What is Psychology?
Psychology is the scientific study of the mind and behaviour. The AS and A2 level courses involve learning about psychological theories and studies across a range of topics, such as child development, memory, social interaction, prejudice and abnormal psychology. The courses also address issues such as the ethics of research on people and animals, the nature versus nature debate and the wider social responsibilities of psychologists. Students learn about the pros and cons of different research methods. They carry out practical investigations themselves and write up their results for the coursework component of the examination.
What other subjects go well with Psychology?
The Psychology syllabus covers a wide range of themes and issues, so it combines well with almost any other subject and can bring useful new perspectives. Past students have studied Psychology alongside Biology, Sociology, Business Studies, Communication Studies, English Literature, Modern Languages, Geography, History, Art and Photography.
What will I gain from studying the subject?
Studying Psychology helps students to develop their powers of reasoning and their evaluative skills. It encourages a broad-minded approach and offers new insights into the nature of science in general, especially the human sciences.
The study of Psychology is a good preparation for degree and vocational courses and for careers in personnel, teaching, marketing and management. Within the discipline of Psychology itself, there are career opportunities in both academic and applied fields, including Clinical, Counselling, Educational, Forensic and Organisational/Industrial Psychology.
Do I have an aptitude for the subject?
A basic aptitude for both Mathematics and written English is helpful when studying Psychology. Ideally, students should feel comfortable expressing their ideas both orally and in writing. The A2 level course includes the study and application of some statistical tests, in order to evaluate data gathered in the course of research. Students are not expected to have any prior knowledge of Psychology and working to improve essay-writing style and exam technique is a significant part of the course.