Psychology is the scientific study of the mind and behaviour. How people think, how they act, react and interact. Psychology studies both human and non-human animals using a variety of approaches to explain the behaviour.
 

Studying Psychology develops skills of interpretation, analysis, communication and evaluation as well as the ability to design an effective piece of research. This is a useful basis for many areas of study in Higher Education. It gives a good grounding if a student decides to study the subject at university to lead to a career as a professional Psychologist.
 

AS Psychology AQA A.
 
This course aims to provide a broad base and covers a variety of topics. Each topic has a critical issue relevant to every day life. The topics are as follows : 
 

•  MEMORY (Eyewitness testimony)
•  ATTACHMENT (Day care)
•  STRESS (Stress management)
•  INDIVIDUAL DIFFERENCES (Eating disorders)
•  SOCIAL PSYCHOLOGY (Ethics)
•  RESEARCH METHODS 

 
The course is examined in three one hour written papers each 33.33% of the total AS.
 

A2 Psychology AQA A.
 

This course builds on the work done at AS making use of the skills of analysis, evaluation and critical commentary. Topics studied include:
 

•  RELATIONSHIPS. 
•  PRO AND ANTI-SOCIAL BEHAVIOUR 
•  BODILY RHYTHMS (Sleep and dreaming) 
•  COGNITIVE AND MORAL DEVELOPMENT 
•  EVOLUTIONARY EXPLANATIONS OF HUMAN BEHAVIOUR.

 
In addition to these topics students will discuss ISSUES AND DEBATES that arise in psychology drawing on material from both the AS and A2 courses. They will also carry out a research study into a topic of their choice.
The course is examined in two papers Unit 4 = 1.5 hours ( 30% A2) and Unit 5 = 2 hours (40% A2) in addition to this Unit 6 (coursework) (30% A2).