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Psychology A Level

The Psychology A Level course will allow you to study human behaviour and mental processes. This scientifically grounded course challenges perceptions, covering exciting topics such as memory, responses to authority, sleep patterns, causes of psychopathy and more. Psychology holds relevance across various fields, fostering engaging discussions and debates where students will come to develop an awareness of different values and expectations spanning different cultures and social groups. This in turn will help to understand both the similarities and differences which make the world a very interesting place to be in.

As part of your studies you’ll assess the merits of competing theories and explanations. Your understanding will be enhanced by our links with highly renowned academics and via the additional enrichment activities on offer. Teachers within the department come from a variety of backgrounds and specialisms, bringing an often unique quality to their teaching. Having high standards and expectations means that each individual in their care is guided to achieve to the best of their ability.

Psychology Classroom

Psychology at QMC

Psychology textbook

Team collaboration in Psychology

Psychology Classroom at Queen Mary's College

Classroom full of Psychology students learning

How will I be assessed?

Assessment for A Level Psychology is entirely through three externally marked written exams, taken at the end of the two-year course. There is no coursework element, so your final grade will be based solely on your performance in these exams.

The three papers are:

Paper 1: Introductory Topics in Psychology
This exam covers key areas such as social influence, memory, attachment and clinical psychology and mental health alongside research method techniques. These topics introduce students to the fundamental principles of psychology and how they relate to everyday behaviour.

Paper 2: Psychology in Context
This paper focuses on the main approaches in psychology, research methods and biopsychology. It helps students understand how psychological research is conducted and how biological factors influence behaviour.

Paper 3: Issues and Options in Psychology
This exam explores broader debates in psychology, such as the nature versus nurture argument, and Schizophrenia, Forensic Psychology and Gender at a detailed level. These topics enable students to explore broader debates in psychology and apply their previous knowledge in a more complex manner.

Each paper includes a variety of question types, including multiple choice, short answer and extended essay questions.

What are the entry requirements?

What other courses work well with Psychology?

A Level Psychology compliments a wide range of subjects. It works particularly well with:

Biology – for students interested in the brain and behaviour from a scientific perspective
Sociology – to explore human behaviour in both individual and social contexts
Criminology or Law – for those considering careers in criminal justice, forensic psychology or legal studies
English or History – to strengthen analytical and essay writing skills

Studying Psychology alongside these subjects can deepen your understanding of people, society and scientific enquiry, supporting a broad and well-rounded academic profile.

Teaching Methods

In the classroom, participation and opinion is invited and encouraged and therefore this subject would appeal to those who are particularly interested in people, in current affairs and in facilitating debate about a wide variety of topics.

Where can this course take me?

Magnus Page

Freya Loose

Lewis

Excel Oloniyo (2)

Jack Saunders

Rebecca Kearney

Paris

Daisy Foote

Josh Liddiard

Felicity Fitzpatrick

By studying Psychology A Level, students will gain knowledge of different approaches used in psychology and the methods used by psychologists to study behaviour. Throughout this course, you will also:

Gain hands on experience of a range of different research methods encouraging active learning.
Appreciate how psychological knowledge and understanding develops over time.
Explore applications of psychology and gain an insight into how psychological theory can be applied to real world situations.
Develop the ability to communicate effectively using appropriate language and become psychologically literate citizens.

Psychology is taught as a science subject and is relevant to a wide variety of job fields, including Health, Police, Social Work, Teaching as well as Advertising, Sales and Marketing and should appeal to a very wide audience. Previous QMC Psychology students have all pursued different paths, see what they are up to now.

EXTRA-CURRICULAR ENRICHMENT OPPORTUNITIES

Psychology A Level Poland Trip QMC

Psychology A Level Poland Trip

We offer the opportunity for students to join a student-led psychology group or to pursue an additional enrichment in either an Extended Project Qualification where the possibility to conduct a piece of investigative research may be realised, or to join a non-examined Forensic Psychology group with a series of guest speakers and engaging group activities. You will also be able to go on trips such as University Insight Days to further your knowledge in the field of psychology. View more enrichment opportunities here.

Frequently Asked Questions

How is the course assessed?

The two-year course is assessed by three 2 hour written papers in your final year.

What skills will I develop in this course?

You will develop critical thinking, essay writing, problem-solving and research skills. These are valued across many careers and degree pathways.

Is A Level Psychology respected by universities?

Yes. It is widely recognised as an academic subject. Some universities count it as a science A Level, while others classify it as a social science.

What careers can A Level Psychology lead to?

Psychology is a versatile subject. It is useful for careers in psychology, law, healthcare, education, business, human resources and criminology.

Do I need to have studied Psychology at GCSE to take this course?

No. You do not need to have taken GCSE Psychology. The A Level course is designed to introduce all key topics from the ground up. However, strong reading comprehension and analytical skills, developed through subjects such as English, Science and Maths, will be helpful.

How much science and maths are involved in A Level Psychology?

While Psychology is a social science, it includes elements of biology (for example, the nervous system, hormones and brain structure) and maths (for example, statistics and data interpretation). Around 10% of the exam content involves mathematical skills, and a scientific approach is key to understanding research methods.

How much support is available outside of lessons?

We offer an extensive range of workshops to support students. Teachers will identify if you need or would benefit from additional support and allocate you to a workshop. We also offer drop-in and revision sessions.

Do you offer any super curricular activities?

We offer university trips, outside speaker visits, forensic psychology as an enrichment, access to conferences and educational trips both national & international. Recent trips have included Shepton Mallet Prison and Krakow, in Poland.