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About AS Level Psychology
AS Level Psychology is the first year of A Level psychology, usually taken in Year 12. Students sit the exams at the end of that year. It covers social influence, memory, attachment, approaches in psychology, mental health and research methods. It works two ways: as a qualification in its own right, or as the first half of a full A Level.
Psychology is a science of evidence, and the papers mark it that way. Students need to know named studies in detail, understand how each one was carried out, and weigh up its strengths and weaknesses. That is why so many able students stall: they know the theory but cannot evaluate it.
We teach the AS as its own qualification, not a warm-up for the second year. Lessons follow the specification your child's school uses, we work from real past papers from their board, and we mark extended answers the way an examiner would. Parents can follow progress in the Centaurus Academy LMS all year.
Who AS Level Psychology Is For
This course suits Year 12 students who want an AS psychology grade they can rely on.
- Year 12 students sitting AS Psychology this summer
- Students aiming at psychology, medicine, nursing or social science degrees
- Learners pushing from a B up to an A
- Students who lose marks on evaluation and extended answers
- Students who find research methods and statistics the hardest part
AS Level Psychology Exam Boards We Cover
The paper shapes look similar, but the demands differ. Cambridge gives half its AS marks to research methods alone, while Edexcel and OxfordAQA ask for one extended answer per paper. We teach the exact papers your child sits, so no lesson time is spent on material that will not be examined.
AQA
Two papers, each 1 hour 30 minutes and 72 marks, worth 50% each. Paper 1 is Introductory Topics in Psychology and covers social influence, memory and attachment. Paper 2 is Psychology in Context and covers approaches in psychology, clinical psychology and mental health, and research methods. Both papers are split into three sections of 24 marks, each mixing multiple choice, short answer and extended writing questions, so a strong student has to be fluent in all three styles.
Edexcel
Two papers, each 1 hour 30 minutes and 70 marks, worth 50% each and both sat in May or June. Paper 1 is Social and cognitive psychology, covering social psychology and cognitive psychology. Paper 2 is Biological psychology and learning theories, covering biological psychology and learning theories. Each paper has the same shape: 29 marks on the first topic, 29 marks on the second, then a 12-mark extended response drawing on both. Formulae and statistical tables are printed in the paper, and calculators are allowed.
Cambridge
Two compulsory papers make up the AS, each 1 hour 30 minutes and 60 marks, worth 50% each. Paper 1 is Approaches, Issues and Debates: 38 marks of short answer questions on core studies, then 22 marks of extended response and essay questions on those same studies. Paper 2 is Research Methods: 46 marks of short answer and scenario-based questions, then a 14-mark planning question in several parts. Candidates take both in the same exam series. Exams run in June and November, and in March for schools in India. Students can carry their AS marks forward into the full A Level.
OxfordAQA
Two units, each 1 hour 30 minutes and 90 marks, and each worth 50% of the AS. Unit 1 is Introductory topics in psychology, with 30 marks each on memory, social psychology and psychopathology. Unit 2 is Biopsychology, development and research methods 1, with 30 marks each on biopsychology, cognitive development and research methods. The AS is worth 40% of the full International A Level. Exams run in January and May/June, and units can be retaken. At 90 marks a paper, these are the longest AS psychology papers of the four boards.
How Centaurus Helps AS Level Psychology Students Excel
Named Studies, Learned Properly
Most AS questions turn on a specific study, what it did, what it found, and how strong the evidence is. We make sure your child can use each one accurately, under pressure.
Research Methods Made Practical
Research methods carries a large share of the AS marks. We work through experiments, observations, correlations and self-reports, and the strengths and weaknesses of each.
Extended Response Technique
Every board asks for at least one long answer worth real marks. We teach the structure those answers need, and mark them the way an examiner would.
Statistics Without Fear
Significance, correlation coefficients and the right statistical test all appear in the papers. We break the maths down until it stops being the part students skip.
Classes in Your Local Time
Live sessions scheduled around your time zone, so no late nights or early mornings just to make a class.
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 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
Hear from the parents and students who have experienced our personalised teaching first-hand.
Excellent long-term experience
We have an excellent long-term experience with the academy and Sir Awais. Our three children studied with them during different periods and succeeded well. We highly recommend the academy.
Excellent academy
Centaurus Academy is truly one of the best educational institutions I've come across. The environment is nurturing, the staff are incredibly dedicated, and the quality of education is outstanding. They focus not only on academic excellence but also on character building and personal growth. The teachers are supportive and go the extra mile to ensure every student feels confident and motivated.
My child has gained confidence
I'm very satisfied with the dedication and teaching approach. My child has gained confidence and improved significantly in understanding math concepts, thanks to the teacher's clear explanations and supportive guidance.
Frequently Asked Questions About AS Level Psychology
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