Exam board: AQA
Why study this course?
“If Psychology teaches us anything, it is that all of us are a mixture of strengths and weaknesses. No one has it all and no one lacks it all.” Christopher Peterson
If you are interested in people and why we do the things we do, this course brings computer science into the human arena. A-level Psychology lets you explore the fascinating science behind human behaviour, from how we think and learn to why we interact the way we do. It is a journey into the social, cognitive and neurological aspects of human interaction and explores the motives involved in human behaviour and links well to many aspects of technology, AI, Gaming, Programming, Robotics, advertising, social media.
You will dive into scientific methods, conduct your own research for investigations and learn crucial skills like critical thinking, effective communication, and independent study. This subject is perfect for those curious about people and it is very relevant for digital careers too! Think about designing user-friendly apps (UX/UI), understanding how people use technology (Human-Computer Interaction) or even building AI that understands human needs – psychology is key to all of this.
Through exciting industry projects, discussions and even trips (like to the Freud Museum or real courtrooms), you will develop creativity, curiosity, collaboration, resilience, and rigour – our core Ada values. A-level Psychology is a brilliant choice if you are interested in people, technology and want a strong foundation for university or a career where you can truly make a difference.
What you will learn
The key areas and topics include: Memory, Social Influence; Attachment; Psychopathology; Schizophrenia; Forensics; Relationships; Neuroscience; Psychological Treatment for disorders; We also look at the variety of research methods psychologists use, and you will be expected to carry out your own psychological investigations (with guidance from your teacher). The key skill you will learn is critical thinking, and the ability to evaluate theories and research in relation to human behaviour.
How will I be taught?
Every student has frequent opportunities to connect their academic learning in Psychology to real-world situations with industry engagement. These opportunities include:
- Classroom: Discussion and debate on sensitive issues with respect for fellow students.
- Cross Curricular links: In Unit 7 IT systems security, Unit 10 Human Computer Interaction and Unit 9 Impact of Computing
- Personal Development; students are able to carry out personal investigations, experimental procedures, interviews, Questionnaires, Observations and report findings with confidentiality and respect for participants. Examine coaching experience in relations to support systems in Humanistic psychology. Learn more about industry in social psychology (careers).
- Students also engage in coaching – support from industry – and will be able to make links with the Psychology curriculum and real world experience.
- Industry projects: links well with identifying users, user needs and pitching ideas. Persuasion techniques, and identifying key needs in users. Also ‘persona’ creation in industry projects leans heavily on research methods used to gather data on individuals.
- Trips and visits include the Freud Museum to explore the importance and relevance of Psychoanalysis. The Old Bailey Law Courts to see a real trial and how the legal process works in practice.
In Psychology developing the core skills of communication and self-reflection , and the Ada Values of Creativity, Curiosity, Collaboration, Resilience and Rigour are developed in the following ways:
- Students develop creative methods to assemble data and get participants for data collection. Embedded within the syllabus there is an expectation that students conduct their own experiments.
- The nature of psychological inquiry requires self reflection and a curious approach and developing an interest in different kinds of people.
- The students are actively encouraged to work together to produce reports and findings to be discussed in class through verbal and/or poster presentation.
- The exam technique has particular requirements and the learning is a steep progression from GCSE requiring resilience and mistakes are made and learned from.
- Students must respond effectively and rigorously to advice and guidance in exam technique and develop the skills in engaging with the question and meeting the requirements of the mark scheme in order to be successful.
How will I be assessed?
Psychology students must meet the academic rigour required for the external written assessments and are able to practice effective revision and preparation strategies for timed assessments. Success on the subject requires a strong academic approach to independent learning and self-discipline to manage workload and time. We start by assessing skills for psychology, where students learn the strategies for learning in Psychology (note taking, listening, communication and writing skills in line with the Ada Skills programme)..
Assessment throughout the course will be a mix of formal and informal methods, with focus to timed written work to unseen questions. Formal assessment points will be at the end of year 12, and two mock assessments in Year 13
At the end of the course students will sit three written papers. Each paper takes 2 hours to complete. They should expect to do mathematical calculations in all three papers.
Where will this take me?
Psychology and Computer Science opens up a unique and highly valuable set of skills—ideal for some of the fastest-growing and most innovative fields.
- University Degrees: Cognitive Science / Cognitive Computing; Psychology with Data Science / Artificial Intelligence; Useful for areas like mental health tech, behaviour prediction, or UX research; Neuroscience and Computing; Human-Computer Interaction (HCI) / UX Design; Combine psychology (especially cognitive and perceptual) with tech design; Ideal for careers in UX/UI design, usability testing, and product development; Computational Psychology / Behavioral Informatics
- Careers Combining Psychology & Computer Science: Tech & Design Roles: UX/UI Designer or Researcher; Human Factors Specialist; Digital Product Designer; Behavioural Data Analyst; Game Designer (especially educational or therapeutic games)
- AI & Data-Focused Roles: AI Researcher (with cognitive modelling focus); Machine Learning Engineer; Data Scientist with Psychology applications; Computational Neuroscientist
- Digital and Technology Solutions Degree Apprenticeship: UX Research or Product Design Apprenticeships; Health Informatics Roles (NHS or private health tech companies); Cyberpsychology (emerging area in online behavior and safety)
Something to follow:
- Richard Wiseman – On Your Mind Podcast
- Freakonomics Radio
Something to read:
- David Eagleman – The Brain
- Yuval Noah Harari – Homo Deus
- Jonathan Haidt – The Anxious Generation
