Candidates study AS Level content plus at least two specialist options

Topic: A‑Level Content Progression

Learning Objective

By the end of the course, candidates will have mastered the full AS‑Level syllabus and will have studied at least two specialist options, enabling them to integrate core concepts with advanced topics for the A‑Level examinations.

Structure of the Course

• Year 1 (AS Level) – Core content covering foundational theories, research methods, and key areas of psychology.
• Year 2 (A Level) – Extension of AS material plus specialist options that deepen knowledge in specific sub‑fields.

Core AS‑Level Content

1. Research Methods
   • Experimental design
   • Ethics in research
   • Statistical analysis (descriptive and inferential)
2. Biological Psychology
   • Neuroanatomy and neurotransmission
   • Brain imaging techniques
   • Genetics and behaviour
3. Cognitive Psychology
   • Memory models
   • Thinking and decision‑making
   • Language processing
4. Social Psychology
   • Attitudes and persuasion
   • Group processes
   • Prejudice and discrimination
5. Developmental Psychology
   • Attachment theories
   • Cognitive development
   • Social development
6. Abnormal Psychology
   • Classification of disorders
   • Therapeutic approaches
   • Biopsychosocial model

Specialist Options (choose at least two)

Each specialist option builds on the AS foundation and introduces advanced concepts, research, and applications.

• Option A – Health Psychology
  • Stress and coping mechanisms
  • Health‑promoting behaviours
  • Chronic illness and quality of life
• Option B – Developmental Disorders
  • Autism spectrum disorder
  • Attention‑deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
  • Intellectual disability
• Option C – Forensic Psychology
  • Criminal profiling
  • Eyewitness testimony reliability
  • Rehabilitation and risk assessment
• Option D – Cognitive Neuroscience
  • Neuroimaging techniques (fMRI, PET)
  • Neural correlates of memory and perception
  • Brain‑computer interfaces

Progression Overview

Year	Core Content	Specialist Option 1	Specialist Option 2	Assessment Focus
Year 1 (AS)	All core modules listed above	N/A		AS written papers (multiple‑choice, short answer, essay)
Year 2 (A Level)	Revision of AS content + deeper analysis	Chosen specialist option (e.g., Health Psychology)	Second specialist option (e.g., Forensic Psychology)	A‑Level written papers (extended essays, data‑based questions) + optional coursework

Key Points for Teachers

• Ensure thorough coverage of AS material before introducing specialist options.
• Link specialist content back to core concepts to reinforce integration.
• Use case studies and real‑world examples to illustrate specialist topics.
• Provide regular formative assessments that combine core and specialist material.
• Encourage students to compare and contrast different specialist options to develop critical thinking.

Assessment Alignment

The A‑Level examinations assess candidates on:

1. Knowledge and understanding of core AS content.
2. Application of core concepts to specialist contexts.
3. Evaluation of research evidence within specialist options.
4. Critical analysis and synthesis across the whole syllabus.