Psychology A Level

There are two 90 minute exams in AS and three 120 minute exams at A Level.

To be accepted onto this Level 3 programme, you must hold at least eight GCSEs at grade 4 or above, including grade 5 in GCSE English Language and grade 4 in GCSE Maths.

This subject requires GCSE English Language at grade 5 or above and GCSE Biology or Science at grade 6 or above.

You could study Psychology or other Humanities subjects at university.

As one of the largest A Levels in college, we have a large, highly qualified, specialist team of lecturers that deliver the subject right up to degree level. As a result, psychology is incredibly well-resourced, both within the department and in the Library and Learning Resource Centre (LRC).

Q: Is Psychology A Level difficult?

A: Yes and no! It is no more difficult than any other A Level (if you are prepared to work hard!) and you will be given lots of support to help you reach the very highest grade possible.



Q: I have not done it at GCSE. Will this be a problem?

A: Not at all. Very few schools offer GCSE Psychology so we assume you have ‘no previous knowledge’. This does not mean ‘no previous interest’ though and we like to welcome students who have an open mind and a genuine interest in understanding human thought and behaviour.



Q: Will a qualification in Psychology be useful?

A: Yes! Even if you don’t specialise in it such as being a sport psychologist or educational psychologist, you can go into therapy or counselling. It is a particularly useful subject for careers such as the police or medicine or any job that deals with people. Alternatively you may like it so much that you choose to teach it!



Q: Will I be able to read people’s minds after studying Psychology?

A: No, it isn’t going to teach you directly how to interpret other people’s dreams or to know what they’re thinking or be able to predict their behaviour. It will indirectly teach you what psychologists have found to be likely behaviours that are shown by people in certain situations. It also gives you many useful bits of information you can share at parties to seem interesting, such as why deja vu happens and why you might fall in love with people who remind you of your parents.

Every full-time student at North Devon College will have their own Study Programme which will include:

– Your academic or vocational qualification.

– Maths and English Language development – if you have not achieved GCSE grade 4 in either of these subjects.

– Work Experience – hours will vary depending on your qualification and course level.

– Tutor Support – to support your personal, academic and professional development.

– Sustainability – helping you to identify how you can improve the sustainability of your future employment sectors.

– Personal Development Awards – developing six key areas of personal and employability behaviours to prepare you for the working world.