Fast Track A' Level Psychology (AS/A2)

FAST TRACK

A' Level Psychology (AS/A2) 

Our Fast Track A Level courses are 1 year courses with which you will receive priority tutor support throughout the duration. Upon completion of the course you will receive a certificate awarded by a national awarding body such as Edexcel, AQA and OCR. We also offer UCAS points with these courses which will vary depending on the grade you receive.

A distance learning course is the ideal way to gain an A Level in Psychology. Whether you're looking to go on to further education, improve your job prospects or expand your knowledge, distance learning A Level Psychology is a flexible and convenient course, which allows you to comprehensively prepare for the A Level Psychology exam through home study. What's more, because the distance learning A Level Psychology Course is a fully comprehensive course, no prior knowledge is required.

COURSE SYNOPSIS 

The course aims to give you some fundamental and lasting insights into behaviour and thought processes which will help you cope with the challenges of life, both for yourself and those you come into contact with. As well as learning about behaviour and thought processes you will also learn how to express yourself coherently, how to challenge and evaluate information presented to you and how scientific information is produced.

Psychology is a dynamic, ever changing subject with new information and studies constantly confirming or challenging existing theories and producing new ones. The subject matter of psychology is uniquely around and within you, it is essential that you are curious about the why’s and how’s of behaviour and thought processes in all settings from cradle to grave, from successful relationships (parent-child, work colleagues or romantic) to the best ways to utilize your memory.

The AS Level psychology course consists of 6 modules, 3 for each unit, (an additional module on psychological methodology is included in unit 1, which will allow you to assess the studies in the other two parts). The modules are further broken down into clear subject topics. At the end of each topic is a set of key words, which you should be able to define as a revision exercise, as well as activities throughout the text to ensure understanding of important aspects of the topic. Topic coverage may vary in length and difficulty depending on the level of detail and information required. You will need to study the modules in the sequence provided. There are three tutor marked assignments associated with each unit which should be sent to your tutor, as well as an introductory assignment to introduce yourself to your tutor.

Like the majority of academic subjects at A level, Psychology has its own distinct set of terms. You will be expected not only to recognise and understand these terms in examination papers, but be able to use them correctly in your answers. Psychology also contains many examples of research and theories you will be required to know methodological details and results of many of these. Students are recommended to have a notebook or index cards to develop a file of key words and Studies/researchers as you go along in order to help with revision and evaluation skills.

HOME STUDY SUPPORT

Your tutor will support you with your project formulation and give you guidance with appropriate topics and ideas.

You will be provided with comprehensive materials designed to provide you with everything required to complete your course of study. You will have your own personal tutor helping you with your course work and with any questions you may have. Plus you can contact a Student Advisors by email or phone for all the practical advice you may need – so we really are with you 100%.

Your tutor will give you various resource sites to visit and there is extra material in the Student Support Portal. In addition there are several supporting texts books for this course but again this depends on which approach you are following and which book best suits your individual needs

Further information can be obtained through AQA. The final assessment criteria and structure is the same regardless of which approach you choose.

COURSE RESOURCES

You will also require the following text books for your course:

AQA(B) Psychology for AS (A Level Psychology) - Buy From Amazon 
AQA Psychology B A2: Student's Book - Buy From Amazon 

COURSE ASSESSMENT

AS Level - AS Examinations
Unit 1 – PSYA1
Cognitive Psychology, Developmental Psychology and Research Methods 50% of the total AS marks, 25% of the total A2 marks. Length of exam. 1 hour 30 minutes Structured compulsory questions based on Cognitive Psychology, Developmental Psychology and Research Methods. Questions include short answer, stimulus material and one 12-mark question requiring extended writing in which QWC (quality of written communication) will be assessed. Available January and June.

Unit 2 – PSYA2
Biological Psychology, Social Psychology and Individual Differences 50% of the total AS marks, 25% of the total A2 marks Examination Length: 1 hour 30 minutes. Three compulsory structured questions, one based on the Biological Psychology content, one based on the Social Psychology content and one based on the Individual Differences content. Questions include short answer, stimulus material and one or more 12-mark questions requiring extended writing in which QWC will be assessed. Available January and June.

A2 Examinations

Unit 3 – PSYA3
Topics in Psychology. 25% of the total A Level marks
1 hour 30 minutes

Three essay-style questions chosen from eight topics, the following four are available in this course.
(c) Relationships
(d) Aggression
(g) Intelligence and learning
(h) Cognition and development
QWC will be assessed in each essay Available January and June.

Unit 4 – PSYA4
Psychopathology, Psychology in Action and Research Methods
25% of the total A Level marks. 2 hours.

Three sections
Psychopathology: One essay-style question on Depression. QWC will be assessed in this essay.
Psychology in Action: One question on Addiction
Research Methods: One compulsory structured question.
Available January and June

Assessment Objectives
All questions are set in order to test a student’s ability to demonstrate the following assessment objectives. The course has 3 assessment objects.

AO1 - Recognise, recall and show understanding of scientific knowledge, select, organise and communicate relevant information in a variety of forms

AO2 - Analyse and evaluate scientific knowledge, apply knowledge and processes to unfamiliar situations, assess the validity, reliability and credibility of scientific information

AO3 - Describe ethical, safe and skilful practical techniques and processes, know how to make, record, and communicate valid observations, analyse, interpret, explain and evaluate the methodology and investigative activities in a variety of ways.

Weighting of Assessment objectives in units
The 3 assessment objectives above are weighted slightly differently with the different units, with emphasis moving from description to analysis, evaluation and practical skills which become increasingly important throughout the course.

In Unit 1 AO1, AO2 and AO3 are weighted equally.
In Unit 2, AO1 and AO2 are weighted approximately double that of AO3.
In Unit 3. AO1 is worth 9/25, AO2 12/25 and AO3 4/25.
In Unit 4, AO1 is worth 6/25, AO2 8/25 and AO3 10/25.
(Numbers have been rounded).

The topics have been arranged for ease of understanding and topic coverage so may be of different length and difficulty. You will need to study them in sequence.

HOME STUDY COURSE ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

No requirement to have studied psychology previously. A pass at A-C GCSE in English and mathematics is desirable, but no formal qualifications are required. Although those who find reading and understanding broadsheet newspapers difficult will find the course more challenging.

This course is openly available to anyone wishing to learn more about Psychology and would like to take part in a highly rewarding home study course. We believe that everyone should have the opportunity to expand their knowledge and study further, so we try to keep our entry requirements to a minimum.

You have the freedom to start the course at any time and continue your studies at your own pace for a period of up to 12 months from initial registration with full tutor support.

COURSE FEES

The enrolment fee for the Fast Track A' Level Psychology (Full AS + A2) home study course is £456.25 (inc VAT), though for a limited time we are offering you the opportunity to pay only £365 (inc VAT) which is a 20% discount if you enrol online and pay in full.

You can also opt for our Easy Payment Plan and enrol online today by paying a deposit of £91.25 and then 4 equal payments of £91.25 per month. The first instalment is paid about a month after you receive your course.

COURSE QUALIFICATION

AS/A2 A Level in Psychology. Both AS and A2 courses and examinations must be successfully completed to gain a full A level.

Specification: AQA (Full A Level) 2180, AQA (AS) 1181 and AQA (A2) 2181

FURTHER COURSE INFORMATION 

Please note that included in your course fee is your registration to the online student community, and a licence to print your study materials. Please also be aware that the licence is for one print only, so ensure that you have enough paper and ink to print the full course materials if required.

You will need to having one of the following packages to access your online course:

Windows:
Windows 98, 2000, XP, Vista, Windows 7 - Acrobat Reader 4.0 and above

Macintosh:
Mac OS X, Mac OS 9.2 - Acrobat Reader 4.0 and above

In the student 'On Campus' you are also able to take part in the student chat room and forums as part of our online student community.

After enrolling online you will receive your username and password to access the On Campus area within 5 working days. You will also receive your personal student number via email.

Students are required to arrange and pay for their examinations and manage the course work element if the subject requires this. Students must check the relevant examination board website for further information and final examination sitting dates for the specification.

POSTAGE & PACKING

Get FREE UK delivery when purchasing distance learning courses online. We will deliver your course materials direct to your door upon enrolment so you can get started straight away and plan your studies around your other commitments.