In 2021, A level Psychology was the 2nd most popular choice among students and the 1st most popular among females according to FFT.
Often, many students do not foster the correct strategies to maximise their grades and, therefore fall short of their potential. Psychology A level can be challenging, but don’t let that kill your confidence if you’ve opted for it.
Here at The Profs, we are determined to give you all the necessary strategies and guidance to earn you an A-A*. That’s what makes our expert Psychology tutors perfect to support you through your A levels and help you receive the best possible outcome.
Whether you’re a student aiming to enhance your academic performance or a parent seeking support for your child, this guide offers the blueprint for achieving an A-A* in A level Psychology. So, keep reading for expert advice!
This article will also include tips from a former A level Psychology (AQA) student who attained an A*.
Content:
- A level Psychology: specification overview
- A level Psychology: exam overview
- Understanding grades: How many marks do you need to get an A or A* in A level Psychology?
- A level Psychology revision techniques
- Exam tips and strategies
- Familiarise yourself with the questions!
- Write down equations or memorable items before you start
- Plan higher-mark answers
- Proofread all your answers
- Benefit from our expert guidance in A level Psychology
- FAQs
A level Psychology: specification overview
One of the most important ways to maximise your potential throughout your course and in your exams is by understanding your specifications inside out. Specifications are the ingredients to the recipe! It is key to know all of the modules that could come up in the exam because this ensures that there are no surprises during revision or worse, when you’re taking your exams.
Specifications will vary depending on your exam board. Check out the table below for an overview of the A level Psychology specification for different exam boards. Remember, these can vary slightly from year to year as exam boards often update teaching requirements, so always double-check according to your A level date.
| Exam Board | Specification |
| AQA | AS Level:
A level:
Plus 3 optional modules (your school will choose these). Option 1
Option 2
Option 3
|
| Pearson Edexcel | AS Level:
A level:
Your school will choose the single optional module. |
| OCR | AS level:
A level:
|
Need help understanding your curriculum for A level Psychology? Reach out to our expert psychology tutors. From syllabus content and revision tips to practice tests, we’ve got your back!
A level Psychology: exam overview
No matter which exam board you are taking, you will sit 2 papers for AS level and 3 papers for A level.
Have a look at the table below for detailed information on the exam papers for each exam board:
| Exam board | Paper 1 | Paper 2 | Paper 3 |
| AQA | AS Level: Section A: Social influence. Section B: Memory. Section C: Attachment. A level Section A: Social influence. Section B: Memory. Section C: Psychopathology. Section D: Attachment. | AS Level Section A: Approaches in Psychology. Section B: Psychopathology. Section C: Research methods. A level Section A: Approaches in Psychology. Section B: Biopsychology. Section C: Research methods. | A level Section A: Issues and Debates. Section B, C, D: 3 optional modules. |
| Pearson Edexcel | AS level Section A: Social psychology. Section B: Cognitive Psychology. Section C: Extended response question covering both social and cognitive topic areas. A level Section A: Social psychology. Section B: Cognitive Psychology. Section C: Biological Psychology. Section D: Learning theories. | AS Level Section A: Biological Psychology. Section B: Learning theories. Section C: Extended response question covering both biological psychology and learning theories topic areas. A level Section A: Clinical Psychology. Section B: Optional topics (you must study one)
| A level – Psychological skills Section A: Research Methods. Section B: Review of Studies. Section C: Issues and Debates. |
| OCR | AS Level- Research methods Section A: Multiple choice. Section B: Research design and response. Section C: Data analysis and interpretation. A level- Research methods Section A: Multiple choice. Section B: Research design and response. Section C: Data analysis and interpretation. | AS Level Section A: Psychological themes through core studies. Section B: Areas, perspectives and debates. Section C: Practical applications. A level Section A: Psychological themes through core studies. Section B: Areas, perspectives and debates. Section C: Practical applications. | A level Section A: Issues in mental health. Section B: Optional topics (you must study two)
|
Check out the table below for all information regarding exam timings and total marks:
| Exam Board | Paper 1 | Paper 2 | Paper 3 |
| AQA | AS level 1 hour 30 minutes with 72 marks. A level 2 hours worth 96 marks. | AS level 1 hour 30 minutes with 72 marks. A level 2 hours worth 96 marks. | A level 2 hours worth 96 marks. |
| Pearson Edexcel | AS level 1 hour 30 minutes with 72 marks. A level 2 hours worth 90 marks. | AS level 1 hour 30 minutes with 72 marks. A level 2 hours worth 90 marks. | A level 2 hours worth 90 marks. |
| OCR | AS level 1 hour 30 minutes worth 75 marks. A level 2 hours worth 90 marks. | AS level 1 hour 30 minutes worth 75 marks. A level 2 hours worth 105 marks. | A level 2 hours worth 105 marks. |
It is important to bear in mind that many schools no longer offer AS level. They may examine students with their own exam papers. Make sure you check with your school for the most relevant information!
Do you need extra help familiarising yourself with your A level Psychology exam format? Reach out to our expert Psychology tutors who can clarify the different papers and topics, as well as prepare you for the exams.
Insider tip from an A* Psychology student: Know your exam dates before you even start revising! Write them down on a piece of paper and stick them up in a place where you will look at them every day. Eventually, you will know these dates by heart. This is essential in planning revision timetables, and knowing which revision topics to prioritise.
Understanding grades: How many marks do you need to get an A or A* in A level Psychology?
Each exam board requires a different amount of marks for each grade boundary. Grade boundaries will also change from year to year depending on the difficulty of the exam. Below are the grade boundaries for the 2023 cycle:
AS level:
| Exam board | A |
| AQA | 99 |
| Pearson Edexcel | 78 |
| OCR | 101 |
A level:
| Exam board | A* | A |
| AQA | 219 | 194 |
| Pearson Edexcel | 159 | 138 |
| OCR | 222 | 201 |
Feel overwhelmed with understanding the grades and how to reach them? Do not stress, our expert Psychology tutors are here to ease the stress. Connect with us today!
A level Psychology revision techniques
Mind maps
Mind maps are visual tools that help organise information in an interconnected manner. They are excellent for summarising key concepts, and theories.
To create a mind map for Psychology revision:
- Start with a central topic or theme e.g. Memory (AQA spec).
- Branch out from the central topic with subtopics e.g. Types of Long-term Memory (AQA spec).
- Add further branches for each subtopic, including key theories, studies, and definitions.
- Use colours, images, and symbols to enhance visual appeal and aid memory retention.
Flashcards
Flashcards are effective for memorising key terms, concepts, and definitions in psychology.
To create flashcards:
- Write a term or concept on one side of the flashcard and its definition or explanation on the other side. When writing the term or concept, write it in the format of a question. For example: what are the three types of long-term memory? (AQA spec).
- Keep flashcards concise and focused on single concepts or pieces of information.
- Use flashcards regularly for spaced repetition, reviewing them frequently to reinforce memory retention.
- Test yourself by shuffling the flashcards and quizzing yourself on the content. Ask other people to quiz you too!
Past Papers:
Past papers are invaluable for familiarising yourself with the format, style, and types of questions that may appear in the exam.
To use past papers effectively for revision:
- Allocate time to complete past papers under exam conditions to simulate the real exam experience.
- Analyse your performance and identify areas of strengths and weaknesses.
- Review the mark schemes to understand examiners’ expectations and learn how to structure your answers effectively.
- Pay attention to recurring themes or topics that frequently appear in past papers and ensure a thorough understanding of those areas.
Check out this website is excellent for printing off past papers! It also has great revision resources for psychology!
Teach someone else
Teaching someone else is a highly effective method for reinforcing your understanding and retention of psychology concepts. It is also a great tool to identify your confidence. Often if you struggle teaching someone else a topic it means that it should be an area of extra focus!
To teach someone else:
- Select a willing friend, family member, or study partner.
- Explain key concepts, theories, and studies in psychology as if you were teaching a class.
- Encourage your ‘student’ to ask questions and seek clarification on any confusing points. This way you can engage with difficult aspects of a topic.
If you would like some expert support, reach out to our expert Psychology tutors today!
Free recall method
This is a specific revision technique that is great for encouraging active recall. It can also be used as a diagnostic tool to help you identify your strengths and weaknesses within the specifications.
To do the free recall method:
- Choose a specific subsection within a topic you’ve been studying. For example, if you’re studying the topic of ‘Memory,’ you might select the subsection on ‘Types of Long Term Memory.’
- Get a blank sheet of lined paper and a black/blue pen.
- Without looking at your notes, start writing down everything you remember about the chosen subsection. Write in full sentences or bullet points, whichever works best for you. Try to recall key terms, theories, studies, definitions, and any relevant examples associated with the subsection.
- Now, take out your notes or textbook and use them to fill in any gaps or correct any inaccuracies in your recall. Use a red pen to write down anything you forgot. Almost as if you are marking a paper!
- Repeat this process for different subsections or topics within your psychology syllabus.
Reach out to our expert Psychology tutors today to get tailored revision support to make the most out of your revision.
Exam tips and strategies
Familiarise yourself with the questions!
Take your time to read each question thoroughly, ensuring you grasp the nuances of what is being asked. Pay attention to command words such as ‘compare,’ ‘contrast,’ ‘evaluate,’ or ‘analyse,’ as they indicate specific actions you need to follow in your response.
Use a highlighter or underline key terms and concepts in the questions to ensure you address them in your response. This can help you stay focused on the main points and avoid veering off-topic. You can easily lose marks for not addressing the direct question that is being asked.
Insider tip from an A* Psychology student: A really good habit to get used to before attempting any questions, is quickly flicking through the paper to get a rough idea of what you will be examined on. This can help to get rid of any anticipatory nerves. You don’t have to spend a lot of time doing this, roughly 1 minute or so will be enough!
Check out this website, it’s an excellent tool for utilising past papers. It also has great revision resources for psychology.
Write down equations or memorable items before you start
Before beginning the exam, jot down any equations, formulas, or mnemonic devices that you may need to recall during the test. This can serve as a handy reference tool, especially for topics requiring a lot of memorisation, such as statistical rules. This will also ensure that you do not forget them by the end of the test.
Insider tip from an A* Psychology student: If you are taking the AQA syllabus, it is a good idea to quickly draw out the statistical table, as there are quite a few elements to it. If you need to recall it for a question towards the end, once you are tired and have less energy, you might forget it. So, draw it out inside the paper somewhere before you begin answering questions. It doesn’t have to be artistic or neat, as long as you can remember it.
Plan higher-mark answers
Effective planning is essential for crafting well-structured and coherent responses. Take a moment to outline your approach, identify key points, and allocate your time wisely. By organising your responses in this way, you can ensure that your answers flow logically and address all aspects of each question, ultimately maximising your chances of earning full marks.
This also helps you identify whether you have missed key parts to a question, which would cost you marks if you did not amend this. Clarity and coherency are important in A level Psychology, so keep this in mind when you plan your answers!
Insider tip from an A* Psychology student: When attempting a 16-marker essay question (AQA) it is extremely beneficial to plan beforehand. A good way to approach this is, whilst you are initially flicking through the exam paper, plan the longer questions there and then e.g. a 16-mark question. By taking this approach, you will already have a solid plan that you can follow when it comes to writing the actual question! Your plan can be as simple as quickly jotting down some AO1 points and the four AO3 points you intend to use. It does not need to be detailed at all!
Proofread all your answers
Although it may be quite self-explanatory, a lot of students tend to make very obvious mistakes that can cost them marks. Remember sometimes you can only be one mark off the next grade, therefore you cannot afford to lose any marks!
Proofreading your answers is a critical step in ensuring their quality and effectiveness. After completing your responses, allocate time to meticulously review each one. Check for spelling and grammatical errors to maintain professionalism and clarity in your writing.
Assess the coherence of your answers to ensure that they flow logically and are easy to follow. It’s essential to verify that all parts of the questions have been sufficiently addressed, as overlooking any aspect can result in lost marks. Examiners may find it hard to follow if your answers lack clear structure!
By proofreading, you can maximise the outcome of your answers and increase your chances of achieving the best possible outcome in your A level Psychology exam.
Insider tip from an A* Psychology student: Students often fall victim to silly mistakes which cost them marks, such as starting their answers with the incorrect researcher’s name. Don’t lose marks to inaccuracy. When you’re proofreading, imagine yourself as an examiner and analyse your work as much as you can for any improvements that can be made!
Reach out to our expert Psychology tutors today for tailored exam strategy support. Don’t leave it till the last minute!
Benefit from our expert guidance in A level Psychology
If you are looking to achieve an A or A* in A level Psychology, reach out to our expert team for dedicated and bespoke support. 35% of our students achieved an A* in 2023, compared to the national average of 7.7%. Hence working with us will increase your chances by a whopping 78%!
Still unsure? The Profs have maintained their title as the highest-rated tuition company on Trustpilot for 7 years! Connect with us today to make your dream results a reality.
FAQs
What steps can I take if I’m struggling with a particular topic or aspect of A level Psychology?
One good way to work on a particular topic is to gather loads of past paper questions from that particular topic and attempt them. This website is great for finding questions topic by topic! Teachers may be very overwhelmed by their workload, therefore they may not be able to give a lot of one-to-one support, however, this would be very beneficial. Reach out to our expert psychology tutors who can help you go through past papers, identify your strengths and weaknesses, and set you weekly essays with detailed feedback! All this is imperative for top grades!
How can I effectively balance studying for A level Psychology with my other subjects and commitments?
To effectively balance studying for A level Psychology with your other subjects and commitments, consider creating a revision timetable. Start by assessing your schedule and setting priorities based on your strengths and weaknesses.
Allocate study sessions for Psychology and other subjects throughout the week, making sure to include breaks for rest and recharge. Incorporate various study techniques into your timetable and stay flexible to adjust it as needed. Monitor your progress regularly and maintain a balanced lifestyle by prioritising self-care activities. By following a well-structured timetable, you can manage your time efficiently and maximise your chances of success in your exams.
If you are unsure how to effectively structure a revision timetable, kickstart your revision journey by contacting our expert tutors who can work with you to create a tailored revision timetable!
Check out this revision timetable template to get you started.
Are there any common mistakes students make in A level Psychology exams, and how can I avoid them?
Yes, there are several common mistakes that students often make in A level Psychology exams, but being aware of them can help you avoid falling into these traps. One frequent error is failing to fully understand the question being asked. Psychology exam questions can sometimes be complex, requiring careful attention to detail and precise interpretation. To avoid this mistake, take your time to read each question thoroughly, paying close attention to any key terms or command words!
Another common mistake is providing overly vague or incomplete answers. Psychology exams typically require you to demonstrate a deep understanding of theories, concepts, and research studies, so it’s essential to provide specific examples and explanations to support your points. Make sure to include relevant theories, studies, and terminology in your responses, and be as detailed as possible to earn maximum marks.
Additionally, some students struggle with time management during exams, leading them to rush through questions or leave sections unfinished. To avoid this mistake, practice timed exam conditions beforehand and allocate your time wisely during the exam. Start with questions you feel most confident about and budget your time accordingly to ensure you have enough time to complete each section.
Another mistake to watch out for is neglecting to revise and practise past exam papers. Psychology exams often include questions that require critical thinking and application of knowledge, so it’s crucial to familiarise yourself with the format and style of exam questions. Practice answering past papers under timed conditions to improve your exam technique and confidence.
Reach out to our expert psychology tutors today to ensure that you do not make any of these mistakes. We are here to help you maximise your potential! Leave your success in our hands!
Why is it important for me to get an A or A*?
Achieving an A or A* grade in A level Psychology holds significant importance, particularly for students aspiring to attend prestigious Russell Group universities such as Oxford, Cambridge, and University College London (UCL). These universities are renowned globally for their academic excellence, rigorous programmes, and competitive admissions processes. Typically, such universities and other Russell Group universities will require As and A*s, therefore it is important to think about university during the early stages of your A levels to ensure that your grades do not hold you back!
If you feel like you are not reaching your potential, connect with us today to change that! We can help you achieve, or even exceed, your goals.
What are command words?
In A level Psychology exams, ‘command words’ are specific terms used in questions to instruct candidates on the type of response expected. These words guide students on how to approach and structure their answers. Below are resources for command words, specific to each exam board, to help you familiarise yourself with the required jargon!
- AQA Psychology command words
- Pearson Edexcel Psychology command words
- OCR Psychology command words
We’ve got expert Psychology tutors who can provide you with bespoke support. We are here to maximise your success, and our success stories are proof that we get results!
