Course description
Psychology involves the study of the mind and behaviour. This A Level is a good introduction to Psychology and will give you a broad introduction into the different theories on what affects our behaviour.
Your psychology programme will look at the methods used to study human beings and different aspects of human behaviour.
This course can be studied as part of the business, science, communication or social sciences A Level pathways at Reading College.
Upcoming start dates
Suitability - Who should attend?
5 GCSEs at grade 4 or above, including Maths, with English at grade 5.
Training Course Content
You will be following the new AQA specification:
First year:
- Introductory topics in psychology: cognitive psychology, developmental psychology and social psychology.
- Psychology in context: approaches to psychology, psychopathology and research methods.
Second year:
- Issues in psychology and options: biopsychology, research methods and issues and debates in psychology
- Issues in psychology and options: relationships, aggression and schizophrenia.
Course delivery details
There will be a range of regular assignments, essays and class-based assessments to help you develop your study skills for the next educational step. Individual learning targets are set each term and you will receive regular feedback on your progress in meeting these targets.
You will develop the skills necessary for further academic study, such as strong report writing, essay writing and study skills, including presentation skills.
You will also improve the wider skills vital for success in further study or employment, including self-confidence, speaking in front of others, working with others, taking responsibility and managing your time. By the end of the course you will have benefited from individual support, including clear advice about Higher Education and careers.
Formal assessment is through examinations. The examination periods are in May/ June.
All students will sit the AS exam at the end of Year 1, then the A-level exam will be at the end of Year 2. This will assess all content from the two-year course.
Core text book: The Complete Companion for AQA Psychology: AS and Year 1 (Fourth Edition) Folens. Pens, A4 folder and A4 lined paper.
Activate Learning
Activate Learning is a forward-thinking education group that aims for far-reaching, progressive change and impact through learning. We work with learners as individuals, helping them make the choice of course and career pathway that’s right for them. Our mission is to provide work-ready talent for business, and...