A Level Requirements for Psychology: Best Subjects for Aspiring Psychologists

Psychology is an ever-growing profession with numerous applications across various fields. Its primary goal is to understand the human mind and behaviour. The scope of this career is incredibly broad, as psychologists can work independently or within institutions such as prisons, court clinics, schools, hospitals, and shelters.

Depending on the chosen path, psychologists must extend their education to specialise in their area, but all must begin their journey with a degree. In this article, we will explore the required A Level subjects for admission to psychology programmes at the most prestigious universities in the UK.

What A Levels are good for a Psychology degree?

All university courses have their own entry requirements with regard to A-levels, and although some key subjects are a must, you can select others to complete a robust application.

Are you an adult returning to education? Learn more about how to take a levels as a mature student.

Key subjects

A Level Psychology

No prizes for guessing, but if you want to be a psychologist, A-Level Psychology is the obvious starting point. This foundational subject offers a comprehensive understanding of human behaviour, cognitive processes, and emotional responses. Covering essential topics such as social influence, memory, attachment, and mental health issues, the course equips students with the knowledge to analyse and interpret psychological theories and research.

Is Psychology A Level hard?

A-Level Psychology isn’t harder than any other A-Level! It's considered an easy subject by some, especially if you want to become a psychologist. This course could give you a preview of what you'll cover at university.

Is A Level Psychology worth it?

Though the Psychology A-level is not necessarily a requirement to enter university, it will show your examiners that you have a strong commitment to this profession and could make you stand out among the rest of the applicants.

A Level Biology

A-Level Biology is crucial for Psychology students, providing insights into the biological underpinnings of behavior and mental processes. This course covers topics such as genetics, neurobiology, and human physiology, which are essential for understanding the physical aspects of psychological phenomena. Students will explore cell biology, biochemistry, and the nervous system, gaining a solid foundation in the biological sciences.

This course also emphasises laboratory experiments and data analysis, preparing students for the rigorous scientific methods used in psychology research. Mastery of these concepts is invaluable for those aiming to specialise in fields like Neuropsychology or Clinical Psychology.

A Level Sociology

A-Level Sociology complements Psychology by examining the social contexts of human behavior. This course explores how societal structures, cultural norms, and group dynamics influence individual and collective actions. Key topics include socialisation, social inequality, family dynamics, and crime and deviance.

By studying A Level Sociology, students develop their ability to analyse psychological issues within a broader societal framework. The course also fosters critical thinking and research skills, which are essential for conducting sociological and psychological studies.

A Level Chemistry

A-Level Chemistry is valuable for Psychology students interested in the biochemical aspects of behavior and mental health. This course covers fundamental topics such as atomic structure, chemical bonding, and organic chemistry, providing insights into the chemical processes that could underlie brain function and neurotransmission. This subject can set the base on the role of chemicals in mood regulation, drug interactions, and the biochemical basis of mental disorders.

The A-level chemistry course also includes practical laboratory work, allowing students to develop hands-on skills in experimentation and data analysis. Understanding these chemical principles is essential for those pursuing careers in Psychopharmacology or Neurochemistry.

Good to have subjects

The following subjects are some of those that can make your application to university more robust. At the same time, some of them are among the easiest a level subjects, or “facilitating subjects”, so pick those that suit you the most.

A Level English (Language or Literature)

A-Level English (Language or Literature) enhances essential skills in communication and critical analysis. This course delves into various literary texts, helping students to effectively interpret and articulate complex ideas, often related to Psychology and Sociology concepts. It also fosters strong essay-writing skills, crucial for crafting research papers and reports, and improves understanding of narrative and character development, applicable to psychological case studies.

A Level Philosophy

A-Level Philosophy encourages critical thinking and ethical reasoning, both vital for aspiring psychologists. This course covers major philosophical concepts and theories, prompting students to consider profound questions about the mind, free will, and morality. Studying philosophy helps develop logical reasoning and the ability to construct coherent arguments, essential in academic and clinical psychology settings.

A Level Maths

A-Level Maths could be very useful for those Psychology students interested in research and data analysis. This course covers key mathematical concepts, including statistics and probability, essential for designing experiments and interpreting research findings in Psychology. By studying maths, students enhance their quantitative skills and problem-solving abilities, which are beneficial for understanding psychological measurements and conducting empirical studies.

A Level Anthropology

A-Level Anthropology provides insights into human behaviour and cultural diversity, complementing psychological studies. This course explores the biological, social, and cultural aspects of humanity, examining how different societies function and how cultural factors influence behaviour. Studying anthropology offers a broader perspective on human development and social interactions, preparing students for cross-cultural research.

What is the best A-Level combination for Psychology?

First subject: Psychology

For sure, having Psychology as your first subject is the best option. It will provide you with the necessary knowledge you will later learn in a university degree, setting the pillars for a successful career. Additionally, it will make your profile much more robust to the examiners in the entry process, proving your interest and training in the area. Overall, this A-level can make the path to college much easier.

Second Subject: Biology or Chemistry

The human mind is affected by a person’s social environment and community, but also by its biological aspects. Adding the Biology or Chemistry A-levels to your curriculum means covering another aspect of human behaviour, especially for those interested in pursuing a career in Psychiatry or Neuropsychology.

Third subject: Mathematics, English, Sociology or Philosophy

Any of these subjects can provide you with useful knowledge you will later use in your degree and professional career. As mentioned before, Maths will provide you with the necessary tools for critical thinking, English Language or Literature can teach you to express yourself more effectively (essential when dealing with patients), and sociology and philosophy can both offer insights into the interrelation between an individual and its social environment.

Studying several subjects at the same time can be challenging, so you may want to have a look at the best ways to revise for a levels to ensure success!

Find all these subjects on CloudLearn and enjoy discounts when you book more than one course!

Useful subjects based on Psychology specialisations

Because this field has so many different branches, you can benefit from adding a specific A-Level that aligns with the specialisation you are seeking. Let’s explore the most popular ones.

Clinical Psychology

For Clinical Psychology, it is wise to study Sociology A Level, which will give you a broad view of different cultures and social relations. Given that clinical psychologists usually deal with patients of all kinds of socio-economic backgrounds, sociology can help you build an unbiased to treat these patients and help them with their problems.

Sports Psychology

In Sports Psychology, Biology A Level is a must. In this specialisation, more than in any other, the body becomes an essential part of psychological treatment. Understand how sports injuries and their treatments involve, how physical and psychological stress affect a person’s behaviour and teach your patients how to deal with the pressure of being a high-performance athlete.

Forensic or Criminal Psychology

Criminal and Forensic Psychology try to understand criminal behaviour and predict future crimes. These professionals work in a legal environment, and must follow specific procedures. Having a Criminology and/or Law A-level can be beneficial for students pursuing this profession. Learn more about the best A Levels for Forensic Psychology in our related post.

Child Psychology and Educational Psychology

In both Child Psychology and Educational Psychology, the therapist will deal with children, and being able to communicate with them is of great importance for the treatment. Enhance your linguistic expression to communicate with patients of all ages by learning English A Level in depth.

Still wondering which subjects to choose? Have a look at our choosing a levels advice to help you decide.

Top universities’ entry requirements for Psychology

Top #5 Universities	Entry requirements
University of Cambridge	A*A*A in Mathematics OR Biology
London School of Economics	A*AA including at least one of Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics, Psychology
University of St Andrews	AAB (no subject requirements)
University of London	Mathematics, Psychology or Biology at grade A–D
University of Bath	A*AA (no subject requirements)

Those who know best: Tips from Psychology students and graduates

#Tip 1:

There are a ton of areas that can use psych grads (consulting, sales, marketing, research) across a wide variety of industries (tech, law, education, government). It’s all about learning the tricks of the trade and combining it with your interests and talent. Make sure you get a ton of internships to show work history and prove you can be responsible (incidentally, you may also discover what you like/dislike along the way).

(Reddit/Neopet_Former_User)

#Tip 2:

I found getting a job in psychology not as difficult as I thought. It probably was a combination of research experience, internships, volunteering, and picking opportunities I knew I would get a callback for because it was my area of interest. I did end up getting a job in my field and area of interest a few weeks after I officially finished classes.

(Reddit/FloofyFarm)

#Tip 3:

Psychology isn't as hard as a subject itself, maybe because it's really interesting. The grade boundaries are so low too, it's not that hard to pass either It's the amount of content that's hard to take on and how specific the questions are: "generic answers score 0" that makes you have to work a bit.

(Reddit/nsnsjss)

Let’s ace the A-Level journey: Enrol in CloudLearn courses today!

Choosing the right A-Level subjects is crucial for a successful career in Psychology. A well-rounded selection can provide you with the knowledge and skills needed for higher education and professional success. Sitting A-Levels as a private candidate with CloudLearn could be the perfect first step to align with your career goals.

Fast-track your courses, study from anywhere, and access exclusive one-on-one tutoring support. Start your journey with CloudLearn A-Level online courses and unlock your potential today!