WJEC Eduqas A Level Psychology specification (A290)
Understanding the exam specification is key to doing well in your WJEC Eduqas 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.
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In the next section, you'll find a simplified summary of the official WJEC Eduqas 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 WJEC Eduqas A Level Psychology (A290) 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 WJEC Eduqas specification PDF.
Specification overview
This A-level Psychology course (Eduqas) offers learners the opportunity to explore key psychological approaches, investigate behaviour through practical research, and apply psychology to real-world contexts. It emphasises critical engagement with classic and contemporary studies, the development of scientific research skills, and the application of psychological knowledge to behavioural issues and debates. Learners are encouraged to analyse, evaluate, and synthesise evidence and theories, gaining insight into the ethical, social and scientific implications of psychological research and practice:contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}.Subject content breakdown
Component 1: Psychology: Past to Present
- Biological, psychodynamic, behaviourist, cognitive, and positive approaches:
- Assumptions, therapies, evaluation, classic research (e.g. Raine, Bowlby, Watson & Rayner, Loftus & Palmer, Myers & Diener)
- Contemporary debates: neuroscience ethics, caregiving, conditioning in children, eyewitness reliability, value of positive psychology
Component 2: Psychology: Investigating Behaviour
- Principles of research: hypotheses, variables, experimental design, sampling, ethical issues, reliability and validity
- Methodologies: experiments, observations, interviews, correlational studies, brain scans, longitudinal and cross-sectional studies
- Personal investigations: two annually-set research tasks using different methods
- Application of research methods to novel scenarios
Component 3: Psychology: Implications in the Real World
- Applications: Choose three from six behaviours:
- Addictive behaviours
- Autistic spectrum behaviours
- Bullying behaviours
- Criminal behaviours
- Schizophrenia
- Stress
- For each: biological, individual, social explanations; methods of modification (e.g. CBT, drugs, aversion therapy)
- Controversies:
- Cultural bias
- Ethical costs of research
- Use of non-human animals
- Scientific status of psychology
- Sexism:contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}
Assessment structure
Component 1: Psychology: Past to Present
- Written exam: 2 hours 15 minutes
- 100 marks (33⅓% of A level)
- Compulsory questions on five approaches, classic studies, and a contemporary debate
Component 2: Psychology: Investigating Behaviour
- Written exam: 2 hours 15 minutes
- 100 marks (33⅓% of A level)
- Covers research methods, two personal investigations, and novel scenario application
Component 3: Psychology: Implications in the Real World
- Written exam: 2 hours 15 minutes
- 100 marks (33⅓% of A level)
- Three structured questions on chosen behaviours and one on controversies
Assessment Objectives
- AO1: Knowledge and understanding of psychological processes
- AO2: Application to contexts and data
- AO3: Analysis, evaluation, and interpretation
Weightings
- AO1: 30%
- AO2: 31⅔%
- AO3: 38⅓%
Examination Details
- All assessments taken at the end of the course
- Personal investigations required for Component 2 vary annually (e.g. Stroop tests, observation, experiment):contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}
Key tips for success
Doing well in your WJEC Eduqas 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.
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