Course Aims
To stimulate students and give them a lasting interest, so that they find studying Psychology an enjoyable and satisfying experience.
To be a suitable preparation for psychological studies in higher educational establishments and for professional courses where students will benefit from a knowledge and understanding of Psychology.
To introduce students to the major branches of Psychology: social, cognitive, developmental and individual differences.
To explore the different approaches that Psychologists have taken to understanding human behaviour over time
To develop an understanding of the key issues and debates in the field.
To develop skills of enquiry and scientific study of behavioural phenomenon
To develop skills valued by Higher Education and employers, including critical analysis, independent thinking and research.
Course Content
There are 8 compulsory topics and 3 optional topics as detailed below:
Social influence
Memory
Attachment
Clinical Psychology and Mental Health
Approaches to psychology
Biopsychology
Research methods (scientific process/ data handling/ inferential testing)
Issues and debates in psychology (compulsory)
The option group topics:
- Cognition & Development
- Schizophrenia
- Forensics
Assessment
Paper 1: Social influence, Memory, Attachment, Clinical Psychology and Mental Health
Duration: 2hrs
Marks available: 96, 24 marks per topic (Multiple choice, short answer questions, extended writing),
Paper 2: Approaches to psychology, Biopsychology, Research methods (scientific process/ data handling/ inferential testing (this section
Duration: 2hrs
Marks available: 96, 24 marks for each of Approaches and Biopsychology and 48 marks for Research Methods (Multiple choice, short answer questions and extended writing)
Paper 3: Issues and debates in psychology, Cognition & Development, Schizophrenia, Forensics
Duration: 2hrs
Marks available: 96 (Multiple choice, Short answer questions and extended writing)
Progression Opportunities (Higher Education & Careers)
Psychology is a hugely popular degree choice with relevance to all aspects of modern life. In addition to the opportunity of an academic career in research or clinical psychology, it opens career paths in business and commerce, marketing, human resources, sport and education. It provides opportunities to make a meaningful impact on individuals, organisations, and society.
Additional Information
Practical work is key to building student’s understanding of research methods. Recent practicals have involved carrying out student designed memory tests on members of the public in St Alban’s, replicating famous eye-witness testimony studies, observation of infants between the ages of 6mths and 2yrs and running whole school prosocial interventions that led to a mini flash mob in middle yard.
Our student led Psychology Society allows for investigation and discussion of topics beyond the curriculum and is supplemented by external speakers.
Other student leadership opportunities include Ethic committee student representative, L6 Mentoring Lead and Behavioural Studies Laboratory Lead.
Enrichment trips have included the MSC Cognition and Brain Sciences Unit in Cambridge, the Freud Museum and Bethlehem Museum of the Mind.