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Psychology A-Level

Psychology A-Level The Bedford Sixth Form

Qualification: A-Level | Exam board: OCR

Psychology is the scientific study of mind and behaviour, and is a very popular subject.

During this course you will develop both an academic understanding of the subject and an appreciation of its impact on people’s daily lives.

Successful completion of this course will also give you access to a range of Higher Education courses including psychology degrees.

Psychology A-Level The Bedford Sixth Form

Year one content

Research methods- You will learn about the four main techniques for collecting and analysing data. These are:

  • self-report
  • experiment
  • observation
  • correlation.

You will also learn about:

  • planning and conducting research
  • data recording, analysis and presentation
  • report writing
  • psychology as a science.

You will also carry out small scale practical activities and reflect on your experiences.

Psychological themes through core studies- You will learn about five key areas of research and classic and contemporary studies in each area. You will also learn about:

  • areas and perspectives in psychology
  • methodological issues
  • debates in psychology
Psychology A-Level The Bedford Sixth Form

Year two content

Research methods- You will build on your learning about the four main techniques for collecting/analysing data that were covered in Year One.

Psychological themes through core studies- You will learn further about the five key areas of research adding classic and contemporary studies in each area.

Applied Psychology- You will learn about issues in mental health. In addition you will study two out of the following applied psychology options:

  • child psychology*
  • criminal psychology*

*subject to change

You will also learn about issues and debates that run through this component.

Additional information

What does this course prepare me for?

Qualifications in psychology can lead to a wide range of careers including personnel, health services, counselling, teaching and police services.

Successful completion of this course will also give you access to a range of higher education courses including psychology degrees.

Course support and enrichment

Class materials and tutor interaction together with exercises set via our Virtual Learning Environment are designed to support the learning experience of psychology.

Assessment

This course is assessed by exams. There is no coursework.

There is a requirement that the assessment for A-Level Psychology includes 10% maths skills.

A-Level Exams

  • Research methods
  • Psychological themes through core studies
  • Applied Psychology
Entry requirements

Some of our subjects are subject to standard entry requirement and some have additional requirements. Please see below:

Subject specific entry requirements

  • 1 x 5 in Science

Standard entry requirements

  • At least five GCSEs at grades 9-4 including English Language and Maths (one Vocational or Technical qualification at Merit or above may be counted)

AND

  • At least grade 4 (or Merit for Vocational or Technical qualifications) in any subject(s) that you have taken at GCSE and wish to continue studying at Level 3

AND

  • Average GCSE (best 8) of at least 4 (38 on the old points table)

AND

  • Grade 4 (or Merit), at least, in any subject previously studied
  • Students will take either 3 A-Level subjects or 1 Diploma subject with 1 A-Level
Generic Grand Hall at The Bedford Sixth Form 2021
September 2025

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