1 year – AS
2 year – A2.

Exam Board: OCR

Minimum subject specific entry requirements: Grade C in GCSE English Language, Mathematics and Science.

Contact Person: Ms Chowdhury

Course Content:

AS Units consist of:

G541 Psychological Investigations
You will study four research methods that are used in Psychology and will have the opportunity to carry out small pieces of research on your own. You will also be required to
evaluate research methods, focusing on the strengths and limitations of each method.
G542 Core Studies
You will be looking at 15 pieces of ground breaking research in Psychology. An in depth
exploration, will involve understanding the background to the study, the study itself, and
a thorough evaluation of the study. You will also explore key themes, issues and debates
that are relevant in Psychology.

A2 consists of AS plus the following units:

G543 Options in Applied Psychology
You will take an applied approach to Psychology focusing on two applied options - a detailed study of Forensic and Health Psychology. Using research that has been done in these areas, you will explore how Psychology is used in these fields on a daily basis.
G544 Approaches and Research Methods in Psychology
This is a synoptic unit requiring you to draw on all your knowledge from the AS and A2
course. The focus is on research methods and you will gain experience of designing and
carrying out a piece of research. You will explore the key approaches, perspectives, issues
and debates in Psychology, focusing on the strengths and limitations of each.

Assessment:

All OCR Psychology units are assessed through exams which are externally marked.
AS: G541 – 1 hour exam
G542 – 2 hour exam
A2: G543 – 1 hour and 30 minutes exam
G544 – 1 hour and 30 minutes exam

This course will suit you if you are interested in people and why they behave the way they do. If you enjoy thinking analytically and are able to think ‘outside the box’. You must be a keen reader and have good writing skills. You should be able to take part in discussions and be able to express your opinions.

Progression:

As an AS or A2 qualification, you will gain some UCAS points which can help you to get into most undergraduate courses. Psychology is useful in most workplaces and careers, as it helps you to gain a better understanding of human beings and how their minds work. It can be useful in any type of social work, teaching and education, health care professions, law based careers.