A-Level Psychology (AQA 7182)

Course Overview

If you are interested in studying people and the reasons why different people behave the way they do, then psychology is the course for you. 

The psychology specification introduces students to the broad range of psychology topics from the ways people influence our behaviours, how the attachments we make as a baby can affect our behaviour as adults, and psychopathology (what is normal/ abnormal, depression, OCD and treatment). You will also study research methods.

The second year builds on the first and has options with forensic, schizophrenia and relationships being the current favourites. Twenty percent of the course is science-based and 10% mathematically based and the course is 100% examined. A-level psychology works well with all academic and creative subjects. For career opportunities, the understanding and analysis of human behaviour and experience is relevant to all areas. 

You will study:

  • Social influence
  • Memory
  • Attachment
  • Approaches in Psychology
  • Clinical Psychology and Mental Health
  • Research methods

“Psychology broadened my thinking – I now have more understanding and empathy for other people.”

St Ivo Student

Course Code: 7182

Minimum Entry Requirements

  • A minimum of five GCSEs at grade 5 or above, including English and mathematics
  • Grade 6+/ 6+ in GCSE combined science or any two grade 6+ in triple science

Exam Board: AQA

Assessment

100% Exam:

  • Paper 1: Introductory Topics in Psychology
  • Paper 2: Psychology in Context

Choosing your post-16 options is an important decision, and St Ivo Academy Sixth Form is here to guide you. Applications are welcome from students in St Ives and beyond via the MyChoice16 platform.

Step-by-step application process

  1. Log in to your MyChoice16 account.
  2. Select ‘My Applications’. To start a new application, click ‘Start a new Application’; to continue an existing one, click ‘Continue’ next to your application.
  3. Complete all sections of your Profile Template if this is your first application. For additional applications, only ‘Course Choices’ needs to be completed.
  4. Qualifications will be uploaded by the school—this section can be skipped. Your form tutor will add a reference.
  5. Complete any remaining fields or checkboxes. Click ‘Send Application’ to submit.
  6. Your application status will update (eg. Sent, Schools Hold). The school will review your application to ensure it meets the requirements, and you may be asked to discuss it with a teacher.
  7. Monitor your application regularly and respond promptly to any notifications.
  8. All applicants will be invited to an interview before a provisional offer is made.

 

Healthcare & Therapy

  • Clinical Psychologist (with further study)
  • Counsellor / Psychotherapist
  • Occupational Psychologist
  • Health and Social Care Roles

Education & Research

  • Teacher / Lecturer in Psychology or Science
  • Academic Researcher
  • Educational Psychologist (with further study)

Business & Professional Roles

  • Human Resources / Recruitment
  • Marketing / Consumer Research
  • Forensic Psychologist (with further study)

Other Related Careers

  • Social Worker
  • Police / Probation Services
  • NGO or Charity Sector Roles

Edith Robinson – Edith.Robinson@astreastivo.org

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