What is Psychology?

Psychology is the science of who you are. Psychologists study human behaviour and experience and seek to find answers to a very wide range of questions. These are just a few examples from the A-level course: How does our memory work? Why do we forget? Do the experiences we have before the age of five really shape the person we grow up to be? Why do we obey people in authority? Does stress have to be harmful to our health? How does the brain work? How can you decide if someone is experiencing a mental disorder? How do we form and maintain relationships? Why do people become addicted to smoking and gambling? How can Psychology help us in our daily lives? Is Psychology a science? Do our dreams tell us anything about how our mind works? What is the best way to study human behaviour?

Psychology is a fascinating science with cutting edge research that has led to real world applications which have had an impact upon all of our lives.

It will help you to understand some of your own everyday behaviour and experiences as well as some of the extremes of human behaviour.

Psychology is a fascinating science with cutting edge research that has led to real world applications which have had an impact upon all of our lives.

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Specifics

  • Course specific entry requirements

    Grade 5 from English, Maths & Science (4s will be considered)

  • Course duration

    2 years

  • Assessment methods

    3 final exams

  • Exam board

    AQA

  • Course type

    Linear A-level

  • How you will study:

    The Psychology department at Xaverian College consists of teachers with a very wide range of experience. A number of them are AQA examiners. Staff are well qualified and the department has a track record of excellent results. A variety of teaching methods are used in order to ensure that all students learn effectively. These include presentations by both staff and students; group and individual work; research assignments; use of the internet; and discussion & debate. We also support students to make a successful transition from GCSE to ‘A’ Level by helping them develop independent learning strategies and by offering additional support outside the classroom.

Course content summary:

  • Paper 1 – Introductory topics in Psychology

    Social Influence, Memory, Attachment and Psychopathology

  • Paper 2 – Psychology in context

    Approaches in Psychology, Biopsychology and Research Methods

  • Paper 3 – Issues and options in Psychology

    Issues and debates in Psychology, Relationships, Stress and Addiction

Why choose Psychology at Xaverian College

  • We offer students the opportunity to act as Psychology Ambassadors on Open Days and Taster Days.

  • The opportunity to take part in academic psychological research

  • Guest speakers covering such topics as Clinical, Forensic & Educational Psychology

Where can Psychology take you?

Which career wouldn’t benefit from knowing about psychology? Studying Psychology can give you a host of exciting career options including:

  • Marketing
  • Customer Research

  • Accountancy
  • Human Resource Management
  • Forensic Psychology
  • Sports Psychology
  • Psychometric Testing
  • Counselling
  • Occupational Therapy
  • Clinical Psychology
  • Nursing
  • Teaching

Psychology enrichment available

Which career wouldn’t benefit from knowing about psychology? Studying Psychology can give you a host of exciting career options including:

  • University lectures
  • Trip to New York
  • The opportunity to take part in
    academic psychological research
  • Guest speakers covering such
    topics as Clinical, Forensic &
    Educational Psychology
  • Trip to London
  • Psychology Film Club
  • AQA revision seminars

Why choose Psychology at Xaverian College

  • We offer students the opportunity to act as Psychology Ambassadors on Open Days and Taster Days.

  • The opportunity to take part in academic psychological research

  • Guest speakers covering such topics as Clinical, Forensic & Educational Psychology

Where can Psychology take you?

Which career wouldn’t benefit from knowing about psychology? Studying Psychology can give you a host of exciting career options including:

  • Marketing
  • Customer Research

  • Accountancy
  • Human Resource Management
  • Forensic Psychology
  • Sports Psychology
  • Psychometric Testing
  • Counselling
  • Occupational Therapy
  • Clinical Psychology
  • Nursing
  • Teaching

Psychology enrichment available

Which career wouldn’t benefit from knowing about psychology? Studying Psychology can give you a host of exciting career options including:

  • University lectures
  • Trip to New York
  • The opportunity to take part in
    academic psychological research
  • Guest speakers covering such
    topics as Clinical, Forensic &
    Educational Psychology
  • Trip to London
  • Psychology Film Club
  • AQA revision seminars