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Have you ever been intrigued by why we think, feel and behave the way we do? A-level Psychology is a dynamic and engaging subject that will help you to understand the mysteries of the human mind.
Studying A-level Psychology course at our sixth form centre, you will delve into topics such as memory, perception, social influence, abnormal behavior and much more. And by embarking on this captivating journey of discovery, you also get to explore the complexities of human behaviour and the inner workings of our minds.
Crucially, your study of psychology will help you to develop a wide range of skills including research, communication and data analysis. On completion, you can go onto a psychology-related degree, but this subject is also hugely beneficial if you want to go into careers such as social work, teaching, business and marketing, whether this is through further study, an apprenticeship or going directly into industry.
Why choose A-levels at our sixth form centre?
- PREPARE FOR UNIVERSITY AT A UNIVERSITY – We can provide you with relevant work placements, masterclasses, guest speakers, trips and more
- AWARD-WINNING SUPPORT – We have won national awards for our student support, which our sixth form students can tap into, from tailored academic support to financial assistance and health and wellbeing services
- OUTSTANDING LEARNING FACILITIES - We have invested £5.5 million into our brand-new sixth form centre, which includes lecture theatres, classrooms, science and computer labs, practical training facilities and open study spaces
- MOVE UP TO UNIVERSITY – Want to keep studying at a higher level? This A-level will support your progression onto our BSc Psychology degree
Course breakdown
To achieve your Psychology A-level, you must study the following topics:
Topics you will study:
- Social influence
- Memory
- Attachment
- Psychopathology
- Approaches in psychology
- Biopsychology
- Research methods
- Issues and debates in psychology
Entry requirements
Academic requirements
- We ask for a minimum of five GCSE subjects at grade 5 or higher, including GCSE English Literature or Language and Maths.
Supporting documents required
- School applicants will be required to provide a school report, which must include attendance. This will be assessed in conjunction with your qualifications and application during the confirmation of your place at University College Birmingham.
Guaranteed progression
Students who achieve 56 UCAS points or more from this qualification will automatically be guaranteed a place on a degree course at University College Birmingham. Some undergraduate courses require additional entry requirements, so applicants are advised to check entry requirements before applying.
Key information
Teaching and assessment
You will be assessed through three written exam papers in the Summer of your second year. These exams will assess:
- your knowledge and understanding of scientific ideas, processes, techniques and procedures
- your ability to apply your knowledge in both theoretical and practical contexts, using both qualitative and quantitative data
- your ability to analyse, interpret and evaluate scientific ideas, processes, techniques and procedures
Your class work and directed learning are designed to prepare you well for your exams and to help you to develop a range of skills that will help you in your future studies and work.
Our teaching and assessment is underpinned by our Teaching, Learning and Assessment Strategy 2021-2024.
Centre of opportunities
Our sixth form centre taps into the wider university's networks to enhance student opportunities and gives you access to world-class university facilities.
We are creating something unique and special for Birmingham and I am delighted you are considering us for your next steps. Studying A-levels requires discipline and determination, but it is also incredibly rewarding, offering you a deep insight into the subjects you choose to study. Sixth form is also an opportunity for you to discover what’s important to you and how you want to make your mark on the world. Our aim is to support and challenge you through this, while developing your character and widening your horizons so you flourish, professionally and personally.
What will this course prepare you for?
An A-level in Psychology will pave the way for you to study psychology at degree level, including our own BSc Psychology. However, you may progress to study or work in other associated professions such as nursing, healthcare, education or social work.
Psychologist
Average Salary: £49,000
Nurse
Average Salary: £30,000
Mental health nurse
Average Salary: £33,951
Social worker
Average Salary: £48,000
Sociologist
Average Salary: £41,000
Our new sixth form centre
University College Birmingham is to begin offering a range of A-level courses as part of a major multi-million-pound investment in a brand-new sixth form centre.
