Psychology
What is Psychology?
The first psychology department in the UK was set up in the late 19th century at Cambridge University.
Psychology's aim is to answer some simple, but fundamental questions: why do you do the things you do, and why do you think the things you think?
To answer questions like these in the First Year, 15 key studies will be covered to introduce the broad nature of psychology.
Studies include (in addition to 8 not mentioned here):
- Why do we sleep?
- What happens to a person who has the two hemispheres of the brain separated?
- Why do we obey authority?
- Who do some people become compulsive gamblers?
- What influences an eyewitness testimony?
- What is body dysmorphic disorder?
- What makes a person attractive: is it facial symmetry?
If you are interested by these questions, then psychology is for you!
In the Second Year, two options are taken from a choice of five (although not all options will be available):
- Psychology and Crime
- Psychology and Abnormality
- Psychology and Sport
- Psychology and Environment
- Psychology and Health
We follow the Pre-U Psychology specification, which can be downloaded in full from the CIE website.
A special feature of the specification is an 'explore more' section for those who have a special interest in a key study or specific topic area and who wish to be stretched and challenged.
Assessment is via linear examinations. This means that there are no modular examinations and all work is assessed at the end of the two-year course. As this is more challenging higher UCAS points will be achieved.
Psychology can be combined with a range of subjects: with Chemistry and Biology it's a great way into medicine; the skills it teaches will help you with Geography, History or English; with Politics, Economics and Business Studies; and it's the key to sales, marketing and advertising!
Did you know that Psychology is the 5th popular A level subject with 52,621 candidates in 2007?
Examination results
At AS level in 2007 Psychology pupils achieved outstanding results.
- 21 pupils out of 24 achieved a grade A, the three others a grade B.
- 46% of pupils achieved a maximum mark on at least one examination paper, and 83% achieved at least 90% on one or more examination papers.
240 'UMS points' are needed for a grade A (out of 300 maximum)
- One pupil achieved 293 points and another 291 points.
- 50% of pupils achieved points of 266 or more. Very comfortable grade As!
The national average for grade As for Psychology is 19% and grades A and B 42.2%
- Perse Psychology pupils achieved 87.5% grade As (68.5% above national average)
- Perse Psychology pupils achieved 100% grades A and B.