Psychology A – AQA – AS 1181
Psychology A – AQA – A2 2181
Course Outline
Psychology is the science of mind, brain, and behaviour. It seeks to understand why and how humans
behave as they do through controlled scientific research. It is exactly on the border between science and
social science / humanities: it borders Biology on the scientific side, and Sociology and Politics on the
social sciences side.
See the syllabus overview on the AQA website:
http://web.aqa.org.uk/qual/gce/science/psychology_a_overview.php?id=03&prev=
or the full syllabus booklet: http://store.aqa.org.uk/qual/gce/pdf/AQA-2180-W-SP.PDF
Course Details
AS - Psychology
A2 - Psychology
Unit 1:
Cognitive Psychology,
Developmental Psychology
+ Research Methods
Written exam of 1½ hours, including short
answer response and extended writing
questions.
(50% AS, 25% of A2 Level)
Unit 3:
Topics in Psychology
3 topics chosen from 8 possible, including Biorhythms
& Sleep, Aggression, Relationships, Perception,
Intelligence & Learning, Gender, Eating behaviour,
Cognition & Development) 1½ hour written exam,
extended writing tasks.
(25% of total A Level)
Unit 2:
Biological Psychology, Individual
Differences & Social Psychology
Written exam of 1½ hours, including short
answer response and extended writing
questions.
(50% AS, 25% of A2 Level)
Unit 4:
Psychopathology, Psychology in Action +
Research Methods
2 hour written exam with some choice of questions.
(25% of total A Level)
Assessment Criteria
See above: 100% examination subject, although much practical work is included for context.
Course requirements and progression
Psychology draws on skill sets from different subject areas. The subject is rigorously scientific and a
Grade B in a GCSE Science (most suitable is Biology but any will do) is the bare minimum to
understand the nature of experimental procedures, research methods and drawing conclusions from
evidence. The subject also requires a considerable volume of extended written work and candidates
will also need a Grade B in any GCSE subject requiring extended writing: preferably English,
but Geography/History would be suitable alternatives.
Psychology is a challenging, fascinating, and strongly academic, subject. Psychology is an excellent
general complement to other sciences at A Level; it is an opportunity to include a “human” science for
those of a more English / Humanities nature who don’t feel completely comfortable with conventional
sciences but wish to show CV range; it is a rapidly expanding subject with strong career potential – the
science of the 21st Century. Realistic careers include Management, Marketing, Advertising, Profiling,
Recruitment, Education, Healthcare, Forensic Law, Forces Officership, Counselling / Therapy, and
Research work.