Course Live_AC_paperturn-3 - Flipbook - Page 56
PSYCHOLOGY
A Level
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.
COURSE CONTENT
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
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
TRANSFERABLE SKILLS
Standard Advanced Level entry
requirements
Plus
Grade 4 in GCSE Maths and at least one
Science
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.
ASSESSMENT
100% exam
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.
VA R N D E A N S I X T H F O R M C O L L E G E 2 0 2 6
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.
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