A Level Psychology
What is it about at sixth-form level?
Psychology is the science of mind, brain and behaviour. As we grow up we all become experts in human behaviour. Isn’t Psychology all just common sense? Well yes and no: psychological understanding begins by formulating theories and looking for evidence to support or challenge them. Common sense can be found to both support and contradict what we find. As most students are new to psychology the course aims to develop an appreciation of the variety of possible explanations. Aggressive behaviour for instance: do we learn it or is it in our genes? Is it caused by abnormal brain chemicals, playing violent computer games or our upbringing? How can we investigate these questions? Psychology uses a range of methods including laboratory experiments, natural observation in the field, surveys or interviews and case studies. Learning about these methods and their strengths and limitations is an important part of the course. You also learn about the different fields of Psychology in the 21st century, including social, cognitive, developmental, biological and abnormal psychology.
Why study it and what skills does it develop?
If you are curious about people, what motivates their behaviour and what makes them who they are then Psychology should suit you. It might also help you to understand yourself! Through studying research methods in Psychology you will gain a very good awareness of the principles of science, as well as developing some of your Maths skills. Critical analysis is another essential skill to be developed: you will learn to evaluate different explanations and understand strengths and limitations of different research methods. The variety of approaches covered reflects the different academic disciplines which Psychology has been influenced by, including Philosophy, Biology, Medicine, Anthropology and Sociology. It can therefore make a good fit with many other A level subjects.
What prior knowledge and skills are required?
No prior knowledge of psychology is required. Good passes in GCSE Maths and English are important and an aptitude for biology would be an advantage.
How is the course assessed?
A level
Paper 1 and 2 will be similar to those sat in the lower sixth but will include both AS and A2 content. The A level is examined in three written exams of equal weight, each lasting two hours. Questions in Papers 1 and 2 build on topics covered at AS: Paper one includes Social Influence, Memory, Attachment and Psychopathology while Paper 2 covers Approaches, Biopsychology and Research Methods. Paper 3 has questions on Issues and Debates in Psychology alongside three sections on Options in Psychology, each offering a choice of three topics: students answer one from each section based on the particular options they have studied. There is a longer answer of between one and two sides of writing.
Reading
To be confirmed at the start of the course
AQA Psychology for A Level Year 1 & AS Student Book – 2nd Edition
By Cara Flanagan, Matt Jarvis, Rob Liddle
Published by Illuminate Publishing, ISBN: 9781912820429
AQA Psychology for A Level Year 2
By C. Flanagan, D. Berry, M. Jarvis & R. Liddle
Published by Illuminate Publishing, ISBN 978-1908682413
Exam Board and Specification Codes
A level: AQA (A) 7182
"I have really enjoyed my time MPW and would recommend this college to anyone. I learnt how to work more efficiently and revise more effectively thanks to the tutorials and weekly Timed Assignments, which also allowed me to prepare myself mentally for the exams from the first day. My history teacher was phenomenal. He managed to get me to reengage with the subject, as well as giving me all the support and help I asked for and more, giving me the knowledge and exams technique needed to achieve an A*."
Grades achieved at MPW: A*AA Progressed to: Exeter University (International Relations)
"The small class sizes proved invaluable for a number of reasons, some of which I did not anticipate. Aside from the obvious individual attention, the size of the class allowed for a lot of students’ questions to turn into a fruitful academic discussion. I have found the atmosphere at the college far more friendly and supportive than I expected. The support I had from my Personal Tutor was very helpful during the application process for university. I could tell that he really did care about my future and wanted to do everything he could in order to help me secure my place at my chosen university. Overall, I am pleased to say that my high expectations of MPW were fully met."
Grades achieved at MPW: AAB Progressed to: Southampton University (Business Innovation)
"I have definitely made the right decision to come to MPW - my grades have gone from averaging Es to straight As. Teaching at MPW is much more personal and I felt like talking to teachers. They are very good and give you lots of support if you do not understand something. My Personal Tutor took me through the UCAS process step by step. We went through my Personal Statement many times to make sure it was completely perfect. I am very excited about my firm choice."
Grades achieved at MPW: AAA Progressed to: Warwick University (Chemistry)
"As a dyslexic student who initially got CCEE for my AS, I was convinced that I could not achieve any higher. My time at MPW proved me wrong. Initially I was reluctant to move from my local school in York to a college so far away from home, my parents, and friends. At the end of my first year I was overjoyed to find that many hours of hard work and renewed revision techniques had resulted in me achieving three A's in my subjects. I wanted to continue at A2 as I knew it would greatly improve my university prospects and encourage me to work even harder. After two fantastic years at MPW I can emphatically say that going to MPW was the best decision I ever made."
Grades achieved at MPW: AAA Progressed to: Nottingham University (Philosophy)
"Having a Personal Tutor to discuss ANYTHING with, from my UCAS application to organising my life in general, really did make life at the college more streamlined and in general less stressful."
Grades achieved at MPW: A*AA Progressed to: University of York (Law)
"Honestly, I could not imagine when I joined MPW that, due to language and adaptation barriers, I would achieve top grades in my first A-level exam sittings. This view changed completely after only a few weeks in the college’s supportive and motivational environment; with teachers who aimed at finding a personal touch with each student and with my Personal Tutor who made my adjustment to the UK education system not only an easy step in my life but, more importantly, an enjoyable one."
Grades achieved at MPW: A*A*A* Progressed to: University College London (Economics)
"International students have many aspects to think about, such as accommodation and guardians, but MPW surprised me by having a highly organised and supportive administration. Also, because most MPW Cambridge students are local, as an ‘international’ student, I found this very useful in both improving my English and in giving me a taste of a genuinely ‘English’ college."
Grades achieved at MPW: A*A*A* Progressed to: University College London (Mathematics and Statistics)
"The teachers really helped me overcome any difficulties I came across; they always seemed willing to offer support be it inside or outside of the classroom. I could safely say my teachers inspired me to work hard and aim for the best, sometimes simply by being passionate about what they do."
Grades achieved at MPW: A*AABB Progressed to: King's College London (International Relations)
Discover more at MPW
Success Stories
In their own words - testimonials from our past students and their parents.
Inspection Reports
MPW Cambridge was judged as Outstanding in all areas by Ofsted.