|Course Title||AS/A Level Psychology|
Psychology is the scientific study of mind and behaviour. If you are considering taking Psychology you need to be curious about both typical and atypical behaviour. You should enjoy thinking about and scientifically researching questions such as: Why do I obey police officers? Why can I listen to the radio and play on a computer game at the same time? How can a person with a fear of spiders be treated? This course also includes occasional guest speakers and trips relevant to psychology.
A qualification in Social Sciences gives you a good background and provides you with the skills and knowledge which are applicable in a wide range of areas. On completion of these courses you may choose to study at degree level and pursue a career in any of the following areas: National and Local Government, Human Resources, Health, Social Work, Voluntary Agencies, Education, Criminology, Management, and Health and Social Work. In order to become a Psychologist you will need to study Psychology at university.
To study A Levels at Bury College you must obtain a minimum of six GCSE grades. These must include 4/5 in English Language and mathematics (minimum combined total of 9 points). Plus, a minimum of two additional GCSEs at grade 4 or higher. As well as a minimum of two additional GCSEs at grade 5 or higher. In addition to these entry requirements, you must have GCSE English Language grade 9-5 (A*-C).
This course will start in September and you will study for two years to achieve the full A Level.
For the AS programme you will study social influence, memory, attachment, psychopathology, approaches in psychology and biopsychology. You will study six compulsory topics, assessed over two 1.5 hour exams. There will be three topics per exam over one year. For the A Level programme you will study social influence, memory attachment, psychopathology, approaches in psychology and biopsychology, research methods and issues and debates in psychology. Your options may be gender, schizophrenia and forensic psychology. You will study eight compulsory topics and three optional topics over two years which will be assessed with three two hour exams at the end of year two.
Psychology continues to be a popular AS and A Level choice at Bury College. It works well with Science, Art, Business and Humanity subjects. If you are thinking about becoming a Psychologist you may consider volunteering with the Student Action Group alongside your academic studies. This activity allows you to work in the community in a safe and secure manner and will enhance both university and job applications. The A Level Psychology Study Programme will develop your English and communication skills as well as your numerical skills. All of these skills are highly valued by any higher education institution or employment field.
You will have the opportunity to participate in a week’s work experience in each year of the course. This work experience will be tailored as far as possible to your career aims, or provide you with the opportunity to explore possible careers. In addition, it provides opportunity to develop valuable skills for a personal statement or CV.
A range of enrichment activities are available in college and the A Level Study Programme team will provide you with opportunities to do activities that contribute to your wider growth and development. In many cases tutors will support you in your academic studies by allowing you to explore things that are related to the subject areas that you are interested in.
There are no additional costs to study on this course.
A range of career-enhancing free courses have been launched at Bury College for adults across the borough.