AS/A Level Psychology
Key Details
- Available at:Llangefni, Rhos-on-Sea, Pwllheli, Rhyl, Dolgellau
- Study Mode:Full-time
- Course Length:
1-2 years
AS/A Level PsychologySchool Leavers
Applying for more than one A Level?
You can apply from this page and you will have the opportunity to add your additional A Level subjects at the end of the application process. You can find the A Level subject grid to make your choices on our main A Level page.
Please note: We recommend that you have access to a laptop or Chromebook to enable coursework to be completed digitally at home. There is a dedicated IT Digital Inclusion fund to support those learners who do not have a digital device and are unable to purchase one.
Course Description
Would you like to learn more about how and why humans and animals think, feel and behave? This course provides an introduction to Psychology and forms a valuable preparation for Higher Education. The knowledge you gain will also be useful in a range of careers in education, health, business, retail and other sectors.
Psychology has been defined as the scientific study of mind and behaviour. Psychologists use a variety of experimental and non-experimental methods, and their subject matter is you - a unique human individual. The course gives you an insight into this exciting discipline, as well as developing your critical thinking, literacy, numeracy and other skills. Prior knowledge of psychology is not required, but would be an advantage.
The course can be taken as part of a full-time programme of study in conjunction with other AS subjects, or possibly with other Level 3 courses.
The course can also be taken on a part-time basis by mature students.
Entry Criteria
Applying for A Levels? Click ‘Apply Now’ on any of the subjects you are interested in studying. You will be able to specify your other two A Level choices during the online application process.
In order to qualify for this course, you will need the following:
- 6 GCSEs at grade C or above, including English or Welsh 1st Language
- GCSE in a Science subject grade B. GCSE Mathematics or Numeracy grade B and GCSE English or Welsh 1st Language grade B
As part of the application process, you will be asked to attend an interview to give you the opportunity to discuss the course.
Progression to A Level is based on your performance at AS Level.
Delivery
This course is delivered as follows:
- Group work
- Classroom-based learning
- Tutorial support
- Educational visits
- MOODLE (virtual learning environment)
Your programme will include a combination of:
- Essential Skills qualifications and/or
- GCSE resits and/or
- The Welsh Baccalaureate
Welsh Baccalaureate
Welsh Baccalaureate is a valuable qualification which is often studied alongside your Level 3 full-time course.
The qualification is graded A*-E, carrying the equivalent UCAS points at Level 3, and equips you with transferable personal and business skills. It is highly regarded by universities and employers alike.
As part of the qualification, you will learn about Global Citizenship, Enterprise and Employability and take part in community engagement and work experience.
Essential Skills
This may include a combination of Application of Number, Communication, Digital Literacy and Essential Employability Skills
GCSE resits
This may include GCSE Numeracy/Maths and/or Welsh/English Language.
Maths & Welsh/English
If you don't achieve a C or above in Maths and/ or English/Welsh, we will support you to retake these subjects as part of your study programme.
Assessment
The course is assessed as follows:
- Two external examinations each year, in June
- There will be regular homework tasks, practical research projects and mock exams
- There is no externally-assessed coursework component.
Progression
Whether you study the full A Level or just the AS Level, the course adds to your qualifications and helps you to progress. You will gain UCAS points and be able to apply for a range of Higher Education courses at many institutions.
If you choose to continue your studies in Psychology, you could apply for a degree course in this subject. Your skills will also have applications in personnel work, journalism, the media and other industries.
You may also consider Higher Education courses in related subjects, such as teacher training, medicine, nursing and health care, social work or counselling. Grŵp Llandrillo Menai offers suitable courses in some of these areas.
Campus Information Llangefni
Unit information
Year 1 (AS Level)
The AS course is taught over one year (September – June), and consists of two modules. Each module is assessed separately and the marks are added together to give your overall AS grade.
Unit 1: Psychology: Past to Present
There are several ways to explain human behaviour. In this unit you will study the Biological, Psychodynamic, Behaviourist, Cognitive and Positive approaches. In each case, you will assess their application to a theory and a therapy. For example, the Psychodynamic approach has been used to explain personality and also to develop dream analysis as a method of therapy.
Unit 2: Psychology: Using Psychological Concepts
Section A - Contemporary Debate
Section B - Principles of Research
Section C - Application of Research Methods to a Novel Scenario
Year 2 (A Level)
If you pass the AS Level, you will be able to continue your study of psychology at A2 level. The A2 level is delivered over one year, and includes another two modules. The marks from these modules will be added to your AS level marks to give your overall grade.
Unit 3: Psychology: Implications in the Real World
Unit 4: Psychology: Applied Research Methods
Campus Information Dolgellau
Unit information
Year 1 (AS Level)
The AS course is taught over one year (September – June), and consists of two modules. Each module is assessed separately and the marks are added together to give your overall AS grade.
Unit 1: Psychology: Past to Present
There are several ways to explain human behaviour. In this unit you will study the Biological, Psychodynamic, Behaviourist, Cognitive and Positive approaches. In each case, you will assess their application to a theory and a therapy. For example, the Psychodynamic approach has been used to explain personality and also to develop dream analysis as a method of therapy.
Unit 2: Psychology: Using Psychological Concepts
Section A - Contemporary Debate
Section B - Principles of Research
Section C - Application of Research Methods to a Novel Scenario
Year 2 (A Level)
If you pass the AS Level, you will be able to continue your study of psychology at A2 level. The A2 level is delivered over one year, and includes another two modules. The marks from these modules will be added to your AS level marks to give your overall grade.
Unit 3: Psychology: Implications in the Real World
Unit 4: Psychology: Applied Research Methods
Campus Information Pwllheli
Unit information
Year 1 (AS Level)
The AS course is taught over one year (September – June), and consists of two modules. Each module is assessed separately and the marks are added together to give your overall AS grade.
Unit 1: Psychology: Past to Present
There are several ways to explain human behaviour. In this unit you will study the Biological, Psychodynamic, Behaviourist, Cognitive and Positive approaches. In each case, you will assess their application to a theory and a therapy. For example, the Psychodynamic approach has been used to explain personality and also to develop dream analysis as a method of therapy.
Unit 2: Psychology: Using Psychological Concepts
Section A - Contemporary Debate
Section B - Principles of Research
Section C - Application of Research Methods to a Novel Scenario
Year 2 (A Level)
If you pass the AS Level, you will be able to continue your study of psychology at A2 level. The A2 level is delivered over one year, and includes another two modules. The marks from these modules will be added to your AS level marks to give your overall grade.
Unit 3: Psychology: Implications in the Real World
Unit 4: Psychology: Applied Research Methods
Campus Information Rhyl
Unit information
Year 1 (AS Level)
The AS course is taught over one year (September – June), and consists of two modules. Each module is assessed separately and the marks are added together to give your overall AS grade.
Unit 1: Psychology: Past to Present
There are several ways to explain human behaviour. In this unit you will study the Biological, Psychodynamic, Behaviourist, Cognitive and Positive approaches. In each case, you will assess their application to a theory and a therapy. For example, the Psychodynamic approach has been used to explain personality and also to develop dream analysis as a method of therapy.
Unit 2: Psychology: Using Psychological Concepts
Section A - Contemporary Debate
Section B - Principles of Research
Section C - Application of Research Methods to a Novel Scenario
Year 2 (A Level)
If you pass the AS Level, you will be able to continue your study of psychology at A2 level. The A2 level is delivered over one year, and includes another two modules. The marks from these modules will be added to your AS level marks to give your overall grade.
Unit 3: Psychology: Implications in the Real World
Unit 4: Psychology: Applied Research Methods
Campus Information Rhos-on-Sea
Unit information
Year 1 (AS Level)
The AS course is taught over one year (September – June), and consists of two modules. Each module is assessed separately and the marks are added together to give your overall AS grade.
Unit 1: Psychology: Past to Present
There are several ways to explain human behaviour. In this unit you will study the Biological, Psychodynamic, Behaviourist, Cognitive and Positive approaches. In each case, you will assess their application to a theory and a therapy. For example, the Psychodynamic approach has been used to explain personality and also to develop dream analysis as a method of therapy.
Unit 2: Psychology: Using Psychological Concepts
Section A - Contemporary Debate
Section B - Principles of Research
Section C - Application of Research Methods to a Novel Scenario
Year 2 (A Level)
If you pass the AS Level, you will be able to continue your study of psychology at A2 level. The A2 level is delivered over one year, and includes another two modules. The marks from these modules will be added to your AS level marks to give your overall grade.
Unit 3: Psychology: Implications in the Real World
Unit 4: Psychology: Applied Research Methods
Other details
Course type: School Leavers
Level:
3
Programme Area:
- International
- AS/A-Level
Bilingual:
This programme is available bilingually at the following campus(es):
- Dolgellau
- Pwllheli
