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Careers in Psychology - GCSE, A Level and Equivalents

'I'm really glad I studied psychology Higher. It was such an interesting subject and I definitely think it has helped me better understand myself and others, and my role in society. I'm sure that my background in in psychology will really benefit me while I study towards my degree in law.' Juliette Berlsford, Winner of the 2007 Scottish Higher Award

Why take psychology GCSE, A Level or equivalent?

Psychology is the study of people, the mind and behaviour. It is a popular subject with students because it has a big impact on all areas of life, particularly in areas such as education, health, the economy, industry and crime. If you are interested in finding out why people behave the way they do or how then brain works then psychology could be for you.

Taking a GCSE, A Level or equivalent in psychology will give you a good grounding in the subject and will help to decide whether you would like to become a professional psychologist. Psychology is also useful in many other careers because it develops a number of transferable skills which are useful in may job and professions.

What will be included in a GCSE, A Level or equivalent in psychology?

Psychology can be studied as a GCSE, AS, A2 and A Level in England, Wales and Northern Ireland, or as Scottish NQ Intermediate 1, Intermediate 2 or Higher in Scotland. You will need to contact your local school or college to find out exactly what courses they offer.

GCSE and equivalent

GCSE and equivalent courses are designed to give students a basic introduction to the science of people’s behaviour and how it can be used to improve people’s quality of life. The content of courses varies depending on the exam board, but all courses include simple practical work and an opportunity to explore some of the main areas of psychology such as memory, stress, prejudice, phobias, gender and social influence.

A Level and Scottish Higher

On A Level and Scottish Higher courses students look at how ideas and theories in each area of psychology have developed, learn how to critically analyse evidence, and undertake some practical research. Students will need to be creative to design their own experimental projects bearing in mind any necessary restraints. They must also be able to comprehend, analyse and form opinions on theories, and present and communicate their knowledge in a clear way.

The exact content of courses varies according to the exam board but students can expect to study subjects such as social psychology (including conformity), cognition, memory, physiological psychology (including stress), individual differences, developmental psychology and attachment theory.

Past exam papers

You can download past papers, marking schemes and other useful documents from the appropriate examination board website below. Please check with your local school or college which exam board they use.

GCSE

• OCR GCSE Psychology
• AQA GCSE Psychology

A, AS and A2 Level

• OCR A/AS Level Psychology
• AQA A/AS Level Psychology (A)
• AQA A/AS Level Psychology (B)
• EdExel AS/A2 Level psychology

Scottish Intermediate and Higher

• SQA National Qualification past papers

Using your GCSE, A Level or equivalent in psychology to get a job

You do not have to follow a career in psychology just because you have taken GCSE, A Level or equivalent in psychology. If you think you might go straight from GCSEs or A Levels into employment, psychology is a good subject to take because knowing how people act is extremely useful in almost any job.

GCSE, A Level and equivalents in psychology are attractive to employers because they develop a number of transferable skills. psychology develops skills such as problem solving, communication and IT skills. GCSE and equivalent. A Level and equivalent psychology develops oral, visual and written communication, problem solving, numeracy and statistical skills, critical and creative thinking, decision making, organisational skills, teamworking, and IT skills.

Psychology is particularly relevant to any job that involves working directly with people (such as public relations, marketing, customer services or retail management) or any job that requires the use of problem solving skills (such as science subjects).

Using your psychology GCSE or A Level to go on to further study

Most universities and colleges are not too bothered about what subjects your GCSEs and A Levels are in, but we recommend that you contact the relevant institutions and/or check their prospectuses to confirm entry requirements for specific courses.

GCSE, A Level and equivalents in psychology are useful preparation not just for a degree in psychology but for almost any degree. However, because psychology students are required to use scientific methods, carry out statistical analysis and design experiments, they are particularly useful for subjects such as medicine, the sciences and social sciences.

In general, to gain entry to a degree course you will normally need at least two A Levels and four GCSE grades A-C (including maths and English), while for a DipHE you will need two A Levels and four GCSEs, and for a BTEC National Diploma you normally require one A Level and four GCSEs.

Using your GCSE, A Level or equivalent to become a psychologist

A GCSE, A Level or equivilent in psychology is not required to become a psychologist, but taking a GCSE or A Level in psychology will give you some idea of what it is like to be a psychologist and give you a good basic knowledge of the subject which will be useful if you decide to follow this career path.

Work experience

You may find it helpful to get some work experience while you are doing your GCSE, A Level or equivalent. This will look impressive on your CV and will help you get a better idea of whether psychology is the career for you.

Unfortunately, the British Psychological Society cannot help you directly to finding placements. To find work experience, you will need to think about the area that you want to work in (for example, health, education or business) and contact local organisations who work in those areas.

You may also try contact psychologists in your area by searching the Society's Directory of Chartered Psychologists. However, be aware that it may be difficult to find work experience working with a psychologist because the work they carry out is often confidential in nature.

The Student Members Group

A Level and equivalent students are eligible to join the British Psychological Society's Student Members Group (SMG). The SMG is involved in events specifically aimed at students such as the London and Edinburgh Lectures, and holds an its own Annual Conference where students get the chance to present their own research.

Membership of SMG costs just £21 a year and benefits include:

• The Psychologist magazine - the Society's monthly magazine, available in print and online
• Psych-Talk - the Society's quarterly newsletter for students
• Psychologist Appointments - job vacancies and careers advice
• Journals - discounts of up to 65% on the Society's academic journals
• Networks - Regional support groups and special interest groups (SIGs)
• Conferences - reduced rates for students
• Books - Discount of 30% on books from BPS Blackwell and 20% discount on selected books from OUP
• Library membership - Access to the Europe's largest psychology library at Senate House in London

Please visit the SMG website for further details.

Unfortunately, SMG membership is not open to GCSE and equivalent students at present.

Please visit the for further details.

Frequently asked questions

Please check out our Careers FAQs if you have any queries, including how to contact the Society's Help Desk.

Next steps

• Learn about taking a degree in psychology