OCR A Level Psychology specification (H567)
Understanding the exam specification is key to doing well in your OCR A Level Psychology exam. It lays out exactly what you need to learn, how you'll be assessed, and what skills the examiners seek. Whether you're working through the course for the first time or revising for your final exams, the specification helps you stay focused and confident in your preparation.
We've included helpful revision tools to support you in putting the specification into practice. Wherever you're starting from, you'll find everything you need to feel prepared, from the official specification to high-quality resources designed to help you succeed.
Examiner-written revision resources that improve your grades 2x
- Written by expert teachers and examiners
- Aligned to exam specifications
- Everything you need to know, and nothing you don’t
In the next section, you'll find a simplified summary of the official OCR A Level Psychology specification, along with a breakdown of key topics, assessment structure, and useful study resources. We've also included links to topic-level guides and revision tools to help you put the specification into practice.
Contents
Disclaimer
This page includes a summary of the official OCR A Level Psychology (H567) specification, provided to support your revision. While we've made every effort to ensure accuracy, Save My Exams is not affiliated with the awarding body.
For the most complete and up-to-date information, we strongly recommend consulting the official OCR specification PDF.
Specification overview
This A-level Psychology course focuses on developing students’ understanding of psychological concepts, research studies, and applications. It aims to foster critical and scientific thinking by examining key areas such as psychological themes through core studies, approaches and research methods, and applied topics like mental health. The course encourages learners to explore how psychological knowledge is developed and applied in real-world settings, promoting deeper understanding of human behaviour and ethical considerations in research. It also equips students with analytical, evaluative, and research skills relevant to further education and professional contexts.Subject content breakdown
Component 01: Research methods
- Planning, conducting and analysing psychological research.
- Experimental and non-experimental methods.
- Scientific processes, data handling, inferential statistics.
- Research designs, sampling, variables, ethical issues, reliability and validity.
- Mathematical skills including statistical analysis and interpretation.
Component 02: Psychological themes through core studies
- Ten core studies from key areas: social, cognitive, developmental, biological, individual differences.
- Paired contemporary and classic studies to illustrate psychological themes.
- Focus on methodologies, contextual understanding, and theoretical/practical implications.
- Application of psychological knowledge and evaluation of core studies.
Component 03: Applied Psychology
- Mental health: historical context, definitions of abnormality, medical model, alternative treatments.
- Option topics (choose two):
- Child Psychology
- Criminal Psychology
- Environmental Psychology
- Sport and Exercise Psychology
- Focus on real-life applications, contemporary debates, and issues in applied contexts.
Assessment structure
Paper 1: Research Methods
- 2-hour written paper
- 90 marks (30% of A-level)
- Structured and extended response questions
- Covers planning, conducting, analysing, and reporting psychological research
Paper 2: Psychological Themes Through Core Studies
- 2-hour written paper
- 105 marks (35% of A-level)
- Mixture of structured and extended response questions
- Covers ten core studies with paired themes from key areas (e.g. cognitive, biological)
Paper 3: Applied Psychology
- 2-hour written paper
- 105 marks (35% of A-level)
- Structured and extended response questions
- Covers compulsory topic (Mental Health) and two chosen options
Assessment Format
- All exams are linear and taken at the end of the course
- Includes mathematical and statistical application
- Emphasises evaluation, application, and research literacy
Assessment Objectives
- AO1: Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of psychological concepts and research
- AO2: Apply knowledge and understanding to contexts and scenarios
- AO3: Analyse, interpret, and evaluate information and arguments
Total Assessment Weighting
- Paper 1: 30%
- Paper 2: 35%
- Paper 3: 35%
Key tips for success
Doing well in your OCR A Level Psychology isn't just about how much you study, but how you study. Here are a few proven tips to help you stay on track
- Start with a clear plan: Break the subject into topics and create a revision schedule that allows enough time for each. Start early to avoid last-minute stress.
- Focus on understanding, not memorising: Use our revision notes to build a strong foundation in each topic, making sure you actually understand the material.
- Practise regularly: Attempt past papers to familiarise yourself with the exam format and timing. Mark your answers to see how close you are to full marks.
- Be strategic with your revision: Use exam questions by topic to focus on weaker areas, and flashcards to reinforce important facts and terminology.
- Learn from mistakes: Whether it's from mock exams or practice questions, spend time reviewing what went wrong and why. This helps prevent repeat mistakes in the real exam.
- Stay balanced: Don't forget to take regular breaks, eat well, and get enough sleep, a healthy routine makes revision much more effective.
With the right approach and consistent practice, you'll build confidence and improve your chances of exam success.
Share this article