Ever wondered why people conform to social norms?
Want to improve your memory?
Want to know what would happen if you sliced your brain in two?
Have you thought about why there are age restrictions on films and games?
If you want to know the answers to these questions, and many more about why we do the things we do, then studying psychology is for you.
So what is psychology?
Many people think of psychology as ‘mind reading’, well to an extent it is. Psychology is the scientific study of behaviour and thinking. Psychologists are interested in finding out why humans (and other animals) act and think in the way that they do.
At Kingsley we follow the AQA exam specification.
In your first year you will cover the topics of social influence, memory, attachment, clinical psychology and mental health, and biopsychology. You will also learn about 5 different approaches, or areas of thinking, within psychology. Research methods, which includes some mathematical requirements, will be studied alongside these topics.
In your second year you will study 6 debates within psychology. You will then move on to learn about gender, schizophrenia and forensic psychology.
Throughout the course you will develop evaluative, analytical and critical thinking skills.
English GCSE Grade 5; and Psychology GCSE Grade 6 if studied. Pass grades in Maths and Science GCSE (especially Biology) will be a benefit. International equivalent qualifications are accepted.
Combines well with Biology, Economics, History and Sports Science. A-Level Psychology is considered a valuable qualification by many universities. It provides transferable skills that are applicable in many fields. As well as many careers within psychology itself, such as educational psychology, clinical psychology and research, it also links to many other careers including; policing, advertising and marketing, counselling, sports coaching.
