Have you used yours?
Psychology is the scientific study of mind and behaviour. We all have ideas about 'how' and 'why' people, or animals (not to say that people are not animals!), behave as they do. The emphasis is on the application of science to understand this behaviour. Not science as you have been used to with test-tubes etc, but the use of the methods of science; primarily, observation, measurement and evidence.
If you are expecting a course where you sit around and talk about your personal problems, your dreams or the paranormal you will be disappointed! It is important you understand this before you start. Of course it will be unavoidable that this course will touch upon things of which you may have personal experience, it is after all primarily about 'us'! You will not become a mind reader, or be able to solve all your own personal problems, at least no better than a person who has not done this course.
Psychologists are interested in the minds and behaviour of all living organisms, not just humans. However, the AS course mainly considers aspects of human behaviour. The A2 course may introduce Animal Navigation.
You will be expected to have the normal point score entry for 'A'-Level that must include at least grade 'C's in Maths, English and Science. In the past students who do not have these entry grades have tended to struggle with this course.
We follow the AQA G.C.E. (Specification A) syllabus. At AS there are 6 modules that are assessed 2 at a time. The first two modules, which comprise Unit 1 can be sat in January. The other four modules, which comprise Units 2 & 3 are sat in June - as a 2hr exam; Each unit is a 1hr exam. Units can be re-taken, however, it is obviously in your interests to not have to do this!Each exam consists of answering a 3 part question for each unit. The first two parts are short-answer type questions; the third part is an extended essay type. There are no multiple-choice style questions.
January Unit 1 (1Hr)
June Units 2 & 3 (2 Hr) (Or, Units 1,2 & 3 if resiting Unit 1 - 3 Hrs)
There is no coursework at AS. Coursework is an A2 requirement that consists of 1 whole unit.
Psychology will provide a good background for anyone intending to work with people. For example: emergency services; nursing; teaching; child-care; business; Armed Forces - basically any job where you are working with 'the public'.