A Level Psychology 2025-26

Psychology is the scientific study of mind and behaviour. The course explores many potential explanations for human behaviour from various viewpoints. The scope for using psychology is huge; every aspect of human existence can be explored from a psychological viewpoint. Psychology covers many theories, studies, ideas and statistics. It is a hugely satisfying topic and equips you with many skills, such as data analysis, literature searching, research skills and evaluation. You will be able to apply psychological knowledge to the real world and to real situations. It is an incredibly interesting subject which can be useful in almost every career you eventually decide upon!

A strong structure, with flexible choice, is fundamental to Psychology. The specification gives students the chance to select some study areas and contemporary issues. This allows study to be tailored to students’ needs and the contexts in which they are learning. A practical focus is embedded within the specification. A series of short and manageable practical experiments and tests accompanies the approaches and applications, allowing students to develop an active knowledge of the scientific aspects of psychology.

Year 12: Psychological Approaches. You will look at four main approaches to explain human behaviour. The Social approach explains behaviour in terms of other people (individually and in groups), society and culture. The Biological approach involves genetics, neurotransmitters and brain structures. The Cognitive approach involves processes like memory, perception, language, attention and thinking. Learning Theories explains behaviour as being something which is completely learned from our environment. You will look at theories, studies, research methods and applications of the findings, as well as carrying out your own research for each.

Year 13: You will learn about Clinical Psychology, which involves looking at explanations and treatments of mental ill health, including Schizophrenia. You will also study one further application which will be either Criminal or Child Psychology. Again, you will carry out a piece of research in each area and analyse your findings.

Psychology graduates can go on to many related disciplines. Psychologists can range from Clinical, Forensic, Health, Child and Counselling roles. Psychology graduates can also be found in fields like business, HR, teaching, legal roles, research, health professions (including mental health and medicine), advertising, sports… You get the picture!

A Level psychology is well-respected as students acquire good levels of literacy and numeracy, skills useful in a range of careers. Obviously you may fall in love with psychology and go on to study it at university. However Psychology A Level can be useful for many other degree courses. Due to the nature of it, psychology fits well with both Science pathways and Humanities. Previous students have joined many degree programmes in the past, from Sociology, Law, Teaching and History, to more scientific programmes such as Medicine, Nursing, Maths and Biology

A psychology degree is required for further study leading to certain careers. Psychology graduates can go on to many related disciplines. Psychologists can range from Clinical, Forensic, Health, Child and Counselling roles. Psychology graduates can also be found in fields like business, HR, teaching, legal roles, research, health professions (including mental health and medicine), advertising, sports… You get the picture!

For Psychology A Level, you will need a grade 5 or above in GCSE Maths and English.

For a three A Level programme you will need to have a minimum of five 9-4 grade passes at GCSE which includes English and Mathematics.

For a four A Level programme you will need to have a minimum of six 9-4 grade passes at GCSE which includes English and Mathematics; it is expected that the majority of passes will be at 7-9 grade.

Our entry requirements are in place to support our students in achieving the qualifications they have chosen to study. In addition to the entry requirements, all students will be regularly assessed by East Durham College at an early stage in their study programme. This is to ensure that students are enrolled onto courses which suit their abilities – following assessment, there may be occasions when students are transferred to a relevant course at a higher or lower level in order to ensure they are enrolled on to the right course for them to achieve and progress.

Entry onto any course at EDC may have entry requirements in addition to exam results; this includes but is not limited to DBS checks, references, fitness to practice and at times physical requirements to be capable of achieving the practical elements of the course without assistance. Entry onto any course at East Durham College is subject to final approval from the Assistant Principal.

You will be assessed throughout the course in class and by mock exams at the end of Year 12. You will then sit three formal two hour exams at the end of Year 13 (May/June)

September 2025

Two years, full time.