Psychology can be defined as the scientific study of behaviour and experience. It includes consideration of both humans and animals and of normal and abnormal behaviour.  Psychology will help you to understand yourself and others in many ways. It will allow you to challenge the stereotypes and “quick fix” answers often provided by the media to questions relating to mental health and the effect of violent videos on children’s behaviour.  Psychology deals with scientific research. This includes studying theories and considering the relevance of research studies.  You will also study research methods, investigation design, data analysis and data presentation.  You will develop an understanding of potential ethical issues in Psychology and ways in which Psychologists deal with these issues.

• Research Methods and Statistics in Psychology.
• Memory: Models of memory. Eyewitness Testimony
• Attachment: Childhood attachments and their influence on adult behaviour
• Bio-Psychology: The brain, Adrenaline Response. Brain Plasticity. Neuropsychology
• Social Influence: Obedience, Conformity, Minority Influence
• Clinical Psychology: Explaining and Treating OCD, Depression and Phobias.
• Approaches: Cognitive. Humanistic. Biological. Psychodynamic Behaviourist
• Issues and Debates in Psychology.
• Forensic Psychology: British and FBI approach to offender profiling. Explanations for criminal behaviour and psychological interventions to treat offenders and reduce crime.
• Relationships:  Formation, maintenance and breakdown of romantic relationships.
• Schizophrenia: Symptoms. Diagnosis. Biological and psychological explanations and treatments.

There is no coursework element to A level Psychology.  

3 exams, each 2 hours long.

Paper 1:  Introductory subjects in Psychology
Paper 2: Psychology in Context
Paper 3: Issues and Options in Psychology

Psychology is popular at Dene Magna and each year a number of students choose to continue studying the subject at university. Previous students are currently studying Clinical Psychology, Counselling Psychology, Forensic Psychology, Animal Behaviour, Business Psychology and Mental Health Nursing. Students wishing to pursue a career in psychology are given extra support to ensure that they are well prepared to compete in this exciting and rewarding profession. 

Psychology is particularly relevant for any people-based careers; especially health, law, social work, human resources and business. The emphasis on research skills gives students an advantage for any degree subject that requires a final year dissertation and for individuals wishing to pursue an academic career in teaching or original research.

This link takes you to the AQA Psychology website