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About AQA AS Level Psychology
AQA AS Level Psychology is code 7181, with a DfE discount code of 4850 and an accreditation number of 601/4837/8. This is a revised specification, taught from September 2025 with AS exams from May and June 2026, so material written for earlier versions may use different content names. There are two papers, both 1 hour 30 minutes long and both carrying 72 marks, worth 50% of the AS each. The AS is graded on a five point scale of A, B, C, D and E.
Both papers are built the same way. Each has three sections, A, B and C, and each section is worth 24 marks and is described as multiple choice, short answer and extended writing. On each paper those three sections map to three compulsory topics. So Paper 1 examines social influence, memory and attachment, and Paper 2 examines approaches in Psychology, Clinical Psychology and Mental Health, and research methods. Three topics, three sections, twenty four marks each, on both papers.
Research methods is the biggest single thing to notice. AQA states that at least 25 to 30 per cent of the overall assessment will assess skills, knowledge and understanding in relation to research methods. That makes it both a topic on Paper 2 and a quarter to a third of the marks across the qualification. AQA also states that at least 10 per cent of the overall assessment will contain mathematical skills equivalent to Level 2 or above.
The assessment objectives move between the papers in opposite directions. AO1 is 19 to 22 on Paper 1 and 14 to 17 on Paper 2, while AO2 is 12 to 15 on Paper 1 and 18 to 21 on Paper 2, and AO3 stays around the middle at 15 to 18 and 13 to 16. So Paper 1 rewards knowing psychology and Paper 2 rewards applying it, which fits the research methods content sitting on Paper 2. If you want to see how AS Level Psychology compares across boards, that page sets them side by side.
Who AQA AS Level Psychology Is For
This course suits students sitting AQA AS Level Psychology 7181 from 2026 who need all six topics ready, research methods taken seriously as a quarter of the marks, and extended writing practised three times per paper.
- Students sitting AQA AS Level Psychology 7181 from May and June 2026 onwards
- Students learning from older material that uses different topic names
- Students who leave research methods until last, when it carries 25 to 30 per cent
- Students who can describe studies but lose marks applying and evaluating them
- Private candidates based in the UK, since the specification is open to them
AQA AS Level Psychology: The Board We Cover
AQA is the board this page covers. Every fact here comes from AQA's own 7181 specification.
AQA
AQA's AS Level Psychology is code 7181, revised for exams from 2026. Two papers of 72 marks each, both split into three 24 mark sections, one per topic. Research methods alone accounts for at least 25 to 30 per cent of the assessment.
How Centaurus Helps AQA AS Level Psychology Students Excel
Research Methods Front Loaded
At least 25 to 30 per cent of the assessment is research methods, so it is taught and examined from the start of the course rather than left as the final topic.
One Topic Per Section
Each paper is three 24 mark sections tied to one topic each, so progress is tracked topic by topic and a weak section is visible immediately.
Extended Writing Three Times a Paper
Every section contains multiple choice, short answer and extended writing, so sustained writing is practised three times per paper under separate time pressure.
Objectives Tracked by Paper
AO1 falls from Paper 1 to Paper 2 while AO2 rises, so practice is marked against the objectives that paper actually rewards.
Current Content Names
The course follows the 2025 version, including Clinical Psychology and Mental Health, so teaching matches the content names students will see.
24/7 Progress Reporting
Families get access to the Centaurus Academy LMS, with attendance, progress and lesson notes available to parents, students and teachers at any time.
Why Centaurus Stands Out
Choosing the right AQA AS Level Psychology support makes a real difference. Here is how Centaurus Academy compares with typical online providers.
Meet our Team Of Experts
Our expert tutors bring deep subject knowledge and a passion for teaching — helping every student reach their full potential.
What Parents Say About Us
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AQA AS Level Psychology: Frequently Asked Questions
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