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A-levels

Vocational Subjects

Psychology

Students will gain an understanding of other people, moral behaviour and thoughts, as well as cultural differences and similarities.  You will also learn to critically understand the explanations for human behaviour, appreciate the variety and complexity of the human mind and human relationships.

In addition, you will learn to describe and evaluate a range of research methods and their relevance within psychology, together with developing skills around written and verbal communication, interpretation, analysis and evaluation.

Structure and content

Students will study three components over two years.

Component 1

Introductory Topics in Psychology

Social influence: why do we conform, why do we obey, how do we resist social pressures.

Memory

How does your memory work, eyewitness testimony and how to improve your memory.

Attachment

Why do we form attachments, how and when do we form attachments.

Psychopathology

What is abnormality, how phobias, depression and OCD are explained.

Component 2

Psychology in Context

Approaches in psychology, origins of psychology.

Biopsychology

The nervous system and the functions of neurotransmitters and hormones. 

Research Methods

What methods does psychology use to study behaviour, the advantages and disadvantages.

Component 3

Issues and Options in Psychology

Issues and debates in psychology – including gender bias, culture bias, nature versus nurture, free will versus determinism.

Relationships

How do relationships form, maintain and break down.

Schizophrenia

What causes schizophrenia, how do we treat it.

Aggression

A look into why people are aggressive, prison behaviour and whether criminals are born or made.

Assessment 

Paper 1 – 2 hours (33.3%) 
Paper 2 – 2 hours (33.3%) 
Paper 3 – 2 hours (33.3%) 

Undergraduate Degree options 

Psychology is offered in combination with a wide range of subjects, including: Criminology, Criminal Investigation, Forensic Science, Sociology, Social Anthropology, Social Care, Philosophy. Biology, Zoology, Animal Behaviour and Environmental Science.

Possible Career Options

Psychology can be applied in all aspects of life and work. Possible career paths include:

Child psychology

Social work

Police

Outpatient care centre psychologist 

Psychiatrist 

Education

Entry requirements

To secure your place at Aston Manor Sixth Form, you must achieve five GCSEs at grades 4-9 (including English and maths at grade 4).

Certain courses have additional specific requirements, as shown below.

A-LEVEL ENTRY
REQUIREMENTS

Sociology
GCSE grade 5 English

Psychology
GCSE grade 5 English and maths

Biology
GCSE grade 6 science and maths

Chemistry
GCSE grade 6 science and maths

Maths
GCSE grade 6 maths

English Literature
GCSE grade 6 English

French
GCSE grade 6 French
and English grade 5

Religious Education
GCSE grade 6 RE

VOCATIONAL COURSE
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

IT
OCR Digital Media

Law
GCSE grade 4 English

Health and Social Care
GCSE grade 4 maths

Business Studies
GCSE grade 4 English and maths

Financial Studies
GCSE grade 4 maths

Sport
Merit at KS4 and GCSE grade 4 English

Applied Science

GCSE grade 4 English, maths
and science

How to Apply

External Applicants only

Please complete the application form and return to the sixth form office. You can find the application form here or, alternatively, request an application form from the main office.

Already a student at Aston Manor Academy?

Sixth form staff will arrange a presentation for all Year 11 Aston Manor Academy students to tell them more about progressing to sixth form and how to apply.

Apply now