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Psychology

The Psychology course is an investigation into mind and behaviour. The course assumes no prior knowledge of the subject and will appeal to anyone who is interested in understanding and explaining human behaviour.

Students who like Science and Maths and have effective skills in English Language will be well suited to this course, which has a strong scientific element.

The course is now linear and all 3 papers are taken at the end of the 2 year course.  The exams are all 2 hours long and there is no assessed coursework element in Psychology.

Qualifications & Assessments

Exam Board AQA
Level Level 3
Qualification A Level
Assessment Method 100% Examination
Entry Requirements Entry Requirements
Photograph of a Psychology student studying

There are 3 themes running through the 2 year course which are: Approaches in Psychology, Research Methods and Issues and Debates in Psychology. Alongside this, Papers 1 and 2 cover the following topics: Memory, Attachment, Psychopathology, Social Psychology and Biopsychology. Paper 3 covers more applied topics including: Aggression, Cognition and Development and Schizophrenia.

Throughout the 2 years, the students carry out practical investigations using the following Research Methods; Experiments, Self-reports, Observations and Correlations. Data obtained is analysed using appropriate methods including bar graphs, summary tables and Inferential Statistics.

The study of Psychology at A level enables students to have a deeper understanding of behaviour and mental processes. This helps them to appreciate the many different influences that make us who we are, including both biological and environmental factors.   Those that have studied psychology have found it useful when combined with other social science subjects and feel that it has contributed towards them having a more empathetic understanding of the human condition.

Psychology also complements a range of other subjects and is often studied alongside; Maths, Statistics, Art, Business, PE, and Biology. In fact, psychology can be studied alongside any subject of choice as there are so many links that can be made.

This subject can be studied singularly at university or combined with another subject. Applicants for apprenticeships will also find it useful as they will have a greater understanding of both their own behaviour and the behaviour of others. They will develop their communication skills and improve their understanding of human interaction.

Psychology is generally accepted as a science by most universities and is useful for a range of careers. Traditionally, students intending to pursue careers in social work, education, areas of law, local and national government, journalism, health, social research, youth work, business and any occupation that involves working closely with people from different social groups, will benefit from psychological study.

  • Enrichment activities include visits to student conferences, university open days and external speakers. Students may also have the opportunity to participate in university led research.

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News & Blog

Latest From Aquinas

Last night saw the presentation party for the latest, great issue of our student magazine. There was yet again a great selection of articles and stories, all written and designed by our fantastically, talented students.

Photograph of students who worked on the AQ Magazine

We are proud to announce the launch of our brand-new website! This platform marks an exciting step forward in our commitment to innovation and excellence. Designed to support academic success and enhance the student experience, our new website serves as a central hub for information, events, news, and resources related to life at Aquinas College.

Screenshot of the new website

I am thrilled for Aquinas students who have produced another outstanding set of results. Over 58% of A level results have been at the highest grades of A*, A or B, with a 99% pass rate. In addition, 70% of Vocational grades were at Distinction* or Distinction grades with a 100% pass rate. These amazing […]

Aquinas students celebrate their A level results

On Wednesday 19th June the media department took a group of students to visit the excellent facilities at the University of Central Lancashire (UCLAN)’s Media Factory. The students were given a tour of the facilities including a state of the art fully functioning TV studio.

Photograph of inside the Media Factory's TV studio control room.