Psychology A-Level
“What we observe is not nature itself, but nature exposed to our method of questioning.”
Examination: The course is examined in January and June of both Year 12 and Year 13
Course details
Unit 1: Introductory topics in psychology
- Memory
- Social psychology
- Psychopathology
Unit 2: Biopsychology, development and research methods 1
- Biopsychology
- Cognitive development
- Research methods: Methods, scientific processes, data handling and analysis
Unit 3: Advanced topics and research methods 2
- Psychology of sleep
- Schizophrenia
- Research methods: Methods, scientific processes, data handling and analysis
Unit 4: Approaches and application (SYNOPTIC UNIT)
- Scientific approaches in psychology
- Issues and debates in psychology
- Applied psychology: Work and the individual
Assessment overview, duration and weighting
Paper 1: Written examination, 1 hour 30 minutes, worth 20% of IAL qualification (90 marks)
Paper 2: Written examination, 1 hour 30 minutes, worth 20% of IAL qualification (90 marks)
Paper 3: Written examination, 1 hour 30 minutes, worth 30% of IAL qualification (90 marks)
Paper 4: Written examination, 1 hour 30 minutes, worth 30% of IAL qualification (90 marks)
| Exam Papers | % of IAL | Assessment overview |
|---|---|---|
| Paper 1 - (Y12) | 20 | Section A: Memory (30 marks) Section B: Social psychology (30 marks) Section C: Psychopathology (30 marks) |
| Paper 2 - (Y12) | 20 | Section A: Biopsychology (30 marks) Section B: Cognitive development (30 marks) Section C: Research methods 1 (30 marks) |
| Paper 3 - Y13) | 30 | Section A: Psychology of sleep (30 marks) Section B: Schizophrenia (30 marks) Section C: Research methods 2 (30 marks) |
| Paper 4 - (Y13) | 30 | Section A: Approaches in psychology (30 marks) Section B: Issues and debates in psychology (30 marks) Section C: Applied psychology: work and the individual (30 marks) |
Wider reading
Sternberg, R.J. (2017) Career paths in psychology: Where your degree can take you. Washington, DC: American Psychological Association. (ISBN 978-1433823107).
Stanovich, K.E. (2013) How to Think Straight about Psychology. Prentice Hall. (ISBN 978-0205914128).
Zimbardo, P. (2008) The lucifer effect: Understanding How Good People Turn Evil. Random House Trade Paperbacks. (ISBN 0812974441).
Seligman, M.E.P. (2004) Authentic happiness: Using the New Positive Psychology to Realize Your Potential for Lasting Fulfillment. Simon and Schuster. (ISBN 978-0743222983).
Ralls, E. and Riggs, C. (2019) The Little Book of Psychology: An Introduction to the Key Psychologists and Theories You Need to Know. Summersdale. (ISBN 178685807X).
Would you like to know more?
Visit the campus in La Moraleja or ask us anything. We answer within 24 hours on working days.