Psychology
The Varndean A Level Psychology course will encourage you to be inspired, motivated and challenged by following a broad, coherent, practical and worthwhile course of study. The specification provides insight into, and experience of, how psychology works, stimulating curiosity and encouraging you to engage with psychology in your everyday lives, enabling you to make informed choices about further study and about career choices.
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
Student Success
Ellen Benant
Studied: Psychology (A), Drama & Theatre Studies (A), French (B) +EPQ (A*) (2023-2025)
Progression: Psychology, University of Sheffield
“The minute I stepped into Varndean College at the open day, I knew it was the college I’d be applying to. Not only was everyone very friendly and welcoming, but also very encouraging and supportive too. It gave me the sense that I was important to them, not only with my studies but also with my personal development.
I chose Psychology because it sounded like an appealing subject that tapped into my interest regarding human behaviour and reasons for certain behaviours. I also really enjoyed what the course had to offer, such as learning about criminal psychology and all the different case studies in their respective areas. Alongside Psychology, I chose Drama and Theatre because I’ve always had a passion for it and French because I’m half-French and half-English, so I found the idea of learning more about the culture very appealing and a way to keep up with France’s current affairs. I felt it could improve my writing and speaking skills to a level in which I could work abroad.
I campaigned for Student Union and was elected Charity Officer, which not only gave me an insight into what being in a leadership role would be, but helped me improve my communication and teamwork skills. I also took the EPQ (Extended Project Qualification) which has helped me in my essay/dissertation writing skills, as well as organising myself to work around my curriculum work. I also learnt Harvard Referencing which I’ve heard is very useful skill when doing university dissertations.
One thing I’ve really enjoyed about Varndean are the people. All the teachers are so friendly and helpful and are always there to support you if you need it, no judgement or questions. They care about their students.
I think Varndean has helped me grow into a more mature, responsible and independent person. I am now studying Psychology at the University of Sheffield.
Course Essentials
Courses Available
A Level
PLUS
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
Jasbinder Badesha: jb@varndean.ac.uk
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