Psychology · XPS01 / YPS01

How International A level Psychology works

Start here: the units, their exam codes and when you can sit them for Pearson Edexcel International AS and A level Psychology.

Two qualifications in one course

International A level Psychology is modular: you sit it unit by unit.

The International AS (cash-in code XPS01) is Unit 1, Unit 2. It is a qualification on its own.
The full International A level (cash-in code YPS01) is all 4 units: the AS units plus Unit 3, Unit 4.

You can bank AS results in Year 12 and add the A2 units in Year 13.

The units

Each unit has its own exam code. These are the codes your exams officer uses to enter you.

Unit	Code	Title	Level	Exam series 2026/27
Unit 1	WPS01	Social and Cognitive Psychology	AS	January and June only
Unit 2	WPS02	Biological Psychology, Learning Theories and Development	AS	January and June only
Unit 3	WPS03	Applications of Psychology	A2	January and June only
Unit 4	WPS04	Clinical Psychology and Psychological Skills	A2	January and June only

Source: Pearson Information Manual 2026/2027, International A level

When you can sit them

Pearson runs International A level exams in January, May to June and October, but not every unit is offered in every series. Plan your units with your teacher, and always confirm entries with your exams officer: Pearson updates the manual every year.

Worked example

You finish Year 12 having sat the AS units in Psychology. What can you claim?

The AS units are Unit 1, Unit 2.
Together they give the International AS (XPS01).

Answer: The International AS in Psychology (XPS01); add the A2 units in Year 13 for the full A level (YPS01).

Key idea: International AS Psychology = Unit 1, Unit 2 (XPS01). Full International A level = all 4 units (YPS01). Not every unit is offered in October.

Check yourself

What is the cash-in code for the full International A level in Psychology?
- XPS01
- YPS01
- ZPS01
- WPS01
Show answer
YPS01. YPS01 is the full International A level; XPS01 is the International AS.
Which code is the International AS in Psychology?
- YPS01
- WPS01
- QPS01
- XPS01
Show answer
XPS01. XPS01 is the International AS cash-in code.
How many units make up the full International A level in Psychology?
Show answer
4. The full A level is 4 units: Unit 1, Unit 2, Unit 3, Unit 4.
In 2026/27, in which exam series can you sit Psychology Unit 1 (Social and Cognitive Psychology)?
- October, January and June
- June only
- January and June only
- January only
Show answer
January and June only. Pearson's 2026/27 manual lists Unit 1 as available in: January and June only.
Which Psychology unit has the code WPS02?
- Unit 2
- Unit 1
- Unit 3
- Unit 4
Show answer
Unit 2. WPS02 is Unit 2: Biological Psychology, Learning Theories and Development.

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Sources

Last updated 7 November 2026. Spotted a mistake? Email alevel@lifereadysociety.com.