Oxford AQA International AS Psychology specification (9686)
Understanding the exam specification is key to doing well in your Oxford AQA International 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 Oxford AQA International 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 Oxford AQA International AS Psychology (9686) 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 AS in Psychology introduces students to foundational theories and applications of cognitive, social and biological psychology. The course helps learners understand how psychological research is conducted and interpreted, promoting analytical, critical and reflective skills. It prepares students for further study in psychology or related disciplines by building an understanding of behaviour, mental processes, research methods and ethical practice. No prior study of psychology is required.
Subject content breakdown
1. Introductory topics in psychology
- Memory: multi-store and working memory models, long-term memory types, eyewitness testimony, cognitive interview
- Social psychology: conformity types and explanations, Asch’s study, obedience (Milgram), resistance to social influence
- Psychopathology: definitions of abnormality, characteristics of phobias and depression, behavioural and cognitive explanations and treatments
2. Biopsychology, development and research methods 1
- Biopsychology: nervous and endocrine systems, synaptic transmission, brain localisation, plasticity, hemispheric lateralisation
- Cognitive development: Piaget, Vygotsky, Baillargeon’s studies, theory of mind, mirror neurons
- Research methods 1: experimental methods, observations, self-reports, correlations; hypotheses, sampling, ethics; data types and analysis; distributions and graphs
Assessment structure
Unit 1: Introductory topics in psychology
- Written exam: 1 hour 30 minutes
- 90 marks
- Section A: Memory
- Section B: Social psychology
- Section C: Psychopathology
- Each section worth 30 marks
- 50% of AS Level (20% of A Level)
Unit 2: Biopsychology, development and research methods 1
- Written exam: 1 hour 30 minutes
- 90 marks
- Section A: Biopsychology
- Section B: Cognitive development
- Section C: Research methods 1
- Each section worth 30 marks
50% of AS Level (20% of A Level)
- Modular structure: assessments available January and May/June
- Resits allowed; best unit score counts
- Grading: A–E (AS Level)
Key tips for success
Doing well in your Oxford AQA International 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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