Psychology - AS
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.
Start date
End date
Time of day
Full Time
Course code
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CAVC is a great place to study A Levels – the teachers, the support, the facilities and social experience has been so good – I’m delighted to have gained all A’s in my AS exams. The support to apply and prepare for university is brilliant and I’m looking forward to progressing after college.
Career prospects & further study
500
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