Why should I study A Level Psychology?

Psychology, the scientific study of the mind and behaviour, has become an increasingly popular subject among A Level students. In 2024, psychology was the second most popular A Level in the country after Mathematics with 78,556 sitting the examination.

A popular question from Year 11 parents and students about to embark on their A Level option choices is ‘Why should I study A Level Psychology?’ Here are a few of my top reasons:

One of the most compelling reasons to study psychology is the insight it provides into human behaviour. By exploring topics such as memory, development, mental health, and social influence, students gain a deeper understanding of why people think, feel, and act the way they do. This knowledge is not only academically stimulating but also immensely practical. It can enhance interpersonal skills, improve relationships, and increase empathy and understanding towards others. For teens who have to cope with social challenges such as peer pressure as well as managing conflicts with authority, the study of social influence and topics such as conformity, obedience and minority influence allows them to develop an understanding of why these exist and what to do about them.

From split-brain experiments which involve cutting the central corpus callosum section of the human brain to shocking experiments which expose just how far people will go to obey an authority figure, there is always something fascinating to learn. It covers a wide range of topics, including cognitive psychology, developmental psychology, social psychology, biopsychology, and research methods. Students should never have an opportunity to be bored. One of my favourite things about psychology is that it really is everywhere, so the relevance of the specification to real-world issues keeps the content interesting and applicable to everyday life.

Psychology is concerned with human memory, including how to improve the accuracy and retention of information. Developing an understanding of topics such as the multistore and working models of memory as well as explanations for forgetting can enhance revision skills and performance in all A Level subjects – not just psychology! Many of my students have developed excellent revision habits as a consequence of selecting psychology as an A Level.

Studying A Level Psychology requires students to develop an understanding of the scientific method, to analyse theories, evaluate evidence and construct coherent arguments. Psychology students learn to continually assess the reliability and validity of research. This analytical mindset is beneficial in many areas of life, not least when assessing the validity of a social media post and deciding whether to believe it or not!

In a world where mental health issues are becoming increasingly prevalent, studying A Level Psychology gives a good insight into mental illnesses such as OCD, depression, phobias, schizophrenia, eating disorders and addiction. The AQA Psychology A Level specification allows students to discover how mental illness conditions are diagnosed and treated, giving greater understanding of the challenges faced by those with mental illness, as well as developing an understanding of how mental wellness can be achieved.

An A-Level in psychology is highly regarded by universities; to succeed, you have to be numerate, literate and analytical with excellent critical thinking and research skills. Achieving in psychology can open doors to a range of higher education and employment opportunities. Whether you aspire to pursue a degree in psychology or work in another field such as medicine, law, education, marketing, HR or business, the skills and knowledge gained from A-Level Psychology are invaluable. The subject’s interdisciplinary nature means it complements many other A-Level subjects, such as biology, sociology, and philosophy, providing a strong foundation for various academic and career paths, and the ability to understand and predict human behaviour is a powerful tool in virtually any professional setting.

Selecting Psychology as an A Level subject offers numerous benefits, both academically and personally which is why I have enjoyed teaching it for the last 17 years! To find out more about the support I offer as a psychology A Level tutor click here.