Free GCE A Level in Psychology in Redbridge. Classes run at Oaks Park High School. The course takes two years, studied full-time during the day. In year one, you explore the main approaches in psychology, covering memory, prejudice, and phobias. In year two, you apply that knowledge to Clinical, Health, and either Criminal or Child Psychology. You also study how psychologists design and carry out research. Entry requires Grade C or above in Core and Additional Science, plus Grade 5 in Maths (or Grade B in Science with Grade 4 in Maths).
Who this course is for
Psychology is the science of the mind and behaviour. In the first year you will study the main approaches in psychology and how they attempt to explain behaviour. You will encounter questions such as 'why do we forget?', 'what causes prejudice?' and 'why are people terrified of spiders?' In the second year you will apply this to the areas of Clinical, and Health, Criminal OR Child Psychology. In addition, you will consider how psychologists conduct their research to help them in developing theories, discuss issues such as ethics and the nature nurture debate and conduct data analysis
Entry requirements
Grade C in Core and Additional Science and Grade 5 in Maths, OR Grade B in core and Additional Science and a Grade 4 in Maths.
What you will learn
You'll explore the main psychological approaches and how they explain human behaviour.
You'll investigate why memory fails and what research tells us about forgetting.
You'll examine the causes of prejudice and social behaviour.
You'll study Clinical Psychology, including mental health conditions and treatments.
You'll study Health Psychology, looking at behaviour and wellbeing.
You'll study either Criminal Psychology or Child Psychology in depth.
You'll learn how psychologists design research and analyse their findings.
How you will learn
Learning is classroom-based, full-time during the day at Oaks Park High School. The Pearson Edexcel A Level is assessed through written examinations at the end of the two-year course. You will sit three papers covering the core approaches, your chosen applied psychology topic, and psychological skills including research methods.
What you will need to bring
The centre will provide most materials. Oaks Park High School will confirm anything else you need before you start.
Where next
Jobs you could do
Research assistant: support psychology or social research projects.
Mental health support worker: assist people with mental health needs.
Care assistant: provide support in health or social care settings.
Teaching assistant: support pupils in school environments.
Youth worker: work with young people in community or educational settings.
Police or probation service roles: entry-level positions in criminal justice.
What you could study next
BSc Psychology (Hons): a degree accredited by the British Psychological Society, required for graduate-basis registration and routes into clinical, forensic, or occupational psychology.
BSc Criminology or Sociology: builds on the criminal and social behaviour themes covered at A Level.
Higher National Certificate (HNC) in Health and Social Care: a Level 4 option if you want a shorter route into health or care work.
