Psychology

Course summary

Psychology is the scientific study of the human mind and its functions, especially those affecting behaviour in a given context. The focus is on understanding how the physical brain as well as our environment impact on our behaviour as humans. The department follows the AQA specification which explores topics such as human memory, abnormality, social influence, sleep, child psychology and abnormalities such as schizophrenia. Critically, research methods and data handling techniques used by psychologists are also a core focus. A-Level Psychology encourages students to critically evaluate scientific research and the theories that arise from it. We look to apply theories to real life situations, such as understanding why eye witness testimony is flawed and which treatments are the most effective for psychological disorders such as OCD, Phobias and Depression. Students are encouraged to develop their knowledge and understanding of Psychology outside the classroom, through keeping up with current research in magazines such as The Psychologist or through books and documentaries; wider reading around the subject is heavily encouraged.