Help - psychology or biology

I have recently begun A-levels and I am doing English Literature, History and Psychology. However, I have had a nagging feeling that Psychology isn't regarded as highly by a Russel Group University, something which I am aiming to go to. I do not necessarily want to do a degree in Psychology nor Biology, but because I couldn't do four A-Levels thanks to the option blocks my school set out (you can only pick one subject from each of the four blocks), I feel as though I need more than two facilitating subjects as I am limited to only three A-levels. I am just worried that if I do decide to take Biology, that I will not get a good grade in it. I did get A's in both Core and Additional Science. I am more confident in getting a good grade in Psychology, but I am scared of running the risk of it seeming like a less highly regarded subject - a risk I cannot take with just three A-levels. Teachers in both subjects are fantastic, so I have no worry in the actual teaching. So my question is, do I continue with a subject I feel more confident in succeeding in, but less confident in that it will be regarded highly by good universities, or do I take up a well facilitating subject and run the risk of not doing as well?
Thank you!

Which universities are you looking to do and for which courses? Psychology is definitely not an easy subject and saying that it isnt regarded as highly as other subjects is a massive understatement. Psychology isnt a traditional subject (unlike history and literature) which admittedly Uni's do like to see, however you will be fine with your current choice. Universities like to see a large breadth (Which you definitely have) and two traditional/facilitating subjects, depending on your course and uni choice psychology will most likely be viewed as a facilitating subject as well.

Your best option is to call the admissions departments of the universities that you wish to apply for with a vague idea of which courses you would like to study and ask them for recommendations. I recently contacted Bath in relation to a future Business/Accounting/Management and psychology degree and provided my A level choices (Economics, Biology and Psychology) and they said it was a perfect combo, and that no other options would give me a further advantage in obtaining an offer.

You need to keep in mind that Uni's will make an offer on predicted grades and there is no point in choosing a subject in which you feel you would achieve a lower grade in. Do you enjoy biology and look into it in your spare time? Biology is a heck of alot of learning and you have to be 100% onboard. From my experience I have spent nearly double the time memorising and learning biological terms and molecules than economics and psychology. I have also spoken to this one guy who chose A Level biology based of A* GCSE biology result, and lets just say he managed to get a U at AS - He is a very clever guy however quickly began to hate the subject, and subsequently ditched it at AS. Its definitely a huge step up, but a truly satisfying and fascinating subject.

Hey,

I'd love to help you out - do you know specifically what course you want to study? If I have some more details on your goal proceeding A levels we could discuss the implications further if you'd like to?
I know that generally speaking most universities, even Russel groups, accept Psychology as a social science; academic subject anyway.
Of course, if you're wanting to study a subject that focuses around humanities or essay writing and analysing, I would definitely suggest Psychology. Biology is a brilliant subject and is, as far as I am aware, just as highly regarded as Psychology but will ultimately be of limited use unless you wish to study a science related degree.
Confidence in A levels goes a long way and I would always suggest that you go with your gut feeling - if you enjoy psychology and feel that you would achieve better grades in that subject, my advice would be to go for it.
As for 3 A levels - I took Biology, Chemistry and History and got a place at Bristol university for dentistry. Look closely at the universities' entry requirements - most actually state that no preference will be given to an applicant with 4 A levels.

Give me a shout if you want to ask any other questions, even if it's not related to this thread. I hope that I helped in some way.

If you want to increase your chances of getting a better grade than pick psychology over biology unless you want to study it biology/medicine/ dentistry or something along those lines

id pick biology over psychology and is boring .... well i did and i dropped that thing in the bin.

I'd go with biology, it's such a rewarding subject and it gets a ton better at college compared to GCSE imo. It's not particularly easy overall, but the hard element comes from the amount of content rather than the difficulty. I didn't find any of the concepts in biology too hard to get to grips with as opposed to like, chemistry, which is deffo trickier. I got an A in GCSE and an A* at A level btw, so it's not like it's impossible

Knowing how annoying Biology A-Level is, in your situation I'd recommend Psychology. I wouldn't worry too much about the reputation of it because at the end of the day if you get an A it's just another amazing grade on your list.

Well done on your results! Science just isn't something that comes to me naturally, and i am worried that this will reflect in my grades. Needless to say that I will put in so much effort and work hard, but my greatest fear would be opening my results, seeing a lower grade for Biology and regretting ever taking it. Thank you so much for your advice!

Well as much as I liked biology, I think you have to go with what you want to study.
Think long and hard about it, neither subject is impossible and with hard work you can do well in either - the most important factor in how well you do in a subject is how much you enjoy it.

Honestly, I have really enjoyed Psychology so far and found it so interesting. I know I would grow to dislike Biology even if it is interesting, just because of the intense workload I think it would come with, on top of the fact that it truly does not come naturally to me. Thank you!

Hello there,

I do not think Russell Group universities would discredit you just because Psychology is considered a less facilitating subject than Biology. Unless you are thinking of taking a degree related to science- which looking at your previous posts you're not- I would not risk taking a subject that you do not feel as comfortable in just for the reputation of that subject. Psychology is one of those subjects where the skills attained are quite transferable, whereas I'd say biology is quite specialised to certain degrees. When you eventually decide what subject you would like to study at degree level, in your personal statement you will need to highlight how the subjects you have taken have given you suitable skills to aid you in that subject, so I would consider how biology or psychology fits into this very carefully.

I took both biology and psychology at A-level, but I was aiming to go into Psychology and thought both would be beneficial. I have to admit I am a little biased towards Psychology but I hope you consider my points regardless. :P

That is very good advice! I've been told a lot that the essay writing of Psychology comes into use for essay based subjects like English Literature and History. I will certainly consider your points you've been very helpful! Thank you very much!

Thank you so much! Knowing me, it is likely to be something like English or History, maybe Philosophy? That is relieving to hear, I've been told a lot that Psychology isn't just dismissed. Congrats on Bristol by the way, and thank you very much, you did help a lot!