Psychology at LGS

• Ever wondered if prison really does alter criminal behaviour?
• Or why some people obey those in authority but others defy orders?
• Or perhaps if the experiences you had as a very young infant shape the relationships you have in later life?

A-level Psychology is currently the second most popular subject in the UK – which tells you what an exciting and relevant area of study it is. It will give you an understanding of the way people think and why people behave in the way they do. You will develop critical thinking, research, scientific, extended writing and mathematical skills. If you enjoy a little bit of everything all rolled into one, you’ll love it; whether you are a humanities or science student. It is a hybrid subject but classified by the government and most universities as a science.

The word psychology literally means the study of the soul. As such, it is unique in the way it straddles the sciences (natural and social) and the humanities. Psychology as an academic discipline is exceptionally diverse.  Apart from being an inherently fascinating subject, the ideas of psychologists hold great sway in society and are of the foremost practical importance for public policy, especially in areas like criminal justice and economics. To bring the subject to life, you will study about the distortion of eyewitness testimony, the impact of early attachment on later relationships and why past events such as the Holocaust took place. You can expect to develop an understanding of different schools of psychological thought such as behaviourism, humanism and the biological, cognitive and psychodynamic approaches and how these offer opposing or complimentary explanations for human behaviour. Psychologists also plan and design experiments, collect evidence from observations and questionnaires and analyse and evaluate data gathered to explain behaviour empirically, using statistical testing.

Psychology can be a controversial and sensitive topic to study – topics such as mental illness, gender and attachment may affect you or members of your family so you will need to approach the study of the subject in an objective and mature way.

What subjects does Psychology complement?

Psychology is a multifaceted scientific subject and has close ties with a range of disciplines; other subjects that go particularly well with Psychology are Maths, Sciences (Biology, Chemistry), Social Sciences (Economics and Business) and Humanities (English Literature, Religious Studies). As an A-level it provides excellent preparation for Higher Education; the subject encourages an open-minded approach to problems and develops excellent analytical and communication skills transferable to many areas of study. Not only does it lead to a variety of psychology-specific degree options but studying psychology also serves as a valuable basis for other higher education options (e.g., neuroscience; law; nursing). Students may go on to study pure psychology and specific study options (e.g., sports and forensic psychology). A career in Psychology can be a rewarding path; qualified psychologists are required in Education, the Health Services, Commerce and Industry. Some BSc courses may require a Science at A-level, in addition to Psychology. An essential consideration when selecting a Psychology degree is to ensure it is accredited by the BPS (British Psychological Society). To achieve chartered status as a psychologist, a highly standardised and regulated route of study and practice is required (http://beta.bps.org.uk/). An increasing number of university medical schools will include Psychology among the subjects considered as a Science; students with a desire to read Medicine should conduct their own research on admissions pages online.

Possible career options

Psychology is increasingly valued by employers who recognise the analytical and reasoning skills studying the subject gives you.

• Marketing
• Business Development
• Accountancy
• Human Resources
• Forensic psychology
• Education/teaching
• Occupational therapy
• Clinical psychology
• Nursing

Staff

• Ms Kat Lovelock, B.A. (Warwick), Head of Psychology 
• Mrs Felicity Cornish, M.A. (Cantab: Emmanuel)