New papers in History and Psychology for 2009

History

The Entrance Scholarship Examination paper in History has been replaced with two new papers:

Candidates may take:
i. History – British Isles
ii. History – Europe and America
iii. Both papers

The choice of scholarship paper will depend on previous experience of history at A Level, which is generally divided into the above categories, and on the candidate’s intended degree programme, as the department offers degrees in history and European history. Candidates applying for general history degrees are welcome to take both papers.

The ‘History – British Isles’ paper covers British, Welsh and Irish history.
The ‘History – Europe and America’ paper covers the history of Europe (excluding Britain) and the United States. Some questions will allow candidates to use evidence from any European country, but there will be specific questions on France, Germany, Italy and Russia.

Each paper will include around 30 questions, divided into two sections. Candidates will answer one question from Section A and one question from Section B.

Section A will be devoted to questions of a general historical nature. This section provides an opportunity for students to demonstrate that they are capable of dealing with the broader challenges of historical study in an informed and systematic way. Students are advised that answers should demonstrate serious and wide-ranging thought, and include relevant examples from the candidate’s historical knowledge.

Section B will contain a wide range of questions from the early medieval period to the present day, arranged chronologically.
The departmental scholarship secretary is happy to advise on the most appropriate paper(s) for each candidate.

Psychology

We are pleased to announce the introduction of an Entrance Scholarship examination paper in Psychology for 2009.

Please click here to view a sample Psychology examination paper (PDF)

The paper will consist of questions that will allow candidates to demonstrate their understanding of psychology and the debates that surround it.  The aims of the paper are to:
  1. Assess candidates’ knowledge of psychology and/or their ability to examine and discuss some of the generic issues that concern psychology.  
  2. Test candidates’ ability to write essays, identify arguments and demonstrate analytical skills.

The paper has two sections.  In Section A (20% of the overall mark) candidates will be asked to answer a series of questions related to a research study.   In Section B candidates will have the choice of six essay questions of which they must answer two (80% of the overall mark).  The paper is designed to assess the potential of the candidate to study psychology at undergraduate level and can be answered both by candidates taking A level and those who have a genuine interest in the subject but no direct subject knowledge.