Psychology

You will learn about four major approaches to psychology in year 1, exploring key items of research, learning about important studies related to that topic, and finding out how research is conducted in that area of psychology.  You will learn to use statistical tests to help interpret data collected in class exercises.

Year 2 gives you an opportunity to study some uses of psychology in the real world.  You will discover how the approaches you have learnt come together to explain human behaviour.

This course highlights the importance of applying knowledge and understanding rather than just acquiring knowledge. This will help you to develop transferable skills, such as analysis, evaluation, and critical thinking, particularly when considering the findings of psychological research.

Studying A level Psychology will give you a range of transferable skills, from evaluation and critical thinking skills, to learning how to conduct research and understanding statistical analysis.

There will be an increased push towards exams as the preferred form of assessment. Coursework content in some subjects will be reduced or removed. The course may involve a mix of assignments and examinations.

The general requirements for direct entry to our two-year A level programmes are five GCSEs including English and maths at grade A*-C or equivalent, plus two additional GCSEs or BTECs at grade A*-C or the equivalent.

For students applying with new 1-9 grade tier GCSE qualifications in maths or English, we will consider a grade 4 as equivalent to grade C in terms of our general entry requirements. However, please be aware that specific subjects may require grade 5 or above in GCSE English or maths.

Applicants with five GCSEs at grade 9-4/A*-C including English and maths, but without the two additional 9-4/A*-C equivalent qualifications may be considered, dependent on individual circumstances, at the discretion of the Head or Deputy Head of Leeds Sixth Form College.

Students with a GCSE average score of below 5.7 (mostly C/4s at GCSE) will follow the three A level programme, whilst students with a GCSE average score of 5.7/6 (mostly B and above at GCSE) or above are encouraged to study four A level subjects. Our expert staff will help you to work out your expected average GCSE score for guidance.

In addition to our general entry criteria, some subjects have their own additional criteria.

For this A level, additional entry requirements include a grade 9-4 in GCSE Maths and two separate science subjects or GCSE Combined Science.