Psychology

Course Overview

Psychology is the scientific study of the mind and behaviour. It seeks to understand and explain how people think, act, and feel. It is a relatively new science and explores the many factors that contribute to making us who we are, ranging from biological influences, such as genetics, through to our experiences in childhood and the influence of our culture and the social world within which we all live.

The course covers a wide range of topics but different theoretical schools of thought tend to run through them — biological, learning and cognitive,  as well as psychodynamic and humanistic. You will need to have an enquiring mind and a genuine interest in what makes people the way they are. 

No previous experience in studying psychology is necessary.

What will I study?

• Introductory topics in Psychology - Social Influence, Attachment & Memory and Psychopathology.
• Psychology in context - Approaches in Psychology, Bio-psychology and Research Methods.
• Issues in Psychology - Issues and Debates, Relationships, Schizophrenia and either Forensics or Aggression

A core aspect of Psychology involves learning about: how Psychologists design research, analysing data, describing key theories, approaches and studies, applying them to a range of scenarios and being able to produce clear evaluation and analysis that incorporates a range of debates in Psychology.

Entry requirements

• Five GCSEs at grade 4 or above.
• Grade 5 or above in GCSE English Language and Maths.
• Grade 5-5 in GCSE Science Combined or Triple.
• Grade 5 or above in a GCSE written subject eg. History, Geography, Humanities, English Literature, Business, Media Studies, Religious Studies (full course), Drama or Film.

We recommend that you take Core Maths alongside this course, if you are not taking A-Level Maths.

Why should I choose USP College?

All of our teachers are degree qualified subject specialists with many years of experience teaching A-Level Psychology courses.

Additional costs

• Course textbook at a cost of £20.
• Cost of trips will vary according to the destination, with many requiring only the cost of travel to be met.
• Revision conferences have an entry fee of £35.

What could I do next?

Psychology is a respected academic subject which combines well with a range of subjects, including Arts and Sciences. It is good for progression to Higher Education and is particularly useful for any profession where an insight into human behaviour is beneficial. Careers include: Various applied fields of psychology and a wide variety of related areas such as teaching, social work, marketing, policing, media, human resources, child care, nursing, etc.

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