Psychology - A2
About this course
The Psychology A2 programme follows on from AS Psychology and should be taken in conjunction with two or three other subjects and the Welsh Baccalaureate.
Based at our City Centre campus in Cardiff, learners may be able to take this qualification as a part-time student.
What you will study
A2 Psychology covers two modules: Implications in the Real World and Applied Research Methods.
Unit 3: Psychology: Implications in the Real World
Written examination: 2 hours 30 minutes
40% of A-Level qualification
Having learnt about the various psychological approaches in Unit 1, learners are expected to apply this knowledge and understanding to human and animal behaviours. Students should be able to explain and draw conclusions about the possible causes of these behaviours and understand that psychology has the potential to impact on society as a whole by developing methods of modifying behaviour. In addition, pupils should explore five controversies that continue to pose challenges for psychology. These controversies can be considered synoptically and draw on the content from the whole of the specification.
Unit 4: Psychology: Applied Research Methods
Written examination: 1 hour 30 minutes
20% of A-Level qualification
It is necessary for learners to know and understand the methodologies used in psychology and to be able to evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of them. To ensure true appreciation of these methodologies, the students are expected to gain first-hand experience of two research methods. Pupils will be required to respond to questions concerning these investigations in the assessment. The second aspect of this component is for learners to apply their knowledge and understanding of research methods to novel research scenarios, making judgements on the details of psychological research.
Entry requirements
Successful completion of AS programme including satisfactory attendance and tutor recommendation.
Teaching and assessment
Two written exams
Important points
- The College welcomes contact with parents/guardians of students who are under 18.
- Additional support is available for students with learning difficulties and disabilities.
- Cardiff and Vale College is committed to inclusion and values diversity. We are determined to promote equality of opportunity and to treat everyone fairly and with respect.
- Cardiff and Vale College reserves the right to make changes to this course without prior notice.
- Course fees are subject to change. Your fee will be confirmed prior to enrolment.
- All courses are accurate at the time of upload or print.
- Courses can only run if there are sufficient numbers.
- Please note, if you choose three or more course choices, then you may be referred for a careers appointment first. This does not apply to A Level or GCSE choices.
Start date
End date
Time of day
Full Time
Course code
Qualification
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I came to the College as I wanted to travel and become more independent – it’s so modern and looks amazing. When I saw the library I was sold. Honestly the library was my main pull, there are so many books I loved it.
Someone came in to speak to us about the Sutton Trust, which gives students a taste of life at American universities. I applied - it was really competitive but I got in. We went to a different state every day, and we went to different colleges including Princeton and Harvard. I also had a week at Warwick Uni and a week at Nottingham Uni. It was so good – I just loved it.
You have a lot of support at the College, especially from the Careers and Ideas team. I think there are a lot more opportunities here as it is such a big college with so many resources.
Career prospects & further study
On completion of the A Level programme, the majority of our students progress onto universities across the country and beyond. Based on this course, there are many options but below are just a few examples of degree programmes you could go on to study at University:
- Anthropology
- Biology
- Criminology
- Education
- Environmental Science
- Forensic Science
- Philosophy
- Psychology
- Sociology
- Zoology
Need to know
Learning Support