A Level
Course Overview
A Level Psychology is the scientific study of the mind and behaviour, exploring what makes people think, feel, and act in different situations. You’ll cover topics ranging from obedience and memory to mental health, aggression, brain function, and personality. The course involves examining classic and contemporary studies by influential figures like Freud and Milgram, and delves into cognitive and biological psychology.
Alongside this, you’ll develop valuable skills such as analysing evidence, designing and evaluating research, clear writing, and critical thinking.
Sixth Form College offers passionate, experienced teachers who make learning engaging through interactive lessons, experiments, and real-life case studies. Psychology is an excellent choice for those interested in fields like medicine, law, criminology, education, business, or social work, with many students progressing to top universities to study psychology or related subjects. If you’re curious about people and eager to develop versatile skills, Psychology could be the perfect fit!
ASSESSMENT
- Exam: 100%
- Awarding Body: OCR
COURSE CONTENT
Year 1:
Component 1: Research Methods
- Planning psychological research
- Conducting practical investigations
- Data analysis and report writing
Component 2: Psychological Themes through Core Studies
- 20 core studies, covering key areas like social, cognitive, developmental, biological, and individual differences psychology
Year 2:
Component 3: Applied Psychology
- Issues in mental health (compulsory section)
- Two applied options: Criminal Psychology & Child Psychology
BEGIN – IS THIS COURSE RIGHT FOR ME?
OCR A Level Psychology is perfect for students who are curious about people and behaviour. You’ll explore questions like why people follow orders, how memory works, and what causes mental health disorders, while examining real-world applications such as criminal behaviour, child development, and therapies.
To succeed, you should be comfortable with:
- Essay writing – structuring arguments and analysing evidence
- Science skills – running experiments, interpreting statistics, and analysing data
- Critical thinking – evaluating research and spotting flaws
- Organisation and memory – remembering studies, theories, and key terms
- Maths – interpreting graphs, averages, and percentages
Personal qualities that help include curiosity, an open mind, and a willingness to question assumptions and evidence.
BELONG – WHY STUDY THIS WITH US?
At the Sixth Form College, you’ll benefit from high-quality teaching delivered by passionate psychology specialists. Lessons are interactive, featuring debates, experiments, and guided research projects. You’ll also receive excellent support with essay writing, study skills, and exam preparation, helping you achieve top grades and progress to leading universities.
Our enrichment opportunities include:
- Guest speakers from universities and industry, including psychologists and mental health professionals
- University taster days to explore degree options
- Workshops on mental health, stress management, and resilience
- Trips to museums and exhibitions focused on the brain and behaviour
- Access to digital resources, case studies, and opportunities to run your own research projects
We also provide study skills workshops, revision masterclasses, and one-to-one support so you have everything you need to succeed in a supportive and engaging environment.
BEYOND – WHERE CAN THIS COURSE TAKE ME?
A-level Psychology opens doors to a wide range of university degrees, including:
- BSc Psychology
- Criminology, Sociology, or Law
- Nursing, Social Work, or Occupational Therapy
- Forensic Psychology, Education, or Sports Science
- Medicine, particularly psychiatry or related fields
If university isn’t your first choice, Psychology also supports apprenticeships in mental health support, policing, probation, youth justice, social care, and HR roles.
Career options include:
- Clinical, Educational, or Forensic Psychologist
- Counsellor or Therapist
- Teacher or SEN Specialist
- Social Worker
- Police Officer or Detective
- HR or Marketing Professional
- Researcher or Data Analyst
Studying Psychology equips you with people skills and scientific thinking that employers and universities value. Whether your future is in healthcare, education, business, or law enforcement, this course gives you a strong foundation to succeed.
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