Summary

This specification is designed to:

• encourage students to engage with the subject, by introducing new, contemporary topics
• generate practical classroom activities
• make conceptually demanding areas more accessible by setting then in context
• allow teachers to select a route through the optional topics that suits their students’ interests
• allow candidates to demonstrate the ability to utilise scientific methodology in the context of psychology
• develop candidates critical thinking skills.

AS outline

At AS, candidates develop a broad knowledge and understanding of the core areas of psychology. Through a range of topics, chosen for their accessibility and popularity:

• PSYA1 – Cognitive Psychology, Developmental Psychology and Research Methods
• PSYA2 – Biological Psychology, Social Psychology and Individual Differences.

A2 outline

At A2, the specification offers a range of topic-based options which bring together explanations from different psychological approaches and engage students in issues and debates in psychology:

• PSYA3 – Topics in Psychology
• PSYA4 – Psychopathology, Psychology in Action and Research Methods.

For a full breakdown of the unit topics and assessment requirements, see the specification.

Full details