Psychology

Exam Board: WJEC

Year 1

Component 1:  Psychology: Past and present

Looks at the key 5 Psychological approaches, their therapies and classical studies.

This includes understanding why relationships are formed, exploring different types of therapy, and debating why people are wrongly convicted of crimes

Component 2:  Psychology: Investigating Behaviour

Principles of research and applying these to novel scenarios

This includes exploring Milgram’s famous obedience study, the unethical Stanford Prison experiment, and the opportunity to conduct two studies yourself

Year 2

Component 3:  Psychology: Implications in the real world

Covering applications of Psychology to behaviour and controversial issues

The behaviour we study are related to:

Autism – What causes it and how do people with Autism behave.

Stress – What causes it and how can it be reduced.

Criminal behaviours – What is the cause and how do we reduce it.

Assessment

100% exam

Requirements

You will need a minimum of five GCSEs at grade 5 or above. GCSE English, Maths and Science at Grade 5 is recommended

Where can it lead?

Studying psychology is both enjoyable and useful for a multitude of career or academic pathways. Students not only gain knowledge that helps them to understand themselves and others, they can also apply this knowledge to everyday life.

The course provides a suitable foundation for the study of Psychology or a related area through a range of higher education courses (e.g. law, education, medical and social science programmes); progression to the next level of vocational qualifications (e.g. in the areas of caring, sports management or business); or direct entry into employment. In addition, the course content provides a coherent, satisfying and worthwhile course of study for learners.

A-Level psychology provides progression to Higher Education or can act as a useful entry qualification for a wide range of occupations, e.g. teaching, public services, health & social care.