Psychology

Course summary

Unit 1: Foundations of Psychology This Unit has four topics and explores the main approaches in Psychology, considering areas such as memory, aggression, obedience, prejudice and learning. These are the topics that you will study in the first year of the A Level and also form the AS qualification. Unit 2: Applications of Psychology This Unit investigates two applications of Psychological theory and research. You will explore the fields of Clinical and Criminal Psychology. These topics will be studied in the second year of the A Level. Unit 3: Psychological Skills This is the synoptic part of the course and will test your ability to design and carry out research, and apply and connect ideas studied on the course to issues and debates in Psychology. A range of approaches will be used including formal teaching, discussion, debate, individual and group work and investigation. Use will be made of the internet, videos, DVD’s and contemporary literature. Careers in Psychology include Forensic Psychologist, Sports Psychologist, Educational Psychologist and Clinical Psychologist. Psychology would also be useful in careers such as Nursing, Teaching, Advertising, Police work or Social work, anything involving people and with other A Level subjects for entry to degree courses. The most important quality for anyone wanting to study psychology is to find people fascinating. Are you intrigued by why people act in the way they do? If so, then psychology will capture your imagination. You will need to: • be willing to have your opinions and values challenged • be willing to listen to and take on board new ideas and novel arguments • be able to see both sides of an issue not reject one side simply because you believe initially that it is wrong Psychology provides many opportunities to develop skills in assessing debates and arguments.