Psychology

Got a question or want to find out more?

Click here to get in touch with any subject specific questions.

Entry Requirements:

Minimum Entry Requirements: 

5 x 5s

Subject Specific Entry Requirements:

6 in GCSE English or in a humanity

5 in GCSE Maths

6 in Psychology if taken at GCSE

Why study Psychology?

Have you ever wondered if chimpanzees can communicate, if playing violent video games can make you aggressive, where you draw the line between sanity and insanity, or what’s really going on when you’re dreaming? If so, then Psychology is the subject for you. Throughout the course you will discover some fascinating theories of human behaviour, challenge your previously-held beliefs and develop your analytical, investigative, evaluative and writing skills along the way.

What is Psychology?

Psychology is considered to be a science because psychologists try to understand people through careful controlled observation. All sciences rely on rigorous scientific methods and in this way psychology is no different to biology, physics or chemistry. However, psychology does not study molecules or plants, it studies people, their behaviour towards themselves and each other and how they learn and think.

Most of the research that psychologists do falls into one of five general areas; developmental, social, physiological, cognitive and individual differences. We will consider each of these in turn, using previous studies to help us understand the different approaches, and how these lead to different theories and explanations. We will also be carrying out some research of our own.

What can I do with Psychology after A-Level?

Many students go on to study a psychology-related degree, but it will also prepare students well for other degrees and careers in areas such as biology, sociology, philosophy, maths, counselling, medicine (particularly psychiatry), nursing, nutrition, policing, criminology and forensics. The skills you will develop during the course will be useful for you no matter what field you choose to enter.