, independent thinking and research.

This Psychology course provides students with a sound understanding of the various methods and approaches found in modern psychology.

At each level, current approaches and understanding of psychology will be illustrated through the core perspectives of social, cognitive, developmental, biological, psychodynamic and humanistic psychology. Research methods used in Psychology also contributes to a third of the grade. 

Course Content 

Popular topics covered within this qualification include: 

• approaches and methods related to the core areas of Psychology – cognitive, social,

biological, developmental, individual differences and research methods are all retained and

delivered through content similar to the previous specifications

• explanations from different approaches, along with psychological issues and debates, are

retained

• A-level students can choose from a range of attractive topic options which have been

arranged to help teachers to teach to their strengths and at the same time ensure that their

students experience an interesting, diverse and coherent course of study, regardless of

which topics they choose.

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Assessment

There are 3 examinations with each examination worth a third of the course. All examinations are taken in the May/June of Year 13. There are three examination papers as seen below:

Paper 1: Introductory Topics in Psychology (2 hour examination)

This paper looks at a range of psychological concepts including the effects of social influence, memory, attachment and psychopathology.  

Paper 2: Psychology in Context (2 hour examination)

For this paper, students are required to look at a range of approaches to psychology, research methods and the scientific process behind psychology  

Paper 3: Issues and Options in Psychology (2 hour examination)

This paper focuses on a range of various issues and debates within psychology. Students will prepare on several key areas which may include: relationships, stress, Schizophrenia 

Progression

After completing the A Level Psychology course here at Meopham School there are a huge array of courses which you could study at University, such as;

• Kings College London - Psychology BSc

• Birmingham University - Psychology BSc

• Aberystwyth University - Psychology (with  integrated year in industry)

• Aberystwyth University - Psychology and Education

• University of Brighton -  Psychology and Criminology

A psychology degree is a great starting point for a career in both science and the arts, as it equips you with a range of skills and opens up opportunities with a variety of employers.  

Jobs directly related to your degree include:

• Clinical psychologist

• Counselling psychologist

• Educational psychologist

• Forensic psychologist

• Further education teacher

• Health psychologist

• High intensity therapist

• Occupational psychologist

• Psychological wellbeing practitioner

• Sport and exercise psychologist

Jobs where your degree would be useful include:

• Advice worker

• Border Force officer

• Careers adviser

• Chaplain

• Counsellor

• Detective

• Education consultant

• Human resources officer

• Life coach

• Market researcher

• Mediator

• Neuroscientist

• Play therapist

• Policy officer

• Psychotherapist

• Special educational needs coordinator (SENCO)

Although some psychology graduates become professional psychologists, many go on to work in related fields.   A degree in psychology provides a useful foundation for a range of careers and employers. Major employers of psychology graduates include: 

• commercial and industrial companies

• financial organisations

• human resources departments

• local and national government

• marketing companies

• the media

• the NHS

• police forces, the National Probation Service and prisons

• schools, sixth form colleges and colleges of further education

• social services.

Entry Requirements

In order to attend Meopham Sixth Form the minimum entry requirement is 5 level 4 GCSEs, including English and Maths. 

To study Psychology you are required to achieve the minimum of a level 5 in English and Science, in addition to a level 4 in Maths.