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A Level

Psychology

This is an engaging subject taught by enthusiastic, experienced staff. It involves the scientific study of the mind and human behaviour. You will develop skills valued by universities and employers, including critical analysis, independent thinking and research.

Entry Requirements

GCSE grade 5 in English Language & Mathematics.
Science requirement – GCSE grade 55 in Combined Science or GCSE grade 5 in Biology plus one more grade 5 from Chemistry/Physics.

Exam Board Specification

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Course Leaflet

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What you will study

Memory. Attachment, Social Influence, Psychopathology, The Approaches, Biopsychology, Research Methods, Issues & Debates, Cognition and Development, Schizophrenia and Forensic Psychology.

Assessments

Three examinations at the end of year two
Paper 1: Introductory topics in Psychology
Paper 2: Psychology in context
Paper 3: Issues and options in Psychology

Course Support

Well-qualified, enthusiastic and experienced staff including AQA examiners
A variety of teaching and learning styles • High quality learning resources tailored to students’ needs
One-to-one and group tutorials
Assessments against exam criteria and constructive feedback
Regular progress meetings and action plans for continuous improvement
‘Stretch and Challenge’ activities for our more able learners

Enrichment Activities

Trips and visits
Specialist lectures organised by the exam board
Workshops and lectures from guest speakers and practitioners

Progression

An A Level in Psychology can take you anywhere. It is one of the most transferable subjects you can study providing you with a variety of skills. Over a third of our students progress onto Psychology degrees with the intention of becoming psychologists.

Career Opportunities

Students have also progressed on to careers in medicine, vet science and a range of health professions, dentistry, law, teaching, business, sport and the media to name but a few.

Female Student stood in library nook reading a book. a level courses

Studied: Psychology (A), Biology (A), Chemistry (A)

“My time at Carmel played a major role in me developing the attributes required for studying at postgraduate level. I’m very grateful for the incredible support and encouragement that the college provided.

“I received a First Class degree in BSc Psychology and was presented with a Gold Lancaster Award for achievements in Employability, Campus Activities and Work Experience.
I knew that I wanted to continue my studies in Psychology and aim for a career in research, therefore in my third year, I applied for a fully-funded 4-year studentship with the North West Social Science Doctoral Training Partnership (NWSSDTP).

“I’m delighted to say that I won this studentship! As a result, I’m currently studying for a Master’s Degree in Psychological Research Methods at Lancaster and will complete my PhD here. I’ll be conducting research in the Neuroscience of Speech and Action lab with a focus on cognitive neuroscience. My PhD project will investigate how multisensory integration changes with age and the effects that these changes have on our balancing abilities.”

Jessica Pepper, 2017 alumna

De La Salle

Studied: Psychology (A), English Language (A), Mathematics (A)

“I really value my time at Carmel, I felt supported in reaching out for guidance to help me find the path I wanted to take beyond education.

“After Carmel, I went to study Educational Psychology at the University of Manchester, where I started to learn how to apply my psychology knowledge to real life settings and explored the importance of early experiences on young people’s development.

“After university I worked as a Mental Health Support Worker in a primary school, and then took a job in an inpatient service. These experiences led to my current job role as Assistant Education Mental Health Practitioner, where I work within schools to support young people by promoting whole school approaches to mental wellbeing.”

Photo of alumni student Emilia Waterfield

Emilia Waterfield, 2020 alumna

Culcheth High School

“I have enjoyed every minute of my time at Carmel College. Pushing myself out my comfort zone and taking a bigger step was the best decision I made, coming from a school which provided a sixth form.

Over the last two years, I have been studying Law, Psychology and English Language which have all provided me with the advanced skills I have moving forward. In particular, Psychology has been a huge eye opener allowing me to study a range of fascinating topics. From learning about attachment in infants and caregivers to why criminals offend. I couldn’t recommend studying this subject more. It allows you to understand how us as humans operate and respond in the way that we do; providing me with in-depth knowledge and key exam skills preparing me for my upcoming a-levels.

Progressing onwards from Carmel College, I was lucky enough to be accepted by all five of my university choices to study Law; my firm choice being University of Liverpool. The skills I have acquired throughout my studies have enabled me to have the confidence of reaching the grades I need. My teachers at Carmel College have provided me with endless support and expertise which I will have with me for a long time.”

Now studying Law with Criminology at the University of Liverpool.

Bella Houghton

Rainhill High School