banner

Psychology

ApplySubject Leaflet

Research Methods: Knowledge and understanding of research methods, providing an opportunity to design and evaluate a novel piece of research.

Psychological themes through Core Studies: Focus on some of the central areas of investigation, looking at 'landmark' pieces of research that have helped to shape the course of Psychology. The aim is to develop essential critical thinking and independent learning skills.

Applied Psychology: Exploration of themes and debates to draw students into the heart of psychology.

Unit 1

Research methods and techniques
  • Data recording, analysis and presentation
  • Report writing
  • Science in Psychology

Unit 2

  • Attention
  • Memory
  • Regions of the Brain
  • Brain plasticity
  • Understanding disorders
  • Responses to people in need
  • Responses to people in authority

Unit 3

Mental Health
  • The biochemical explanation of mental illness
  • The cognitive neuroscience explanation of mental illness
Criminal Psychology
  • Physiological and non-physiological explanations of criminal behaviour
  • The use of forensic evidence and offender characteristics in crime scene analysis
Sport and Exercise
  • How an audience can facilitate or inhibit sports performance
  • Benefits of exercise on mental health

Psychology was a journey that was worth taking. I had highs and lows which taught me that I had the perseverance and strength to push through the subject with the help of amazing teaching to then achieve everything I wanted.

Tom Conning, Overseas student

Course Essentials

Courses Available
A Level
Entry Requirements

PLUS
Grade 4 in GCSE Maths and Science
How The Course is Assessed
100% exam
Career Pathways
Students go on to a huge range of degree courses such as Medicine, Teaching and Social Policy. Psychology is about people and can lead to a wide variety of careers. Students wishing to become professional psychologists have to undertake further relevant qualifications.
Transferable Skills
Analysis and presentation of complex ideas; retrieval and organisation of information; team work; problem-solving; making critical judgements; sensitivity to contextual and interpersonal factors; project management skills.
Other Information
The entry requirement for studying Psychology at degree level at university is a Grade 5 in GCSE Maths and English, at some universities they may require a Grade 6. Scientific concepts and terminology are essential to this course. There will be a variety of trips and visits. These may include trips to the theatre to see relevant plays, observation of animal behaviour and conferences in London.
Enquiries To
Simon Crisp: sbc@varndean.ac.uk