Exam Board: AQA Specification 2181
Psychology A level is one of the fastest-growing subjects in Britain. It is of interest to students both of the sciences and the humanities.
Qualification
The A level course consists of four units.
Unit 1 – PSYA1
Cognitive Psychology, Developmental Psychology and Research Methods
50% of the total AS marks: 1 hour 30 minutes
Structured compulsory questions based on Cognitive Psychology, Developmental Psychology and Research Methods
Questions include short answer, stimulus material and one 12 mark question requiring extended writing in which Quality of Written Communication (QWC) will be assessed.
Unit 2 – PSYA2
Biological Psychology, Social Psychology and Individual Differences
50% of the total AS marks: 1 hour 30 minutes
Three compulsory structured questions, one based on the Biological Psychology content, one based on the Social Psychology content and one based on the Individual Differences content.
Questions include short answer, stimulus material and one or more 12 mark questions requiring extended writing in which QWC will be assessed.
Unit 3 – PSYA3
Topics in Psychology
25% of the total A Level marks: 1 hour 30 minutes
Three essay-style questions chosen from eight topics:
(a) Biological rhythms and sleep
(b) Perception
(c) Relationships
(d) Aggression
(e) Eating behaviour
(f) Gender
(g) Intelligence and learning
(h) Cognition and development
QWC will be assessed in each essay. Available January and June
Unit 4 – PSYA4
Psychopathology, Psychology in Action and Research Methods.
25% of the total A Level marks: 2 hours
Three sections
Psychopathology: One essay-style question chosen from three. QWC (Quality of Written Communication) will be assessed in this essay.
Psychology in Action: One question chosen from three.
Research Methods: One compulsory structured question.
Assessment
Assessment is by means of written examination only.
Entry requirements
No previous study of Psychology is required but students will normally be required to have a Grade C or above in GCSE English and Maths or equivalent. It is also desirable to have a good general knowledge and an interest in current affairs.
For more information on this course, please go to http://www.aqa.org.uk