Academic Departments - Psychology

Psychology, the science of the mind and behaviour, is one of our most popular A Levels and is chosen by students in combination with a variety of other subjects. A number of our students have gone on to study Psychology at university, or to study Medicine, Law and a range of other subjects.

Studying Psychology gives students the opportunity to develop their skills of evaluating and applying research methods to a wide range of topics. They also expand their understanding of philosophical debates, such as free will versus determination, nature versus nurture, and ethics.

The AS course provides a thorough introduction to various approaches in Psychology: cognitive, biological, social, individual differences and developmental. For each of the five approaches, three core studies, their methodology and theoretical basis are analysed and evaluated. Reference is constantly made to topical issues and news items that relate to the syllabus, so that the students are made aware of the relevance of their studies to everyday life.  Subjects covered by the studies include autism, multiple personality, eyewitness testimony and behaviour in prison.

At A2, the course focuses on the practical application of psychology to real-life problems. The units studied include Forensic Psychology, Sport and Exercise Psychology, Health Psychology and Psychology and Education. Students have the opportunity to pursue their two preferred options.

Students describe the AS and A2 courses and the lively discussion and group work undertaken in classes as stimulating and motivating. Because of our proximity to London, visits can be made to the Old Bailey, to the Freud Museum, to the Institute of Psychiatry and to other exhibitions relating to the course throughout the year.

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