I need help for choosing options in college..

I go to a secondary school at the moment. and I really want to be a psychiatrist. but the thing is, i do foundation in science at school and I'm predicted a C. But in the all the sixth form colleges ive looked at, you need atleast TWO B's in science GCSE to do biology or chemistry which is what i need to become a psychiatrist. i'm good at english language and english literature. I'm pretty good in french and media also. I'm predicted B's or over in all of those.. but what can I do if I'm just good at those and not science? I also do foundation in maths if that helps.. what am I supposed to choose in college when I cant choose what I want to actually choose? sorry if this sounds so long. i just don't know what to do.

Reply 1

usycool1

Sadly, to be a psychiatrist, you're going to need to do a degree in medicine first and with a grade C in chemistry, it is hard to continue for A-Level. You could, however, have a look at graduate entry medicine which could allow you to get a medicine degree.

Also, please don't take this in a bad way, but why do you want to do chemistry and biology if they're your weaker subjects? Why not go for something you enjoy and are better at instead? :smile:

(edited 11 years ago)

Reply 2

foreverT

Original post by usycool1

Hey, no I understand. I wanted to take it because I've always had a passion for helping people out that have had mental disorders and it would make me happy to actually help them. i've just had a passion that's the only reason i want to do it.

Reply 3

usycool1

Original post by foreverT

Having a passion is definitely really good and everything but just bear in mind that there will be lots of science involved (which will be far tougher than GCSE science) in getting a medicine degree. So also make sure that you think about whether or not this really is the best option for you.

Also, for the original question, you could study the A-Levels privately. But in all honesty, with a grade C in GCSE, you will almost definitely struggle with the A-Level. :redface:

(edited 11 years ago)

Reply 4

foreverT

Original post by usycool1

That's true. thanks for replying. do you know which other paths I could take without any sciences? I'm pretty good at english and i don't really struggle in any other subjects besides maths&science. any other career options I could take?

Reply 5

sarahjones95

You could do psychiatric nursing..

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

Reply 6

davros

Original post by foreverT

You need to be aware (if you're not already) that psychiatry is only one way of "helping people with mental disorders".

Without trying to get into an essay on all the different factors in mental illness, their are various explanations of such illnesses, and which one(s) you believe determines how you try to treat them. Psychiatry is the branch of medicine which says that mental illness is caused by underlying problems in brain chemistry etc and hence treats such illness through drugs etc. Hence you need to understand chemistry and study as a doctor before you can even think of specialising in Psychiatry.

However, Psychology offers a number of other cognitive and behavioural explanations for mental illness, and the associated treatments are different. There is no requirement for training as a doctor to be a Psychologist, but you should be aware that a Psychology degree often involves an element of Statistics so may not be ideal if you dislike maths!

Thirdly, you could look at something like a Counselling course which is less about academic learning and more about using empathic skills, listening, giving advice etc. These are all different but valid ways of helping people.