This is a two-year course with three modules which are all examined at the end of Year 13. The following information relates to the updated OCR specification which will be first taught in September 2026.

What does the course involve?

Psychology is the study of human behaviour and experience. This course will introduce you to the theories and methods of Psychology. It offers the opportunity to look at some of the explanations psychologists use to understand humans and their interactions with the world. From a personal perspective you should find the fundamental questions of the psychologist interesting:

• Why do I behave like this?
• Why do I feel like this?
• Why do I think like this?

These questions are explored through a series of activities including research studies and practical work. You will study a variety of psychological studies that represent the range of psychologists’ interest and the methods they use. A practical examination gives you the opportunity to apply some of these methods in your own research. The course aims to develop both your psychological skills as well as your psychological knowledge.

What do I need to study Psychology?

The course demands a high standard of verbal and written English, creative thought, analytical skills and numerical ability. A Grade 5 in English and maths and at least a Grade 5 in one science is required to study psychology at A Level. However, it is also important to have an interest in people and in what motivates them to behave in certain ways.

What does the course involve?

Component 1: Research methods

This introduces the world of psychological research methods. Students are required to conduct their own practical work which they reflect on in the exam. You will develop a knowledge and understanding of the processes of planning, conducting, analysing and reporting psychological research across a range of experimental and non-experimental methods and techniques and also gain an awareness of associated strengths and weaknesses. You will also be expected to carry out mathematical procedures and statistical analysis on your own data.

You will learn about the five main techniques for collecting/analysing data. These are:

• self-report
• experiment
• observation
• correlation
• case study

Component 2: Psychological themes through core studies

This introduces key themes and core studies in psychology.

Section A: Core studies

You will learn about 15 different pieces of psychological research, evaluating them in relation to their methodological issues as well as their practical applications and their contribution to Psychology as a science.

You will look at:

• How the studies are similar and how they are different
• Strengths and weaknesses of the different research methods
• Strengths and weaknesses of different types of data
• How each core study relates to its key theme and to the area of psychology it is placed within

The studies include:

• An experiment which explores the mental world of autistic people
• A staged collapse on a tube train to see what factors influence people’s decisions to help
• Disobedience and whistle blowing
• Improving adherence of children with rewards

Section B: Areas, perspectives and debates

You will have to understand and evaluate some of the areas and debates within psychological research, recognising which studies demonstrate a particular area/perspective/debate.

Areas include:

• Social
• Cognitive
• Developmental
• Biological
• Individual differences

Perspectives:

• Behaviourist
• Psychodynamic

Debates include:

• Nature/nurture
• Freewill/determinism
• Usefulness of research
• Ethical considerations
• Psychology as a science

Component 3: Applied Psychology

Mental health

• What is mental health?
• The medical model
• Alternatives to the medical model
• Modern approaches to mental health

Child psychology

• Pre-adult brain development
• Perceptual development
• Development of attachment

Criminal psychology

• Turning to crime
• Building a case
• In the courtroom
• Managing offenders

You will cover the background to each topic, a key piece of research and how it can be applied in the real world. You will gain an understanding of the methodological issues and debates in psychology which run throughout the component eg. nature/nurture debate, ethical considerations, Psychology as a science, freewill/determinism

How will I be assessed?

Component one research methods

• Exam two hours (33.3%)
• Section A multiple choice questions
• Section B Research design and response relating to source material given
• Section C Data analysis and interpretation

Component 2 Psychological themes through core studies

• Exam two hours (33.3%)
• Section A Short answer questions on the core studies
• Section B Areas, perspectives and debates: a structured essay question
• Section C Practical applications: longer answer questions relating to a novel source

Component 3 Applied Psychology

• Exam two hours (33.3%)
• Section A Issues in mental health
• Section B Criminal Psychology, Child Psychology
• Both sections have questions requiring extended written responses

What will I be able to do with an A Level in Psychology?

Psychology has particular relevance for students interested in careers working with people such as Nursing, Police Force, Human Resource Management, Teaching, Marketing, Medicine and Social Work.

There are various career options in the field of professional psychology such as: Health, educational, clinical, forensic, sport, occupational psychology and counselling. All require a psychology degree and further training.