About this course

The Psychology AS programme is a one-year course of study 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.

Students will be introduced to historical and current psychological approaches and classic and contemporary research. In addition, there are opportunities to explore psychological controversies and debates. Pupils will also study a variety of methods used by psychologists and will carry out their own investigations. Consideration of the ethical issues and implications of psychological endeavours will be emphasised in all aspects of the specification.

What you will study

During the course the following units will be covered:

Unit 1 - Psychology: Past to Present

Written examination: 1 hour 30 minutes - 20% of qualification.

The purpose of this unit is to give a solid grounding in some of the basic core elements of psychology. The intention therefore is to allow the learner, through the study of classic research, to gain an appreciation that psychology continues to develop and evolve. The early ideas should not be dismissed but rather studied in context with consideration of the advances made in more recent years. Learners will be asked to gain knowledge and understanding of the five approaches (biological, psychodynamic, behaviourist, cognitive and positive).

Unit 2 - Psychology: Investigating Behaviour

Written examination: 1 hour 30 minutes - 20% of qualification.

The central aspect for this section is that of psychological research, from the initial planning stages through to the final stage of analysis and evaluation. It is designed to introduce learners to the methodologies used by psychologists in working scientifically and to gain an appreciation of the impact of choices made on the outcomes of the work and consequently the possible applications. Learners should appreciate the limitations of scientific research and when dealing with the complexities of humans as test material, there are several issues which need to be considered.

Entry requirements

Individual Subject Entry Requirement Maths minimum: C [H] or B [I] English Language minimum: B

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.

Key information

Start date

3 September 2025

End date

23 June 2026

Time of day

Day Time

Full Time

4.5 hours per week

Location

City Centre Campus, Cardiff

Maps & directions

Course code

ASCC3F17

L3

Qualification

Psychology - AS

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.

Charlotte Hall

Studying A Levels in English Literature, History, Law, Psychology and Welsh Baccalaureate

500

Fantastic university progression routes! With hundreds of students gaining places at Oxbridge, Russell Group and other leading universities. In fact, this year more than 500 students achieved their firm or insurance choice through UCAS, with nearly 100 being Russell Group universities!

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: