Psychology

Examination Board: AQA

Do you often wonder why someone did or said what they did or why you make the choices you do?

As the scientific study of mind and behaviour, Psychology will give you a fascinating insight into many of the internal and external influences on our mental processes and behaviour. You will enjoy discussing the varied explanations for the human behaviours that we all display and also some slightly less day-to-day behaviours such as committing crimes or having OCD. You will find answers to questions such as: Why do we follow the crowd so readily? What causes psychological disorders? What is actually going on in my brain when I’m thinking? What influence does our experience in early life have on how we turn out as adults? Are we the product of our genes or our experience? Some of these will be scientifically proven fact, while others will be theories based on a certain amount of evidence. You will learn how to evaluate these theories by looking at the evidence. Psychology will allow you to improve a whole range of academic skills such as critical analysis, scientific research skills and essay writing. It will also increase your understanding of human behaviour in a way that will benefit you throughout life, regardless of whether you continue the subject beyond A-level. The course content has links with a range of subjects; it combines well with arts, humanities and STEM subjects.

Psychology is well received at all universities; most accept it as a science. Career prospects for Psychology graduates are very good as the skills gained are highly transferrable. Specific careers in Psychology include clinical psychologist, forensic psychologist, occupational psychologist, educational psychologist, counselling psychologist and sports psychologist. The subject is also highly rated by employers in business, marketing, the media and teaching.