Feeling lost - Psychology in Education or English Literature

I'm at a bit of a crossroads currently and probably need to make a decision soon so I can get student finance for the rest of my degree.

I'm currently finishing 1st year of a psychology course and I have not been enjoying it. I'm doing well in coursework but probably below average in exams. It's a lot different to the A-Level and my unis department has a big emphasis on neuroscience and biopsych which I dislike. I prefer the social/applied areas of psychology. The cohort is also massive (300ish in my year) so it's difficult to get individual support.

I have spoken to the course leader for psychology in education at my uni and she said due to the overlap in some of the content I'd be allowed to transfer straight into 2nd year of that course in September. It's more of an applied course and much smaller cohort (about 30 per year). It's pretty much all coursework based assessment which suits me better than exams. It is also BPS accredited. Then I'd be graduating in 2025 as planned.

In the back of my head I've been regretting not studying English lit, I've always been a big reader and the course at my uni looks amazing. The only problem is that I haven't got an A-Level in English. I'd probably have to take time out to study the A-Level or do an access course then apply through UCAS for September 2024. So I'd be graduating in 2027 most likely. Unless there is some way of getting onto the course without the A-Level. I have contacted the department about this but haven't heard back yet.

Any advice is much appreciated, I'm not sure what the best option would be for me

Reply 1

University of Portsmouth Student Rep

Official Rep

Hey there,

I totally relate to doing well in coursework vs exams! It's so stressful and with psychology there is A LOT of content to recall in a set time period.

From what I have read, it sounds you like you do enjoy areas of Psychology, and you'd rather not interrupt you prospective graduation date. I think an applied course that is BPS accredited, coursework based sounds perfect! As i'm sure you know, psychology is super flexible for career routes upon graduating so I think it would be good to keep that still. I also think it would be good to have it combined with something you enjoy. I know sometimes if you turn your hobby (reading) into work it can certainly make it less enjoyable so incorporating aspects would be better.

Although if your heart is aching for a different course completely, then go for it - although I know myself and other students constantly think in our minds if we have chosen the right course that we are on so make sure you're certain as it's pretty normal to feel a bit nervous about your choices. There is also the option of specialising more to the english lit side in a masters too. I think this all depends on what your career goals are too :smile: