A Level in Psychology

In year 1of A Level Psychology, you will study “introductory topics” and “Psychology in context”. This includes:

• Social Influence – How individuals are affected by groups and authority.
• Memory – How we encode, store, and retrieve information. Explanations for forgetting.
• Attachment – The role of early relationships in development.
• Clinical Psychology – Understanding mental health disorders such as Phobias, depression and OCD and their treatments.
• Approaches in Psychology – Key perspectives such as biological, cognitive, behavioural, social learning theory, psychodynamic and humanist.
• Research Methods – Designing experiments, analysing data, and applying scientific principles.

  In Year 2, you will continue to develop your knowledge of psychology research and critical thinking skills. Units delivered are:

  • Issues and Debates – Ethical considerations, nature vs nurture, and cultural influences.
  • Biopsychology – A deeper study of how the brain and nervous system influence behaviour.
  • Research Methods – more advanced research methods building on skills from year 1.
  • Other units delivered at Chesterfield College include Schizophrenia, Forensic Psychology, and Gender.

  Typically, you will study this course alongside 2 or 3 other A-Level subjects. You can apply for any A-Level combination; however, please be aware that not all subject combinations can be guaranteed. Timetabling constraints mean that some subjects may run at the same time, making it difficult to accommodate every combination. Our team will discuss any clashes with you at the point of enrolment, and we’ll work with you to discuss alternatives where required.

  It is not possible to study a combination of A-Level and vocational or T-Level courses together. These pathways are designed differently, making it impractical to deliver them side by side.

5 Grade 5 or above in GCSE English, Maths and Science. An interest in science and critical thinking is essential. Preferably, a grade 6 in a written subject.

Assessment is through three written exams at the end of Year 2. Each paper includes multiple-choice, short-answer, and extended essay questions. There is no coursework.

Free For Eligible 16-18 year olds and 19-24 with EHCP. For 19+ Adults course may be discounted or free dependant on learners circumstances otherwise course costs apply. Adult Learner Loans are Available to eligible learners. Contact Advice@chesterfield.ac.uk for more information

Psychology is highly valued in careers such as:

• Clinical and Counselling Psychology
• Education and Teaching
• Health and Social Care
• Law and Criminology
• Business and Marketing
• Research and Academia

It also complements subjects like Biology, Sociology, Criminology and Philosophy.

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