Oxford AQA International A Level (IAL) Psychology specification (9687)
Understanding the exam specification is key to doing well in your Oxford AQA International A Level (IAL) 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 Oxford AQA International A Level (IAL) 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 Oxford AQA International A Level (IAL) Psychology (9687) 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 Oxford AQA specification PDF.
Specification overview
The OxfordAQA International A Level in Psychology introduces learners to the core areas of psychological theory, methods and application. The course emphasises critical thinking, scientific enquiry and ethical considerations, equipping students with transferable skills and research literacy essential for higher education. Topics are selected for their universal relevance and practical applicability, such as memory, social influence, biopsychology, and mental health. The qualification encourages an understanding of the role of psychology in contemporary society, linking concepts to real-life contexts and global human experience:contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}.
Subject content breakdown
1. Introductory topics in psychology
- Models of memory and types of long-term memory
- Eyewitness testimony and cognitive interview
- Conformity, obedience and resistance to social influence
- Definitions and treatment of phobias and depression
2. Biopsychology, development and research methods 1
- Nervous and endocrine systems, localisation of function
- Cognitive development theories (Piaget, Vygotsky)
- Mirror neurons and social cognition
- Experimental methods, ethics and data analysis
3. Advanced topics and research methods 2
- Biological rhythms and sleep disorders
- Schizophrenia: symptoms, diagnosis, explanations and therapies
- Case studies, reliability and validity
- Inferential testing and statistical interpretation
4. Approaches and application
- Behaviourist, social learning, cognitive and biological approaches
- Issues and debates: nature vs nurture, reductionism, determinism
- Psychology at work: group processes, communication, job stress
Assessment structure
Unit 1: Introductory topics in psychology
- Written exam: 1 hour 30 minutes
- 90 marks
- Sections: Memory, Social Psychology, Psychopathology
- 50% of AS / 20% of A Level
Unit 2: Biopsychology, development and research methods 1
- Written exam: 1 hour 30 minutes
- 90 marks
- Sections: Biopsychology, Cognitive Development, Research Methods 1
- 50% of AS / 20% of A Level
Unit 3: Advanced topics and research methods 2
- Written exam: 1 hour 30 minutes
- 90 marks
- Sections: Psychology of Sleep, Schizophrenia, Research Methods 2
- 30% of A Level
Unit 4: Approaches and application (synoptic)
- Written exam: 1 hour 30 minutes
- 90 marks
- Sections: Scientific Approaches, Issues and Debates, Applied Psychology (Work)
30% of A Level
- AS qualification: Units 1 and 2
- A Level qualification: All four units
- Exams available January and June
- Grading: A–E (AS), A*–E (A Level):contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}
Key tips for success
Doing well in your Oxford AQA International A Level (IAL) 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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