WJEC AS Psychology specification (2290)
Understanding the exam specification is key to doing well in your WJEC AS 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 AS 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 AS Psychology (2290) 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 specification PDF.
Specification overview
WJEC’s AS Level in Psychology introduces learners to core psychological approaches—biological, psychodynamic, behaviourist, cognitive and positive—and encourages critical evaluation of therapies and classic studies within each. It promotes an understanding of how psychology is applied to everyday contexts and develops a scientific approach to investigating behaviour. Learners gain research skills and explore contemporary debates from psychological perspectives, fostering appreciation for ethics, diversity, and the societal role of psychology. The course develops critical thinking, communication, and practical competencies that support further study and employment.Subject content breakdown
2.1 AS Unit 1: Psychology: Past to Present
- Understand assumptions of five approaches: biological, psychodynamic, behaviourist, cognitive, positive
- Apply assumptions to relationship formation
- Know one therapy per approach: components, evaluation, ethics
- Evaluate each approach, including comparison with others
- Study and critique classic research from each approach
2.2 AS Unit 2: Psychology: Using Psychological Concepts
- Section A: Explore five contemporary debates using psychological approaches, considering ethical, social, and cultural implications
- Ethics of neuroscience
- Mother as primary caregiver
- Conditioning children’s behaviour
- Reliability of eye-witness testimony
- Relevance of positive psychology
- Section B: Principles of research
- Plan and evaluate research: hypotheses, variables, methodologies, sampling, validity, reliability, ethics
- Apply methods to novel scenarios
- Study Milgram (1963) and Kohlberg (1968)
Assessment structure
AS Unit 1: Psychology: Past to Present
- Written exam: 1 hour 30 minutes
- 80 marks
- Compulsory questions on five approaches and classic research
- 50% of AS qualification (20% of full A level)
AS Unit 2: Psychology: Using Psychological Concepts
- Written exam: 1 hour 30 minutes
- 80 marks
- Section A: One debate question
- Section B: Research methods questions and application to novel scenario
- 50% of AS qualification (20% of full A level)
Key tips for success
Doing well in your WJEC AS 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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