A-level Psychology

Explore the fascinating subject of human behaviour and interaction whilst gaining a host of valuable skills that will help prepare you for university and/or a variety of career prospects.

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Overview

Have you ever wondered what makes those around you tick, or struggled to understand why people behave the way they do? If you're fascinated by the intricacies of the human mind, then you're sure to enjoy our online AQA A-level Psychology course, awarded by the AQA exam board.

In this engaging online course, you'll delve into topics such as the reliability and function of our memories, social conformity and resistance, the development of social cognition and different psychological schools of thought.

As well as gaining a great insight into how the human mind functions, A-level Psychology also teaches you a range of transferable skills, including critical thinking, researching, and problem-solving. These can be applied to careers across a range of sectors, and prepare you for further study within the field of psychology.

Study A-level psychology online with Oxbridge

What you'll learn

Unit 1 - Social influence

To begin, you’ll learn about the various types of conformity and the explanations for it. It will introduce you to social role conformity and explanations for obedience, along with those for resistance to social influence. You’ll also look at the role of social influence in social change and minority influence.

Unit 2 - Memory

Next, you’ll explore the multi-store model of memory and the different types of long-term memory. You’ll learn about the working memory model and its different features, along with explanations for forgetting. Additionally, you’ll study factors affecting the accuracy of eyewitness testimony and what factors improve accuracy.

Unit 3 - Attachment

In this unit, you’ll look at some key psychologists who have studied the area of attachment. You’ll study caregiver and infant interactions and relationships, the different stages of attachment that humans go through during their lives and explain how this can vary between cultures. You’ll also evaluate the role of early attachment on childhood and adult relationships, including the role of an internal working model.

Unit 4 - Psychopathology

Put simply, psychopathology is the study of mental disorders, which is what you’ll be exploring in this unit. You’ll explore the behavioural, emotional and cognitive characteristics of phobias, depression and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), as well as the behavioural approach to explaining and treating such conditions. Also, you’ll evaluate the cognitive and biological approaches to explaining and treating disorders such as depression.

Unit 5 - Approaches in psychology

Next, you’ll explore different learning approaches in psychology, including theories such as classical conditioning as described by Pavlov. You’ll study social learning theory, including imitation, identification, modelling and vicarious reinforcement. Moving on, you’ll delve into the psychodynamic approach, the role of the unconscious and the structure of personality, as well as humanistic psychological concepts such as free will and self-actualisation.

Unit 6 - Biopsychology

Moving on, you’ll look at the divisions of the central nervous system, the function of neurons and the process of synaptic transmission. You’ll also examine how the endocrine system works, including glands and hormones, along with the ‘fight or flight’ response and the role of adrenaline. Moving on, you’ll look at the different centres of the brain and what each of them is responsible for, how the brain recovers after trauma, what medical scanning techniques can tell us about the brain and its functions and more.

Unit 7 - Issues and debates in psychology

In unit seven, you’ll study issues and debates in psychology, including those surrounding culture and gender, ethnocentrism and cultural relativism. You’ll discuss the concepts of free will and determinism, the nature-nurture debate, biological and environmental reductionism and more.

Unit 8 - Relationships

In the eighth unit, you’ll look at evolutionary explanations for partner preferences, including the relationship between sexual selection and human reproductive behaviour. You’ll also examine the factors that affect romantic attraction and relevant psychological concepts such as filter theory. You’ll also discuss virtual relationships in social media, along with parasocial relationships and the absorption-addiction model.

Unit 9 - Aggression

In the ninth unit, you’ll study aggression, including the bodily systems involved when this emotion is triggered inside the brain. You’ll examine ethnological explanations of aggression, including innate releasing mechanisms and fixed action patterns and the aspects of human aggression that can be explained by evolutionary traits. Moving on, you’ll look at aggression from a social psychological perspective, the role that institutions can play, along with the effects of outside influences such as computer games.

Unit 10 - Schizophrenia

In unit ten, you’ll take an in-depth look at schizophrenia. You’ll examine some of the classic symptoms associated with the disorder, such as hallucinations and delusions, along with some of the possible biological causes for the condition such as genetics. You’ll discover some of the typical drug therapies prescribed to sufferers, along with other treatments such as CBT. Finally, you’ll study the importance of an interactionist approach when managing schizophrenia and the diathesis-stress model.

Unit 11 - Research methods in psychology

Finally, you’ll look at how psychologists gather data via research. You’ll examine different techniques, such as observations, case studies, experiments and self-reporting, evaluating their strengths and limitations.

Unit 12 - Exam Prep

Now’s time to get your ready for the big day and do some exam prep.

Extra info

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Awarding Body

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AQA qualifications are internationally recognised and taught in 30 countries around the world, highly valued by employers and universities and enable young people to progress to the next stage of their lives. AQA qualifications suit a range of abilities and include GCSE courses, IGCSE courses and A-level courses.

Recognised through UCAS

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This course carries UCAS points. This means that it can be used to gain direct access to University courses and other Higher Education, through the UCAS system.

Course Outcome

After you've passed your exams, you'll be awarded an A-level Psychology qualification, issued by AQA. Your certificate is identical to that issued to students at any other school, college or university.

This syllabus (7182) has been chosen specifically because it is best suited to distance learning.

How is this course assessed or examined?

You can enrol now for AQA Psychology A-level examinations for Summer 2024.

You will be required to complete the three written exams:

  • Paper 1: 2 hours, 33.3% of A-level, 96 marks.
  • Paper 2: 2 hours, 33.3% of A-level, 96 marks.
  • Paper 3: 2 hours, 33.3% of A-level, 96 marks.

As an Oxbridge student, you are guaranteed access to one of our exam centres located across the country, saving you time and stress and allowing you to concentrate on getting prepared. Your tutor will also provide you with all the resources you need for A-level Psychology revision; whether you prefer working from past papers or a more visual way of revising, we're here to help you succeed.

Entry requirements

It is strongly recommended that you have at least one science GCSE or equivalent, preferably a GCSE in Psychology. You also need to be comfortable dealing with numbers. This AQA A-level Psychology syllabus is a difficulty level three: an A-level or BTEC equivalent difficulty, usually suitable for most learners of all ages.

Our Career Guides that include this course

Career Guide - How to Become a Psychologist

How to Become a Psychologist

Read the career guide

Do you have an affinity for working with other people? Do you enjoy roles with variety? Would you like to...

FAQs

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How much do exams cost?

Many of our courses do not require exams however, A-levels, GCSEs and some other courses do require exams to complete the qualification. Exam fees are additional to the cost of the course and prices vary depending on the course and where you sit them – find out more.

Planning on studying A-levels or GCSEs with us? We can add your exams during enrolment and blend them into your monthly payment plan if you wish. If you’re not ready to book your exam(s) yet, you can book them at a later date – all of the information is available on MyOxbridge under NEAS and Exams.

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Can I sign up for a Student Beans account and get Student Discounts?

Yes! One of the many benefits of being an Oxbridge student is that you get access to great discounts with a Student Beans account! Eligibility criteria apply and acceptance is made at the discretion of Student Beans. Find out how to sign up.

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Can you provide a reference for my UCAS application?

Oxbridge is able to provide an academic reference for you however, we cannot provide a personal reference as this needs to be someone who knows you personally.

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Can I get predicted grades for my UCAS application?

Absolutely! We can process a predicted grade for you once you have completed a total of four assignments – this can be sent over to you via email or letter which can then be passed on to UCAS for your application.

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Exam Results: I need to resit my exams, can I enrol with Oxbridge?

At Oxbridge, we take enrolments all year round. Once you’re enrolled, you’ll be able to get started right away. Studying online means your work and revision fit around you and your lifestyle. For example, if you have a part-time job or need to study alongside other subjects, you’ll be able to find time to fit our online courses into your schedule.

Enjoy flexible, convenient, affordable learning, fully supported by expert tutors who are passionate about their subjects. We pride ourselves on the quality of our course tutors and know that they hold the key to success. Whatever your goals, dreams or aspirations, Oxbridge is here to help you facilitate them.

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Exam Results: I didn't pass English or Maths, what do I do next?

First of all, don’t worry – everything will be okay. Unfortunately, if you didn’t get a grade 4 or higher (equivalent to a C or above) in your English and Maths, you will have to re-take it in order to pass. Oxbridge is ready and available to support you with this. Get in touch via live chat, phone or email.

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Exam Results: When will I receive my certificate?

Oxbridge students who sat their exams through our partnership exam centres will usually receive their certificates in November. Certificates will be sent out by recorded delivery.

Wondering what to do next? There are so many options available, it’s important to get the right advice. Whether your choice is to continue onto further education, go into job training or get an apprenticeship and whether your grades are high or low – there are always options! Speak to an adviser today to see how we can support you on your next steps…

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What can I do with my A-levels?

A-levels are a universal way to demonstrate academic competency in a multitude of disciplines. A-levels are subject-based qualifications that lead to either university, further study, training, or work. A-levels serve as a standardised way to demonstrate your academic ability and are very common entry requirements to most higher-level courses.

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Exam Results: I haven't done as well as I expected in my exams. Is there anything I can do?

Yes! There are a number of post-result services available. Your entering centre will be able to provide you with further information and will process any requests for you. If you’re not sure where to turn, our friendly learning advisers are on hand and ready to help you.

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Can I study this AQA A-level course if I do not live in England?

Yes! All of our learning is online, however, you will need to sit your exams in England. Find out more about exams.

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Is it too late to start a career in psychology?

It’s never too late to start a career in psychology, whether you’re considering changing direction after studies in an unrelated field, or you want a fresh start after years or decades following a different path. Studying psychology online is easy, flexible and convenient, which opens up this exciting field to everyone – regardless of age or previous experience.

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Exam Results: I have individual unit marks, but no overall grade. What should I do?

Check for a cash-in code on your statement of entry. If there isn’t one, cash-in may not have been applied for. Cash-in can be applied for retrospectively from your exam centre and once entered you can expect an overall grade in one week.

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How do I start a career in psychology?

You could begin with an introductory course that covers a selection of psychological practices. This could be at GCSE level or even a level 3 psychology course. 

From here, you could study a more specialised course such as educational psychology, an advanced diploma in psychology, or neuro-linguistic programming. And if you wish, you can use your new knowledge to apply for a university-level course.

Once you’ve got some qualifications under your belt, you can start applying for jobs in your chosen field of psychology.

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Why study psychology with Oxbridge?

We offer courses for beginners through to more advanced levels, so there will be a course to suit everyone’s experience and ability. All of our courses are created by industry experts and taught online by experienced tutors.

The best part is that all our courses are flexible, which is perfect if you’re in full-time employment or have other commitments preventing you from attending a physical location to study.

Are you ready to join the hundreds of recently enrolled students of all ages and backgrounds, enhancing their careers through an online psychology course with Oxbridge? Enrol online or speak to a learning adviser for more information or advice.

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Is being a psychologist stressful?

Psychologists can often work long or unsociable hours, alongside patients in difficult situations. For these reasons, at times some people may find psychology to be a stressful career. That said, it’s rarely a boring vocation, and it can frequently be incredibly rewarding.

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How can I learn psychology on my own?

We get it; you want to become a psychologist but don’t want to upheave your entire life to retrain or study. You also may not be too thrilled at the idea of being forced to learn at the pace of a whole class. Instead, you want to qualify by yourself.

That’s where online psychology courses come in. Once you’ve enrolled, you simply log into your learning portal and study at a time and pace that suits you. And if you do need additional help and support, you can request an online one-to-one with your personal tutor.

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Is a career in psychology for me?

If you have a deep interest in the workings of the human mind and behaviour, and you want a challenging career working closely with people, then psychology may be the career for you.

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Why study an online A-level course from home?

A-levels can be studied from home with Oxbridge, using our online platform. On average we find that students receive 20% higher grades and pass around 30% more quickly than in a traditional college.

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How long does it take to study an A-level?

It’s possible to study an A-level course both full-time and part-time. Normally students would study for two years, but with Oxbridge, you can also fast-track your course to complete it in one year.

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What A-Level courses should I take?

If you’re planning on going on to a degree, your chosen university will usually publish their entry requirements for each course on their website. See how these subjects feel and decide if you would enjoy them as they will form much of the base knowledge for your degree.

If you’re not entirely sure what to study, there are some standard subjects that many students choose to help them secure a place at a prestigious university, such as one of the Russell Group universities. These courses are known as the ‘facilitating courses’ and include Biology, Chemistry, Physics, English Literature, Geography, History, Maths, Further Maths, Modern Languages and Classical Languages.

Generally speaking, taking two facilitating subjects will allow you to keep your progression options open. For further help and guidance, we have written a detailed guide on How to Choose A-Levels.

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How many UCAS points is an A-level course?

A-levels are the most common way to access university in the UK. The system in which this is done is called UCAS. This stands for: “the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service”. See the A-level UCAS tariff points breakdown below:

  • A* – 56
  • A – 48
  • B – 40
  • C – 32
  • D – 24
  • E – 16
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What are A-Levels?

A-levels (also known as Advanced level qualifications) entail in-depth study of a chosen subject in order to open doors to further study including University, training, and work.

A-levels courses tend to focus on specific academic subjects such as Mathematics, English and the Sciences: Biology, Chemistry and Physics. The course material and the exams you take will be the same everywhere.

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Are there assignments for this Psychology AQA A-level course?

Yes, during your course, you’ll be required to complete tutor-marked assignments (TMAs). These do not contribute to your final grade but provide you with an opportunity to submit work to your tutor for marking and feedback. This will help you to gauge your progress as you work through the course.

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Who should study A-level Psychology?

Our Psychology A-level is ideal for anyone considering a career as a psychologist, counsellor, police officer and any number of other fascinating professions. A-level Psychology will also equip you with crucial skills such as critical thinking, problem-solving and reasoning.

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Are you ready to change your world?

We appreciate being bold is easier said than done. This is why the team at Oxbridge aim to help you feel confident and rest assured in taking your next steps. Our friendly, knowledgeable Learning advisers are always on hand to offer you the best guidance.