Description
This A Level Psychology Distance Learning Online Course is ideal for anyone wishing to gain a knowledge and understanding of this subject or for anyone who wishes to study at a higher level at University and gain UCAS points. You will also find this course extremely valuable if you are looking for a progression route for further training whilst employed.
International A Level Psychology CAIE exams can be taken in June and November (Also March for India)
International A Level Psychology Edexcel can be taken in January and June.
Our courses at International Home Study allow our students to work at their own pace and we work to ensure all our student’s needs are met. Our resources will cover the requirements of the course making sure you stay on track with the subject you choose.
Support
The course will be delivered online including Tutor Support for two years. All assignments are marked by one of our professional Tutors who will offer regular feedback and guide you through your course. Postal assignments cannot be accepted without prior permission from the tutor and you must have access to email in order to contact your Tutor.
Throughout your course, you'll have the support of a Tutor to guide you. Additionally, you can reach out to the Student Support Team for help with any other questions you may have. You can be assured that you will receive unlimited support for your home study course, so there is no need to struggle or feel isolated during your studies.
Assessment
The course contains a number of assignments which your tutor will mark and give you valuable feedback on. You will also have access to a range of online resources.
Students will be required to arrange and pay for their examinations at an approved centre when an examination forms part of the course. We can provide an extensive list of these centres for you.
Whats included?
Students will be provided with logins for the student portal where they will find all the study materials they need to complete their course. They will also be provided with an e-textbook to assist them in completing their assignments.
Students will be provided with a Tutor who will help guide them through their course, and their Tutor will expect them to submit a number of assignments in order that their progress can be monitored. These assignments will be graded for them and feedback provided. You will also be able to ask the Tutor any questions about the course or for more help if needed. Once their course has been completed, they will then be allocated practice exam papers to ensure that they are familiar with the procedure and layout of their exams. Learners will be expected to complete these under exam conditions (i.e.. stick to the time scales allowed and try to find somewhere quiet), their Tutor can then provide them with a grade and feedback. More practice papers can be provided if required.
Difference between Cambridge & Edexcel Exam Boards
Cambridge and Edexcel A Levels are international qualifications. Cambridge A-Levels can be taken worldwide including the United Kingdom, whereas Edexcel A-Levels can only be taken outside of the United Kingdom. Both exam boards offer a similar specification however different courses can have a different structure. Both the Cambridge and Edexcel courses are full A Level qualifications.
For the sciences, (biology, chemistry and physics) there are some differences between the specifications. With Edexcel all of the specification is taught in theory and as a result you will be assessed by written exam papers, including the practical element. If you sat the sciences with Cambridge, you will have to perform the practical element at a nearby centre, and this is not optional.
Fees
Course fees for payment in full include:
- Assessment and feedback on all assignments.
- Access to your personal Tutor via our online portal.
- Access to a range of online resources, student materials, assessments, assignments, eBooks etc
- Practice exam papers to prepare you for the real thing.
- Help with UCAS application if attending University.
- Tutor references and predicted grades once a satisfactory amount of work has been completed.
- Help finding an exam centre for you to sit your exam.
Cambridge (2021-2023)
Awarding Body: Cambridge
Cambridge Course Code: 9990
Cambridge Exams: June & November ( March for India only)
Cambridge Study Hours: 300 – 360 hours
This International A’ Level Psychology Course with Cambridge will help you develop your appreciation of the subject by exploring the ways in which psychology is conducted. As part of your studies, you also review important research; this provides an insight into the ways in which psychology has been applied, thereby leading to a better understanding of key approaches, research methods and issues and debates.
The syllabus reflects four core areas of psychology, namely biological, cognitive, learning and social; it also relates psychology to abnormality, consumer behaviour, health and organisations.
For exams in 2021- 2023
The key concepts for Cambridge International AS & A Level Business Studies are:
Nature versus nurture
The nature–nurture debate is a crucial discussion running through all aspects of psychology in order to explain behaviour. Behaviours could be seen as resulting from innate, genetic factors (nature) or behaviours could be explained in terms of the environmental influences that begin to shape us from the moment of conception (nurture). The focus of contemporary psychology is to consider the relative contributions of each influence.
Ethics in psychological research
The need for ethical research constrains the investigation of some topics, or the use of some research techniques. Our approach to ethics has changed over time, so some of the earlier studies that were the basis of the discipline are now no longer acceptable. Ethics must be considered when designing a psychological investigation to ensure that data is gathered without compromising the wellbeing of the participant(s).
Choice of psychological research methods
Psychologists have to carefully choose the research method they use in terms of the information they wish to gather. Every research method, whether quantitative or qualitative, has strengths and weaknesses, and the psychologist must evaluate how the method they have chosen supports the validity and reliability of their specific investigation and contributes to the wider body of psychological research.
No one view in psychology is definitive
Psychological theories are developed by posing hypotheses which are then tested through research. The research will be influenced by the psychological approach of the researcher and the time and context they are working in. A single topic is likely to be studied in more than one psychological approach, and each approach has its own assumptions, strengths and weaknesses. These different explanations can work together or be in opposition, so psychologists have to balance the evidence for each explanation.
Relevance of psychology in contemporary society
Psychology is now used to underpin many aspects of our lives – it is used in organising businesses, in planning our shops and homes, in treating medical conditions and to improve how we learn. Every study is undertaken with a specific purpose in mind which can then be applied in everyday life – whether it is improving our lives in general, understanding how groups of people behave or treating a disorder. By understanding psychology we can improve how we live our lives and society in general.
Key Info:
Candidates for Cambridge International AS Level Psychology study the following topics:
Approaches in Psychology
Biological
- Canli et al. (brain scans and emotions)
- Dement and Kleitman (sleep and dreams)
- Schachter and Singer (two factors in emotion)
Cognitive
- Andrade (doodling)
- Baron-Cohen et al. (eyes test)
- Laney et al. (false memory)
Learning
- Bandura et al. (aggression)
- Saavedra and Silverman (button phobia)
- Pepperberg (parrot learning)
Social
- Milgram (obedience)
- Piliavin et al. (subway Samaritans)
- Yamamoto et al. (chimpanzee helping)
Research Methods
Research methods are essential tools that psychologists can use to help us understand human and animal behaviour.
The issues and debates In Psychology
- The application of psychology to everyday life
- Individual and situational explanations
- Nature versus nurture
- The use of children in psychological research
- The use of animals in psychological research.
Candidates for Cambridge International A Level Psychology study the AS Level content and two of the following options:
Abnormality
This specialist option considers the definitions, symptoms, causes and treatments of a variety of mental disorders.
Consumer behaviour
This specialist option reflects the society in which we live and looks at both seller and purchaser as well as the design of consumer environments.
Health
This specialist option focuses on health issues, including pain and stress.
Organisations
This specialist option considers the world of work, and how individuals and groups within an organisation function and influence each other and have an impact on the organisation itself.
Exam Papers:
Paper 1: Approaches, issues and Debates
Written examination:1 hour 30 minutes
Availability: June and November (March in India)
Assessment overview:
Short answer questions and an essay question, based on core studies.
60 Marks
Paper 2: Research methods
Written examination:1 hour 30 minutes
Availability: June and November (March in India)
Assessment overview:
Section A: Short answer questions, some based on the core studies (22 marks).
Section B: Scenario-based questions.
Section C: A design-based question divided into two parts.
Candidates answer each question in the spaces provided on the question paper.
60 Marks
Paper 3: Specialist options: theory
Written examination:1 hour 30 minutes
Availability: June and November (March in India)
Assessment overview:
Candidates answer two questions from two specialist options.
Question 1: The question is divided into three parts
Question 2: Structured essay-based question divided into two parts.
60 Marks
Paper 4 : Specialist options: application
Written examination:1 hour 30 minutes
Availability: June and November (March in India)
Assessment overview:
Candidates answer questions from two specialist options.
Section A: Candidates answer two questions from a choice of four. Each of these questions is based on stimulus material and is divided into four parts.
Section B: Candidates answer one design-based question from a choice of four. Each question is divided into two parts.
Section C: Candidates answer one essay question from a choice of four.
Question 1: The question is divided into three parts
Question 2: Structured essay-based question divided into two parts.
60 Marks
Cambridge (2024-2026)
Awarding Body: Cambridge
Cambridge Course Code: 9990
Cambridge Exams: June & November ( March for India only)
Cambridge Study Hours: 300 – 360 hours
This International A’ Level Psychology Course with Cambridge will help you develop your appreciation of the subject by exploring the ways in which psychology is conducted. As part of your studies, you also review important research; this provides an insight into the ways in which psychology has been applied, thereby leading to a better understanding of key approaches, research methods and issues and debates.
The syllabus reflects four core areas of psychology, namely biological, cognitive, learning and social; it also relates psychology to abnormality, consumer behaviour, health and organisations.
For exams in 2024, 2025 and 2026
The key concepts for Cambridge International AS & A Level Psychology are:
Nature versus nurture
A key focus of contemporary psychology is to consider the relative contributions of nature versus nurture. Behaviours could be seen as resulting from innate, genetic factors (nature) or behaviours could be explained in terms of the environmental influences that begin to shape us from conception (nurture). Students should be aware of this debate while planning studies and evaluating studies as part of this course.
Ethics
Ethics must be considered when planning a psychological investigation to ensure that data is gathered without compromising the wellbeing of the participant(s). The approach to ethics in psychological research has changed over time as our understanding has developed and attitudes towards ethical and moral implications change. As a result, some of the earlier studies that were the basis of the subject no longer meet the current guidelines. We should continually evaluate the ethical and moral implications of psychological research.
Research methods
Every research method has strengths and weaknesses, and a psychologist must evaluate how the method they have chosen contributes to the validity and reliability of their specific investigation as well as to wider psychological research.
No one view in psychology is definitive
Psychological research is influenced by the approach of the researcher and the time and context they are working in. Any topic is likely to be studied from the perspective of more than one psychological approach, and each approach has its own assumptions.
Relevance of psychology in contemporary society
By understanding psychology, we can improve how we live our lives and society in general. Every study is undertaken with a specific purpose in mind which can then be applied in everyday life – whether it is improving how we learn, understanding how groups of people behave or treating a disorder. Students should be able to recognise how psychological studies of a specific area can be applied to other scenarios in everyday life.
Modules:
At AS Level candidates study four psychological approaches:
- Biological
- Cognitive
- Learning
- Social
Each approach is exemplified though 12 core studies. The core studies illustrate a wide range of research methods used in psychology, such as experiments, self-reports, case studies, observations, correlations and longitudinal studies. By exploring the relationship between the content of the study and the research methods, candidates will gain a broad understanding of how psychologists study experiences and behaviours and why the research took place.
Candidates for Cambridge International A Level Psychology study the AS Level content and two of the following specialist options:
Clinical Psychology
This option considers the diagnostic criteria, symptoms, explanations and treatments for a variety of mental and behavioural disorders/conditions.
Consumer Psychology
This option reflects consumer society and looks at both consumers and sellers as well as the design of consumer environments.
Health Psychology
This option focuses on the psychological factors that influence health, considers ways to measure and treat conditions such as pain and stress, and ways to influence behaviours around health and health choices.
Organisational Psychology
This option considers workplaces and organisations and how individuals and groups within an organisation function, influence each other and have an impact on the organisation.
Exam Papers:
Paper 1: Approaches, Issues and Debates
Written examination:1 hour 30 minutes
Availability: June and November (March in India)
Assessment overview:
Section A: Short answer questions based on core studies.
Section B: Extended response and essay questions, based on core studies..
60 Marks
Paper 2: Research methods
Written examination:1 hour 30 minutes
Availability: June and November (March in India)
Assessment overview:
Section A: Short answer questions and scenario- based questions.
Section B: A planning question divided into several parts.
60 Marks
Paper 3: Specialist options: theory
Written examination:1 hour 30 minutes
Availability: June and November (March in India)
Assessment overview:
Candidates answer two questions from two specialist options.
60 Marks
Paper 4: Specialist options: application
Written examination:1 hour 30 minutes
Availability: June and November (March in India)
Assessment overview:
Candidates answer questions from two specialist options.
Section A: Candidates answer questions from two specialist options.
Section B: A planning question divided into several part.
60 Marks
Edexcel
Awarding Body: Edexcel
Specification codes: XPS01/YPS01
Edexcel Exams: January and June
Edexcel Study Hours: 300 – 360 hours
This International A’ Level Psychology Course with Edexcel will help you develop an essential knowledge and understanding of different areas of psychology and how they relate to each other.
Learners will develop and demonstrate a deep appreciation of the skills in using scientific methods, knowledge and understanding of scientific methods. You will also gain an interest in and enthusiasm for psychology, including developing an interest in further international study and careers associated with psychology.
The aims and objectives of these qualifications are to enable students to:
- develop essential knowledge and understanding of different areas of psychology and how they relate to each other
- develop and demonstrate a deep appreciation of the skills in using scientific methods, knowledge and understanding of scientific methods
- develop competence and confidence in using a variety of practical, mathematical and problem-solving skills
- develop their interest in and enthusiasm for psychology, including developing an interest in further international study and careers associated with psychology
- appreciate how society makes decisions about scientific issues and how psychology contributes to the success of the economy and society.
Modules:
The Pearson Edexcel International Advanced Subsidiary in Psychology consists of four topics.
Topic A: Social psychology
Students must show an understanding that social psychology is about aspects of human behaviour that involve the individual’s relationship to other persons, groups and society, including cultural influences on behaviour.
Topic B: Cognitive psychology
Students must show an understanding that cognitive psychology is about the role of cognition/cognitive processes in human behaviour. Processes include perception, memory, selective attention, language and problem solving. The cognitive topic area draws on how information is processed in the brain.
Topic C: Biological psychology
Students must show an understanding that biological psychology is about the mechanisms within our body and how they affect our behaviour, focusing on aggression and body rhythms.
Topic D: Learning theories and development
Students must show an understanding that learning theories are about learning from the environment and the effects of conditioning, reinforcement, punishment, the role of reward and social learning.
Students must also show an understanding of learning theories as theories of development and psychodynamic ideas and concepts as different explanations for development, as well as focusing on individual differences.
The Pearson International Advanced Level in Psychology consists of nine topics; however, students have to complete eight of these. Students must complete topics A–E, H–I and either topic F or G.
Topic E: Developmental psychology
Students must show an understanding that developmental psychology is about the development of the individual from before birth to adolescence and beyond, in that what we experience as children affects us including our later development.
Topic F: Criminological psychology
Students must show an understanding that criminological psychology is about the definition and causes of crime and anti-social behaviour, issues around identification of offenders, and treatment of offenders.
Topic G: Health psychology
Students must show an understanding that health psychology is about understanding health from a biological, cognitive and social basis, focusing on stress, and that health psychology is about promoting good health.
Topic H: Clinical psychology
Students must show an understanding that clinical psychology is about mental health issues, including issues in diagnosing such issues, features and symptoms, explanations, and treatments and therapies.
Topic I: Psychological skills
This is a synoptic section in which students will be asked to draw on other areas of the qualification in order to understand conceptual and methodological issues. Students will develop an understanding of how to use theories, methodology and evidence from many areas of psychology and apply them to issues.
Exam Papers:
Paper 1: Social and cognitive psychology
Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Availability: January and June
Assessment overview:
Candidates must answer all questions from three sections on Topic A: Sociology Psychology and Topic B: Cognitive Psychology.
64 Marks
Paper 2: Biological Psychology, learning theories and development
Time: 2 hours
Availability: January and June.
Assessment Overview:
Candidates must answer all questions from three sections on Topic C: Biological Psychology and Topic D: Learning theories and development.
96 Marks
Paper 3: Applications of Psychology
Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Availability: January and June
Assessment Overview:
Candidates must answer all questions from Section A on topic e: developmental psychology and all questions from a choice of two topic areas in Section B (Topic F: Criminological Psychology OR Topic G: Health Psychology
Paper 4: Clinical psychology and psychological skills
Time: 2 hours
Availability: January and June
Assessment Overview:
Candidates must answer all questions from five sections on the topic H: Clinical psychology and Topic I: Psychology Skills.
96 Marks
