The AQA A Level course covers a variety of topics and disciplines and is assessed in three, two-hour
examinations.
Paper 1: Introductory topics in psychology (33.3%)
The topic of Social influence investigates the ways in which individuals adjust their behaviour to meet the
demands of a social environment. Cranleighans have found this topic fascinating as they study research
that has sought answers to the following questions: Why did the Germanic people obey the Nazis? Why do
people conform? The topic of Clinical Psychology and Mental Health focuses on how medical institutions
define abnormality and how differing psychological perspectives explain the causes and treatments of
those with phobias, depression and OCD. This component also includes developmental psychology, the
study of how and why humans grow, change and adapt across the course of their lives. Pupils will
specifically study the topic of Attachment and cover research investigating the impact of an infant’s
attachments on later development. The final topic on Memory requires students to understand how
humans create and store memories and whether memories are reliable.
Paper 2: Psychology in context (33.3%)
The second component has a strong focus on scientific enquiry. Students will learn how to create reliable
and valid research and will have multiple opportunities to conduct their own psychological research.
Scientific enquiry is a fundamental unit of the course, accounting for 25% of all the raw marks. This
component also includes Approaches in psychology; pupils will learn how the distinct psychological
disciplines explain human behaviour differently. This paper also allows pupils to develop a deep
understanding of how brain physiology and chemistry influences human behaviours, thoughts and feelings
in the topic of Biopsychology.
Paper 3: Issues and Options in Psychology (33.3%)
The third paper focuses on key issues and debates in psychology; gender and culture bias; nature-nurture
debate; free will and determinism debate and ethical issues. Pupils enjoy debating these issues and sharing
their views on whether human behaviour is the product of genetic inheritance or the environment. Pupils
will also study Schizophrenia, learning about the differing explanations and treatments of this mental
health condition. Cranleighans will study Forensic psychology, which invariably evokes passionate
discussions on the preferred societal treatment of criminals. Finally, pupils will study Relationships and
learn about the differing theories on why romantic relationships are formed, maintained and breakdown.
Pupils who enjoy psychology tend to be curious, open-minded, non-judgemental and have empathy. You
will enjoy reading and thinking critically about theories and concepts. The ability to contribute to class
discussions and practical work are very important. The department organises Dr Guy Sutton to deliver a
‘Cognitive Neuroscience Workshop’ to year 13 students, which includes the dissection of a sheep’s brain
and is a highlight of the course for many students.
Psychology sits well within most combinations of subjects including both sciences and arts as it seeks to
use scientific and mathematical methods in order to understand human behaviour. Given this, the subject
is best suited to those who have good GCSEs in Biology, English and Maths. A third of all A Level marks are
awarded for essay writing, a quarter of all marks are awarded for scientific enquiry and 10% of marks will
assess mathematical skills. Students need to have a flexible approach, as the Linear A Level sees them
applying knowledge from across the course to each of the three papers. Questions vary from short answer
questions to essay writing.
Career options are varied as there are many transferable skills from studying psychology. There are many
specific options for applied professional psychological careers, such as, clinical, sport, educational and
forensic. In addition, there are many career pathways that operate slightly outside the remit of psychology
but to which the skills are transferable to: actuarial analyst, advertising, human resources, social care,
public services.
