Psychology
Studying Psychology introduces students to a wide variety of research and contemporary issues reflecting the subject's diverse influences from the Sciences and the Arts.
At AS level in units 1 and 2 the students gain an understanding of research and theories within cognitive, social, biological and developmental psychology. For example: How accurate is our memory and what types of strategies can we use to improve it? How willing are we to inflict harm on complete strangers because an authority figure tells us to? What kind of effect does stress have on your immune system? Do we bond with our mothers because of the need for food or are we pre-programmed by our evolutionary history to love and be lovable?
To learn more about the Psychology Department, its examination requirements and to get examples of past papers and their mark schemes, please Click here
At A2 level in units 3 and 4, students gain an understanding of more social and biological concepts of psychology. For example: What biological and psychological factors contribute to eating disorders? What are the explanations for why a normally peaceful person may become aggressive? What is the real purpose of why we need sleep each night? Why do people become addicted to substances? And is it possible to become addicted to shopping or computer games?
To better understand these theories and the research, the research methods used in psychology will also be discussed so that eventually the students gain the confidence and understanding to successfully conduct their own research studies.
