A LEVEL
Psychology
Psychology is the science of understanding people: how we think, feel, and behave. It helps you explore what makes us who we are and why we do what we do.
At St Paul’s, you’ll examine the human mind through research, discussion, and reflection, developing insight into both yourself and others.
You arrive as you are, and you’re celebrated for it. You leave ready to take on the world.
— Sixth Form student
Why Choose Psychology at St Paul’s?
Psychology opens doors to a wide range of degree and career paths, including:
- Psychology and Neuroscience
- Counselling and Mental Health
- Education and Social Work
- Business, Marketing and HR
- Sport and Health Sciences
It’s a subject that develops independence, curiosity, and a lifelong interest in understanding people.
Where Psychology Can Take You
Psychology opens doors to a wide range of degree and career paths, including:
- Psychology and Neuroscience
- Counselling and Mental Health
- Education and Social Work
- Business, Marketing and HR
- Sport and Health Sciences
It’s a subject that develops independence, curiosity, and a lifelong interest in understanding people.
I thought about leaving, but I realised no one else would care about me the way St Paul’s does. Here, I’m not starting over, I’m moving forward.
— Student Name
What You’ll Study
The course explores major areas of modern psychology, including both theory and research practice.
Introductory Topics in Psychology
- Social Influence
- Memory
- Attachment
- Psychopathology
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Psychology in Context
- Approaches in Psychology
- Biopsychology
- Research Methods
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Issues and Options in Psychology
- Issues and Debates in Psychology
- Relationships
- Schizophrenia
- Forensic Psychology
Full details of the course can be found in the exam board’s official AQA specification.
You arrive as you are, and you’re celebrated for it. You leave ready to take on the world.
— Sixth Form student
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Psychology Exam Results
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PASS RATE
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achieved
A* to C
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achieved
A* to B
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achieved
A* to A
Entry Requirements
In addition to our standard entry requirements, a number of our courses have specific entry requirements to ensure you are ready to thrive in the subject. For Mathematics, you’ll need:
- Grade 5+ in English Language
- Grade 5+ in Maths
These requirements are in place to help set you up for success and make sure you have the right foundation to enjoy the challenge of Sixth Form study.
I thought about leaving, but I realised no one else would care about me the way St Paul’s does. Here, I’m not starting over, I’m moving forward.
— Student Name
Hear From Our Students
The skills and knowledge I have acquired from psychology has driven my career in a more rewarding direction.
Psychology has broadened my understanding of myself and the people around me. I have been inspired to pursue a degree in psychology at uni.
As well as learning about psychology, I have learnt how to study effectively and built routines that will stay with me in the future.
Studying psychology has been amazing due to the supportive environment created by the teachers.
Mrs A Teagle
SUBJECT LEADER FOR PSYCHOLOGY
Psychology is a fascinating subject that helps you make sense of people, relationships, and the world around you. It’s engaging, thought-provoking, and deeply rewarding to study.
If you’d like to find out more or have any questions about Psychology at St Paul’s, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.
Send me a message
We’d love to hear from you, whether you want to talk about subject choices, entry requirements, or your future career ideas.
Are you ready to challenge yourself, grow in confidence, and see the world through new eyes?
Start your Psychology journey at St Paul’s.
Whatever course you choose, you’ll be joining a community where every student is known and loved. Our mission is not just to help you succeed academically, but to help you grow as a person, supported and celebrated every step of the way.
PsychologyCourse Content
This course is stimulating and engaging, covering a wide variety of areas of interest to psychologists today. It will encourage you to develop skills in critical analysis, independent thinking and research.
You will study:
- Social influence
- Memory
- Attachment
- Psychopathology
- Approaches in Psychology
- Biopsychology
- Research methods
- Issues and debates in Psychology
- Relationships
- Schizophrenia
- Forensic Psychology
| PAPER 1Introductory Topics in Psychology | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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CONTENT |
Core Content 1-4 |
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WEIGHT |
33.3% (96 Marks) |
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LENGTH |
2 Hours |
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Paper 1 is divided into four sections. Each section contains a mixture of multiple choice, short answer and extended writing questions worth 24 marks.
| PAPER 2Psychology in Context | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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CONTENT |
Core Content 5-7 |
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WEIGHT |
33.3% (96 Marks) |
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LENGTH |
2 Hours |
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Paper 2 is divided into three sections. Each section contains a mixture of multiple choice, short answer and extended writing questions. Sections A and B are worth 24 marks, and Section C is worth 48 marks.
| PAPER 3Issues & Options in Psychology | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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CONTENT |
Core Content 8 Plus Additional Content |
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WEIGHT |
33.3% (96 Marks) |
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LENGTH |
2 Hours |
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Paper 3 is divided into four sections. Each section consists of a mixture of multiple choice, short answer and extended writing worth 24 marks. Sections B to D relate to the following topics:
- 8. Issues and debates in Psychology
- 9. RelationshipsÂ
- 10. Schizophrenia
- 11. Forensic Psychology
