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Psychology A Level

Overview

IMPORTANT
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This course can be studied alongside 2 A Levels or 1 A Level and 1 vocational course (as part of our 2+1 offer).

Psychology is applied to almost all aspects of life and is key to understanding human behaviour. You will learn the skills needed to decode human behaviour, develop an understanding of the different areas of psychology and explore topical issues.

What does it combine with?

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What will I study?

A Level Psychology will equip you with the skills and knowledge to decode human behaviour in everyday life and you will critically analyse key theories which explain why we behave the way we do. Is our behaviour due to our genes? Is it due to our environment?

You will study research methods, where you will learn the work that goes into designing and conducting experiments and ways that you can make sense of data that is collected using statistical testing.

You can expect to develop an understanding of different areas of psychology such as memory, child development, social psychology as well as certain mental health disorders, including: phobias, depression, OCD, and schizophrenia.

You will also learn how topical issues, such as eyewitness testimony, can be better understood and managed by looking at them from a psychological perspective.

  • Entry requirements
    • GCSE English Language and GCSE Maths grade 4-9
    • GCSE Double Science grade 4/4 plus another GCSE grade 4-9

    OR

    • GCSE Triple Science grade 4/4/3 with 4 in Biology
    • An overall average of a grade 4*.

    Following your application you will normally be offered a place subject to achieving the entry requirements and attending a welcome taster.

    *To work out your grade average, add all of your grades together and divide by the number of GCSEs you've taken. If you need help, please contact our Enquiries Team on 0808 100 3626 or via email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

  • Assessment

    This course is assessed solely by examination, with exams scheduled for May/June at the end of the second year. In psychology, we follow the AQA specification and you will be assessed over 3 exam papers (all with equal weighting).

  • Progression

    Further study at university-level* in subjects including health studies, criminology, science and psychology.

    *As we are a partner college of Nottingham Trent University (NTU), you may qualify for various benefits should you choose to apply to NTU after completing your college course. This could include a Progress NTU offer, where you would receive an offer one grade below their standard offer. For instance, a typical offer for one of their courses might require 128 UCAS tariff points. With Progress NTU, your requirements would be 120 UCAS tariff points. For further details, please call us on 0808 100 3626.

  • Careers

    In the future you may choose to specialise in a certain area of psychology at university. Previous students have gone on to work within: teaching, healthcare, counselling, police, etc. 

  • Qualifications gained
    • GCE A Level in Psychology
    • AQA
  • Studying A Levels at WNC

    Discover what it is really like to study with us. Explore the full range of courses available, hear from our students, see the facilities you will train in, and discover the employer partners you could work with.

    You can also browse galleries and get a real feel for college life before you apply.

    Visit the subject area page

Disclaimer

Whilst every effort is made to ensure the information on the website is correct, some details may be subject to change. West Nottinghamshire College reserves the right to make amendments to the courses, dates, fees or other details, and to make cancellations or changes if numbers are insufficient. In the unfortunate situation that we have to cancel a course we will refund your fees in full, but we regret we are not able to offer any refund if you withdraw from your course or fail to start, and you will be liable to pay any outstanding fees that may be due.

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