PSYCHOLOGY

A-level

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A level

Course Level

Level 3

Duration

2 years full-time

Entry

September

Fees

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Department of Sixth Form
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Our sixth form centre is brand-new for the city of Birmingham and the surrounding areas 

Access to our vast university e-learning resources to give you the edge when completing your course

Have you ever been intrigued by why we think, feel and behave the way we do? A-level Psychology is a dynamic and engaging subject that will help you to understand the mysteries of the human mind.   

Studying A-level Psychology course at our sixth form centre, you will delve into topics such as memory, perception, social influence, abnormal behavior and much more. And by embarking on this captivating journey of discovery, you also get to explore the complexities of human behaviour and the inner workings of our minds.

Crucially, your study of psychology will help you to develop a wide range of skills including research, communication and data analysis. On completion, you can go onto a psychology-related degree, but this subject is also hugely beneficial if you want to go into careers such as social work, teaching, business and marketing, whether this is through further study, an apprenticeship or going directly into industry. 

Why choose A-levels at our sixth form centre?

  • PREPARE FOR UNIVERSITY AT A UNIVERSITY – We can provide you with relevant work placements, masterclasses, guest speakers, trips and more
  • AWARD-WINNING SUPPORT – We have won national awards for our student support, which our sixth form students can tap into, from tailored academic support to financial assistance and health and wellbeing services
  • OUTSTANDING LEARNING FACILITIES - We have invested £5.5 million into our brand-new sixth form centre, which includes lecture theatres, classrooms, science and computer labs, practical training facilities and open study spaces
  • MOVE UP TO UNIVERSITY – Want to keep studying at a higher level? This A-level will support your progression onto our BSc Psychology degree
Find out more about our sixth form centre and our vision for our A-level students. View video.

Course breakdown

To achieve your Psychology A-level, you must study the following topics:

Topics you will study:

  • Social influence 
  • Memory 
  • Attachment 
  • Psychopathology 
  • Approaches in psychology 
  • Biopsychology 
  • Research methods 
  • Issues and debates in psychology 

Entry requirements

Academic requirements

  • We ask for a minimum of five GCSE subjects at grade 5 or higher, including GCSE English Literature or Language and Maths.

Supporting documents required

  • School applicants will be required to provide a school report, which must include attendance. This will be assessed in conjunction with your qualifications and application during the confirmation of your place at University College Birmingham.

Guaranteed progression

Students who achieve 56 UCAS points or more from this qualification will automatically be guaranteed a place on a degree course at University College Birmingham. Some undergraduate courses require additional entry requirements, so applicants are advised to check entry requirements before applying.

Key information

Teaching and assessment

You will be assessed through three written exam papers in the Summer of your second year. These exams will assess:

  • your knowledge and understanding of scientific ideas, processes, techniques and procedures
  • your ability to apply your knowledge in both theoretical and practical contexts, using both qualitative and quantitative data
  • your ability to analyse, interpret and evaluate scientific ideas, processes, techniques and procedures

Your class work and directed learning are designed to prepare you well for your exams and to help you to develop a range of skills that will help you in your future studies and work.

Our teaching and assessment is underpinned by our Learning and Teaching Strategy 2025-2030.

Centre of opportunities

Our sixth form centre taps into the wider university's networks to enhance student opportunities and gives you access to world-class university facilities.

Find out more

We are creating something unique and special for Birmingham and I am delighted you are considering us for your next steps. Studying A-levels requires discipline and determination, but it is also incredibly rewarding, offering you a deep insight into the subjects you choose to study. Sixth form is also an opportunity for you to discover what’s important to you and how you want to make your mark on the world. Our aim is to support and challenge you through this, while developing your character and widening your horizons so you flourish, professionally and personally. 

Rebecca Tigue Sixth Form Centre Principal

What will this course prepare you for?

An A-level in Psychology will pave the way for you to study psychology at degree level, including our own BSc Psychology. However, you may progress to study or work in other associated professions such as nursing, healthcare, education or social work.  

Psychologist

Average Salary: £49,000

Nurse

Average Salary: £30,000

Mental health nurse

Average Salary: £33,951

Social worker

Average Salary: £48,000

Sociologist

Average Salary: £41,000

Hired

We are here to support your career goals every step of the way. 

 

Find out more

Our new sixth form centre

University College Birmingham is to begin offering a range of A-level courses as part of a major multi-million-pound investment in a brand-new sixth form centre.

Read Story

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