Psychology

Course summary

The AQA Psychology A level course covers a wide range of topics, including social influence (obedience and conformity); memory; attachment; psychopathology (definitions of abnormality; explanations and treatments for phobias, obsessive-compulsive disorder and depression). There is a section on biopsychology, so good scientific understanding is required. Psychology is often studied alongside other science subjects, sociology, maths, and criminology, but the skills being developed are transferable to almost any other area of study. The course includes exploring different theories and perspectives in psychology, research methods and optional units in the second year of the course. Students taking this course will develop a wide range of skills: from note taking to writing extended essays; being analytical and evaluating theories and research; the ability to read and summarise studies; creating and interpreting statistical data; personal and time organisation, to balance the study of theory with practical applications of areas covered. - Psychology is a useful subject to have because it demonstrates that you have a range of transferable skills. This course develops skills that are useful in several jobs and professions including law, business, medicine, journalism, marketing, advertising, personnel work, management and many more. Careers specific to psychology include clinical psychology, social work, teaching and educational psychology, health psychology, forensic psychology, sports psychology, psychiatric nursing, midwifery, and medicine. It also has relevance in other occupational areas including management, politics, advertising, and careers in law. Psychology is accepted at some universities as a scientific A Level to support some medical and science-based degrees. "Psychology is an interactive, eye-opening subject that develops my understanding of the inner workings of the human brain". A. Hinchcliffe Yr13.