[roflcakes1]

I was wondering if anyone taking psychology at uni could tell me how different to the a-level it is?
I've wanted to study psychology for a long time, but was a bit disappointed after studying it at AS level. I don't know if it's just the school I go to where everything is focused on the exam and 12 markers, but I feel like I'm just learning studies and evaluating them, without learning anything of substance.
I understand that studies are important but it like this at university?
I've been to a taster day and enjoyed the lectures, to the point where I want to do follow up reading of the topics covered, so now I'm really not sure.

[katles]

(Original post by roflcakes1)
I was wondering if anyone taking psychology at uni could tell me how different to the a-level it is?
I've wanted to study psychology for a long time, but was a bit disappointed after studying it at AS level. I don't know if it's just the school I go to where everything is focused on the exam and 12 markers, but I feel like I'm just learning studies and evaluating them, without learning anything of substance.
I understand that studies are important but it like this at university?
I've been to a taster day and enjoyed the lectures, to the point where I want to do follow up reading of the topics covered, so now I'm really not sure.

Hey! Sorry I can't offer any help about psychology at uni but I'm in the same position as you! I was initially really interested in psychology but my teachers are so crap, they make the subject really boring. So I'm also dubious about whether I really want to carry on with it later or not.

[xoxAngel_Kxox]

It is SO different to the A Level. In fact, if I knew of anyone who wanted to study Psychology, I would recommend that they read through a few books/papers and just didn't bother with the A Level at all. It's mostly about learning names and dates, which to me isn't any quality learning at all. The degree is much better, and you get the chance to do interesting modules of your choice, plus good experiments and your own research projects. Everything is in a lot more depth as well, so instead of just being given facts and dates, you actually understand how and why the work of the researchers in question is important, and how it relates to other branches of Psychology. Hope that helps a bit!

[Mephestic]

(Original post by roflcakes1)
I was wondering if anyone taking psychology at uni could tell me how different to the a-level it is?
I've wanted to study psychology for a long time, but was a bit disappointed after studying it at AS level. I don't know if it's just the school I go to where everything is focused on the exam and 12 markers, but I feel like I'm just learning studies and evaluating them, without learning anything of substance.
I understand that studies are important but it like this at university?
I've been to a taster day and enjoyed the lectures, to the point where I want to do follow up reading of the topics covered, so now I'm really not sure.

pick a science, its more valuable for employment, psychology is a narrow field and everyone has a degree in it these days so it has became less valuable.
I would pick the hard core sciences if I were you, if you have the dedication for them.

i picked up psychology purely for my job I'm in now (I'm 27) and as test really to see how well I do with dedication to something.
I have one more paper to go and can't wait until its over and done with as I have had enough of it.
I'm going to try a pure science next year after a break.

[roflcakes1]

Thanks!
I'm interested in science but I don't really have the right a-levels for it, I chose psychology because as well as my interest in it, it allows to me to pursue a career in psychology as well as being more applicable to jobs that simply require any degree.
Obviously it depends on the particular course, but would you say that there is a lot more scientific content and chance for discussion at uni level?

[iammichealjackson]

(Original post by xoxAngel_Kxox)
It is SO different to the A Level. In fact, if I knew of anyone who wanted to study Psychology, I would recommend that they read through a few books/papers and just didn't bother with the A Level at all. It's mostly about learning names and dates, which to me isn't any quality learning at all. The degree is much better, and you get the chance to do interesting modules of your choice, plus good experiments and your own research projects. Everything is in a lot more depth as well, so instead of just being given facts and dates, you actually understand how and why the work of the researchers in question is important, and how it relates to other branches of Psychology. Hope that helps a bit!

(Original post by roflcakes1)
Thanks!
I'm interested in science but I don't really have the right a-levels for it, I chose psychology because as well as my interest in it, it allows to me to pursue a career in psychology as well as being more applicable to jobs that simply require any degree.
Obviously it depends on the particular course, but would you say that there is a lot more scientific content and chance for discussion at uni level?

Taking psychology at a level is useful (in my experience) although completely different to degree level. Depening on what degree you do, you have different levels of science in psychology. Some degrees may let you focus more on cognitive/biological stuff, whilst others may let you go wild with the social stuff which isn't as scientific.

[SarahD95]

Hi, i was hoping someone could give me some advice? I am considering taking psychology at uni but would be more interested in the humanities/social side of things as I do not take maths or science other than psych at a level, is this possible? what are the implications career wise after the degree? would any one have any recommendations for suitable work experience?
Many Thanks!

[megfashion]

i dont go to uni yet, but ive done the research... absolutely nothing like the A level, which is a huge relief!!!!

however, it has alot to do with the brain and alot to do with statistics. some unis may hide this fact behind easier words (for example, i looked at bucks uni and saw there was nothing to do with the brain on the course - i then asked a lecturer exactly what section of the course had stuff to do with statistics and the brain and he showed me 3 of the sections of the course!)

if you dont know maths, you might struggle. however, saying that, i am *useless* at maths without a calculator, but am going to make as much effort as possible to know the stuff

as people above have said, psychology a level is only scratching the surface of the degree, and only telling you briefly what a psychologist has done. in degree level, of what ive researched, you get to really turn knowledge into practicallity

hope this helps!
p.s sorry if my spelling is atrocious... been a long day -.-

[jenna76484]

(Original post by xoxAngel_Kxox)
It is SO different to the A Level. In fact, if I knew of anyone who wanted to study Psychology, I would recommend that they read through a few books/papers and just didn't bother with the A Level at all. It's mostly about learning names and dates, which to me isn't any quality learning at all. The degree is much better, and you get the chance to do interesting modules of your choice, plus good experiments and your own research projects. Everything is in a lot more depth as well, so instead of just being given facts and dates, you actually understand how and why the work of the researchers in question is important, and how it relates to other branches of Psychology. Hope that helps a bit!

Hi, I'm also thinking of studying psychology at Uni. Which Unis did u apply to and now attend? Did u make the right choice, because I'm struggling most with deciding where to apply.


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[SpicyStrawberry]

Psychology at A-level is very different to the degree, in my opinion it doesn't prepare you properly for the work you will do at uni. The A-level is about memorising facts, names of researchers and what they did with a little bit of research methods thrown in. At degree level (depending on your modules) you'll go into more depth and be required to research relevant studies for your assignments yourself.

During my first year we focused on the social aspects of psychology, but in year 2 I'll be doing biological and cognitive psychology which are areas I'm much more interested in. Uni gives you choice, whereas the A-level is set in stone, so that can put people off.

In terms of maths ability, this will vary from uni to uni in terms of modules (you will probably encounter software called SPSS which is used for inputting numerical data for analysis). It sounds tricky but once you get the hang of how to input data properly it's quite straightforward and there are loads of books out there to help you. In first year if you do use it, it will cover the basics.

[Jabberwox]

(Original post by xoxAngel_Kxox)
It is SO different to the A Level. In fact, if I knew of anyone who wanted to study Psychology, I would recommend that they read through a few books/papers and just didn't bother with the A Level at all. It's mostly about learning names and dates, which to me isn't any quality learning at all. The degree is much better, and you get the chance to do interesting modules of your choice, plus good experiments and your own research projects. Everything is in a lot more depth as well, so instead of just being given facts and dates, you actually understand how and why the work of the researchers in question is important, and how it relates to other branches of Psychology. Hope that helps a bit!

I agree so much with this post.

I was fortunate enough to have a very good psychology teacher who made the subject interesting, but the syllabus itself appears extremely limited and the exam itself is nothing more than a memory test of names and dates. You can learn about what people did and found out, but you don't really get the opportunity to explore in-depth.

I am hoping to study combined Psychology and English at university and from what I hear it is much more exciting at university as you have more freedom to explore different topics which interest you the most.

[jenna76484]

(Original post by SpicyStrawberry)
Psychology at A-level is very different to the degree, in my opinion it doesn't prepare you properly for the work you will do at uni. The A-level is about memorising facts, names of researchers and what they did with a little bit of research methods thrown in. At degree level (depending on your modules) you'll go into more depth and be required to research relevant studies for your assignments yourself.

During my first year we focused on the social aspects of psychology, but in year 2 I'll be doing biological and cognitive psychology which are areas I'm much more interested in. Uni gives you choice, whereas the A-level is set in stone, so that can put people off.

In terms of maths ability, this will vary from uni to uni in terms of modules (you will probably encounter software called SPSS which is used for inputting numerical data for analysis). It sounds tricky but once you get the hang of how to input data properly it's quite straightforward and there are loads of books out there to help you. In first year if you do use it, it will cover the basics.

I'm currently studying maths and further maths a level, including at least one stats module. Do u know how the maths part of a psychology degree compares to that?


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[SacredPhoenix]

I will be studying (BSc)Psychology at University too, and I wanted to know after having the degree, can I combine psychology in order to choose a career in the film industry (Movie Producer, Screenwriter, Actor)? I know some movie producers and actors got a BA in Pschology, but I am actually aiming for a Bsc.

[SpicyStrawberry]

(Original post by jenna76484)
I'm currently studying maths and further maths a level, including at least one stats module. Do u know how the maths part of a psychology degree compares to that?


This was posted from The Student Room's iPhone/iPad App

If you're capable of studying Maths/FM at A-level you will be fine with the statistical content of a Psychology degree; your university will know that most people will have only done Maths to GCSE level (unless they specify that people must have Maths A-level which I haven't yet seen) and will need to go through the necessary topics to familiarise everyone with it.

(Original post by SacredPhoenix)
I will be studying (BSc)Psychology at University too, and I wanted to know after having the degree, can I combine psychology in order to choose a career in the film industry (Movie Producer, Screenwriter, Actor)? I know some movie producers and actors got a BA in Pschology, but I am actually aiming for a Bsc.

While a Psychology degree does not closely relate to a career in the film industry, many actors and screenwriters have become successful without going to university at all, so having a degree will be a bonus because it allows you to develop skills that can be transferred to the workplace. Do a bit of research into careers you are interested in, though, so you know what you're letting yourself in for.

[iammichealjackson]

(Original post by SacredPhoenix)
I will be studying (BSc)Psychology at University too, and I wanted to know after having the degree, can I combine psychology in order to choose a career in the film industry (Movie Producer, Screenwriter, Actor)? I know some movie producers and actors got a BA in Pschology, but I am actually aiming for a Bsc.

Its not really going to help...

[ladysummers]

(Original post by SacredPhoenix)
I will be studying (BSc)Psychology at University too, and I wanted to know after having the degree, can I combine psychology in order to choose a career in the film industry (Movie Producer, Screenwriter, Actor)? I know some movie producers and actors got a BA in Pschology, but I am actually aiming for a Bsc.

Actually, I think so. Not scientific Psychology based courses though. If you stick to the social side, it will help with writing and language skills. I know people who have gone on to teach English from a psychology degree.

I wouldn't choose it as your top choice, but it could help.