Psychology A level (S9413)

3 A Level Programme

Minimum of 66444 at GCSE (Please note : grade 4 may be replaced by an 'old C' grade and grade 6 by 'old' B grade)

Vocational subjects cannot replace GCSEs for entry on to an A Level programme.

You must also study English/Maths GCSE if you have not already achieved grade 4 in these subjects.

4 A level programme

If you achieve a minimum of 3 GCSE's at grade 8 (A*) plus 5 at grade 7 (A) and your English Language and Maths are at minimum grade 4, you will have the option to join the A Plus programme.

Please note that A Plus is designed for applicants to academic courses at Oxford, Cambridge or other Russel Group universities. Grades in vocational subjects cannot replace GCSE's for entry to this programme.

Vocational programmes

Minimum of five grade 4 at GCSE (or old grade C) or Merit/Distinction in a relevant BTEC First Diploma (or equivalent) plus 1 grade 4 (or old grade 4) at GCSE. You must also study English Language and/or Maths GCSE if you have not already achieved grade 4 in these subjects.

Level 2 programme

Minimum of three grade 4 at GCSE (or old Grade C).

This programme is designed for those students who just miss our entry requirements for level 3 study. It includes an opportunity to improve your GCSE English Language and Maths grades, alongside a Workskills course to develop the skills required for progression into employment or onto a level 3 programme.

Psychology is the study of the human mind which allows you to gain a better understanding of how and why certain reactions and behaviours occur in different situations. It is a dynamic and ever-changing subject that will see you analysing anything and everything you watch. If you are fascinated by people and how they behave, then consider studying psychology. This course is taught by specialist, enthusiastic teachers who have a wealth of experience in helping students to achieve high grades and are skilled in making the subject not just interesting, but fascinating. This course will give you a fascinating insight into this hugely popular subject. You will learn to design experiments, evaluate scientific research, use statistics effectively and deal with ethical issues. You will learn how Psychology can open up many career paths as this subject is not only useful for those interested in becoming health professionals, but also for those interested in a broad range of jobs involving the management of people. You will have the opportunity to hear from guest speakers from the world of Psychology at our student conferences.

You may also have the opportunity to attend a variety of psychology-related events outside College – last year our students saw Derren Brown’s ‘Miracle’ show at the Theatre Royal Norwich. Alongside this, you will also have the opportunity to become one of the contributors or editors of Paston College’s e-magazine, Psychology Bytes. This course is perfect for those who have an inquisitive and open mind. If you’re interested in understanding the influences that shape human behaviour and feel comfortable applying approaches from both the sciences and humanities, then A Level Psychology could be a great choice for you. Psychology gives you experience of scientific theory, Maths, research skills, History and essay writing which means it goes well with a range of science and humanities based subjects.

You will be assessed by three written exam papers at the end of the course that cover foundations in psychology, applications of psychology and psychological skills.

3 A Level Programme

Minimum of 66444 at GCSE (Please note : grade 4 may be replaced by an 'old C' grade and grade 6 by 'old' B grade)

Vocational subjects cannot replace GCSEs for entry on to an A Level programme.

You must also study English/Maths GCSE if you have not already achieved grade 4 in these subjects.

4 A level programme

If you achieve a minimum of 3 GCSE's at grade 8 (A*) plus 5 at grade 7 (A) and your English Language and Maths are at minimum grade 4, you will have the option to join the A Plus programme.

Please note that A Plus is designed for applicants to academic courses at Oxford, Cambridge or other Russel Group universities. Grades in vocational subjects cannot replace GCSE's for entry to this programme.

Vocational programmes

Minimum of five grade 4 at GCSE (or old grade C) or Merit/Distinction in a relevant BTEC First Diploma (or equivalent) plus 1 grade 4 (or old grade 4) at GCSE. You must also study English Language and/or Maths GCSE if you have not already achieved grade 4 in these subjects.

Level 2 programme

Minimum of three grade 4 at GCSE (or old Grade C).

This programme is designed for those students who just miss our entry requirements for level 3 study. It includes an opportunity to improve your GCSE English Language and Maths grades, alongside a Workskills course to develop the skills required for progression into employment or onto a level 3 programme.

Psychology is an invaluable subject to have if you are looking to study a degree course because it combines aspects of science, arts and humanities. It is also an asset if you are aiming for the extensive range of careers where people are the focus such as journalism, nursing, marketing or HR management.