PSYCHOLOGY
WHAT IS PSYCHOLOGY
 Psychology is a scientific discipline and the academic study of the
human brain, its processes and human behaviour.
 Psychologists study the biological, physiological and genetic
causes of behaviour, as well as the emotional, social, and
developmental factors involved.
 In general, Psychology is concerned with how people perceive the
world around them and they react to it, how they grow, how they
learn, and how they relate to others and function in groups.
WHAT IS PSYCHOLOGY
 Psychology has made significant contributions in enhancing people’s lives and
the society that they live in.
 Some of the many areas where psychological research has been of substantial
benefit include treatment of mental illness, education, rehabilitation of criminals,
performance enhancement, and ergonomics
HOW DO PSYCHOLOGISTS STUDY THE
BRAIN
 Psychologists prefer to use more objective scientific methods similar to
Scientists to understand, explain and predict human behaviour.
Psychological studies are highly structured, beginning with a hypothesis
that is then empirically tested. The discipline has two major areas of
focus: academic psychology and applied psychology. Academic
psychology focuses on the study of different sub-topics within psychology
including personality, social behaviour and human development.
 These psychologists conduct basic research that seeks to expand our
theoretical knowledge, while other researchers conduct applied research
that seeks to solve everyday problems.
WHY STUDY PSYCHOLOGY AT A LEVEL
Psychology A level is considered as an academic subject that is
highly valued in many of the leading prestigious universities in the
UK and abroad.
SOME OF THE SKILLS GAINED FROM STUDYING
PSYCHOLOGY AT A LEVEL INCLUDE:
Literacy (communicating in written format)
Numeracy
Computer literacy
Group work / leadership
Critical thinking / critical evaluation
Problem-solving skills
Research skills
Interpersonal awareness
SOME OF THE CAREERS WHERE THE SKILLS GAINED
FROM STUDYING PSYCHOLOGY WILL BE HIGHLY
VALUED
LAW
MEDICINE
MARKETING
NURSING
CAREER GUIDANCE
SOCIAL WORK
LANGUAGE AND SPEECH THERAPY
SPORT THERAPIST
TEACHING
DATA ANALYST
 As well as careers within Psychology such as : Clinical, Counselling, educational,
Neuropsychology and Forensic psychology
 For more details of the different careers within Psychology: www.bps.org.uk
PSYCHOLOGY LESSONS AT ABBEY
1ST YEAR A LEVEL PSYCHOLOGY STUDENTS
Hauwa and Khadijah both plan to study
Medicine at university, and have thoroughly
enjoyed studying Psychology and hope to
continue with it into the second year.
Hauwa has stated that she has found the
student centred and interactive teaching
methods very inspirational and motivating ,
she has enjoyed studying areas such as Brain
Lateralisation, the role of genes in human
behaviour and Sex-Linked Disorders.
Khadijah has stated from studying Psychology
she has developed a keen interest in the
pathology of mental illness and hope the
skills and knowledge gained from Psychology
will complement her study of Medicine.
Hauwa Elizabeth Ishaya (Left), Khadijah Sagir (middle)
and Isiorighele Maryanne Okumagba (right) are all
international A level Psychology students from
Nigeria
Isiorighele who plans on doing Law at
University has stated that studying Psychology
has significantly helped with her essay writing
skills and hopes studying Criminal Psychology
in the second year will facilitate her study of
Law and understanding the psychology
behind criminal behaviour and legal
processes.