A level Psychology offers a fascinating insight into human behaviour and the mind. You’ll explore how and why people think, feel, and act the way they do – from the influence of childhood experiences to the biological workings of the brain. Through discussion, research and analysis, you’ll gain a scientific understanding of psychological processes and learn to apply these ideas to real-world situations, including education, health, and the criminal justice system.
Psychology course content
| Topic | Focus one | Focus two | Focus three | Focus four |
| Psychological Approaches | Explore key perspectives that underpin psychology. | Debate questions such as nature vs nurture and free will vs determinism. | Examine how early experiences shape personality and behaviour. | Learn methods used to conduct psychological research. |
| Clinical Psychology | Study three mental health disorders: phobias, depression and OCD. | Examine symptoms, causes and treatment approaches for each condition. | Continue developing understanding of psychological research methods. | |
| Attachment | Investigate how early bonds with parents or carers influence future relationships. | Explore cross-cultural differences in child-rearing and attachment styles. | ||
| Memory | Understand how memories are formed and why we forget. | Apply psychological research to learning, revision, and eyewitness testimony. | Evaluate the reliability of human memory in the criminal justice system. | |
| Social Influence | Explore why individuals conform or obey authority. | Discuss historical events such as the Holocaust through a psychological lens. | Examine how minority groups — including the Suffragettes and Civil Rights activists — influence change. | |
| Biopsychology | Study the structure and function of the brain. | Learn about brain plasticity and how the brain can adapt or recover from injury. | Examine biological mechanisms that underpin thoughts, emotions, and behaviour. | |
| Issues and Debates in Psychology | Revisit research methods and key debates in psychology. | Discuss enduring questions such as nature vs nurture, free will vs determinism, and reductionism. | Consider what it truly means to be human from multiple psychological perspectives. | |
| Forensic Psychology | Explore psychological explanations for criminal behaviour. | Debate whether criminality is a personal choice or determined by other factors. | Examine how psychology informs the criminal justice system and approaches to rehabilitation. | |
| Relationships | Analyse psychological factors influencing romantic attraction and relationships. | Discuss how online dating has changed the nature of relationships. | Compare virtual and face-to-face relationship dynamics. | |
| Schizophrenia | Gain a deep understanding of schizophrenia and challenge common misconceptions. | Explore different explanations and treatments for the condition. | Consider why individuals may prefer certain treatment options. |
Exam Board – AQA
Qualification – A Level
Entry requirements – Grade 5 in Maths GCSE
