A-Level Psychology for Private Candidates
A-Level Psychology is assessed by three written papers with no coursework and no practical requirement, which makes it one of the easiest A-Levels to add as a private candidate — including alongside subjects you are already retaking.
Specification code
7182
Awarding body
AQA
Entry fee
£390
Coursework / NEA
None
Can you take A-Level Psychology as a private candidate?
A-Level Psychology has no non-exam assessment. AQA describes it as a linear qualification with all assessments taken at the end of the course, which makes it fully accessible to private candidates.
Home-educated students, candidates adding a fourth subject, and adults returning to study for a psychology, nursing or social work course.
Requirements verified against the awarding body on 7 September 2026 —private candidate guidance ·specification
How is A-Level Psychology assessed?
A-Level Psychology (7182) is assessed by 3 written papers and no coursework. You sit all of them in the same exam series, at the same tier.
| Paper | Length | Marks | Weighting | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Paper 1 | 2h | 96 | 33.3% | Introductory topics in Psychology |
| Paper 2 | 2h | 96 | 33.3% | Psychology in context |
| Paper 3 | 2h | 96 | 33.3% | Issues and options in Psychology |
Psychology entry fees
Psychology
7182 · AQA
£390
Fees cover the awarding body entry, invigilation at the centre and processing of your results. See the full fees list or check entry deadlines to avoid late charges.
Psychology questions from private candidates
Can I take A-Level Psychology as a private candidate?
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Yes, with nothing to arrange beyond the entry. There is no coursework, no practical endorsement and no teacher-assessed component.
How is A-Level Psychology assessed?
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Three written papers of two hours each, 96 marks apiece, equally weighted at 33.3%. Paper 1 covers introductory topics, Paper 2 psychology in context, and Paper 3 issues and options.
Do I need to have studied science subjects first?
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No. There is no prerequisite at A-Level. The specification does include research methods and statistics, so comfort with straightforward maths helps, but no prior science qualification is assumed.
Is the AQA specification the same as Edexcel's?
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No. The structure above is AQA's 7182. Edexcel and OCR examine A-Level Psychology with different papers and different topic options, so study from the specification you are actually entered for.
Other A-Level subjects
Ready to enter A-Level Psychology?
Tell us your subjects and the part of London that suits you. We secure your seat at an approved centre and handle the registration.