A level choices

Original post by JMcGarry00

I want a neuropsychology degree because I love the science part of psychology

I'm going for the same goal of being a neuropsychologist and my advice is to do a Pyschology undergraduate degree - make the most of and get the broadest experience out of your first years at university whilst doing what you love. Then go on and specialisce in neuropsychology via a Masters, PhD or PsyD.

Basically, don't specialise too early, get to know the subject first. As for subjects, I'd personally do Biology, Maths for sure. You don't have to do A-Level Psychology. A lot of universities like to see Maths and Biology particularly because a lot of Psychology, particularly neuropsychology, is based around brain function and the nervous system; and then maths because there is a grand amount of statistics.

In terms of other subjects alongside Maths and Biology, I'd say do something different - this could be Pyschology or you could use it as a chance to broaden your horizons, and maybe try something else too.

(edited 4 years ago)

Reply 22

OP

Original post by Eloise204010

Ah, good luck 😂
But seriously though, as long as you have at least 1 "hard" science, you're good for most unis.. unless you're aiming high, in which case you'd probably need to do 2 or 3. Either way I'd throw psych in there so you know what you're in for at uni. Other than meeting requirements through subjects, pick something you like and are good at, because it gets rough (imo)

Yeah, thanks a lot for your help. I was thinking of doing chemistry and biology

Reply 23

OP

Original post by san_cisco

I'm going for the same goal of being a neuropsychologist and my advice is to do a Pyschology undergraduate degree - make the most of and get the broadest experience out of your first years at university whilst doing what you love. Then go on and specialisce in neuropsychology via a Masters, PhD or PsyD.

Basically, don't specialise too early, get to know the subject first. As for subjects, I'd personally do Biology, Maths for sure. You don't have to do A-Level Psychology. A lot of universities like to see Maths and Biology particularly because a lot of Psychology, particularly neuropsychology, is based around brain function and the nervous system; and then maths because there is a grand amount of statistics.

In terms of other subjects alongside Maths and Biology, I'd say do something different - this could be Pyschology or you could use it as a chance to broaden your horizons, and maybe try something else too.

So, would you recommend that I do maths, biology and psychology at a-level?

Reply 24

Original post by JMcGarry00

So, would you recommend that I do maths, biology and psychology at a-level?

Yep that's a good lineup😊.

Also, I'd make sure your GCSE sciences are up to scratch - at some schools you may need at least a B to be considered. That honestly depends on what type of uni you're looking at anyway.

Reply 25

OP

I didn't do triples. I did combined so I could do GCSE psychology

Reply 26

OP

I need at least a 6-6 to do an A-level science

Reply 27

Original post by JMcGarry00

I need at least a 6-6 to do an A-level science

What grade did you get then?

Reply 28

OP

Well, my results day is next Thursday. 1 week this Thursday

Reply 29

Original post by JMcGarry00

Well, my results day is next Thursday. 1 week this Thursday

forgot you didn't have your grades yet😂

Reply 30

ellacloudy_

13

I would say try to do biology, Psychology and sociology a levels

Reply 31

OP

I got an 8-8 in my mocks so I hope I get that again. What about you? Are you at university or college?

Reply 32

Original post by JMcGarry00

I got an 8-8 in my mocks so I hope I get that again. What about you? Are you at university or college?

At college, about to start my final year. I got the same as you hut did separates instead. Bio and Chem

Reply 33

OP

How are you finding it?

Reply 34

OP

Are there any recommendations as to what I should do in college? Any good habits to get into?

Reply 35

Original post by JMcGarry00

How are you finding it?

It was hard at first since I moved schools in the middle of the year but now I'm in the swing of things. In terms of advice - don't do what I did and get work experience early on. I had to fight tooth and nail for the experience I needed for Psychology, especially since it was a recent goal change. I'd recommend emailing local pyschology professors and asking to shadow them for a day, regular hospital volunteering (I do this every weekend), maybe even join the youth cadets divison of the Police - I'm hoping to join it myself having enjoyed CCF so much at my old school. A first aid course is also good, neuropsychology MOOCs, working for MS and Alzheimer charities etc and even just a regular part time job.

A lot of people apply for Psychology so a little added non-academic effort will help you stand out.

Also make neat and clear study notes/flashcards/materials etc as the year goes on. There is so much content (especially in Pyschology, such a thick textbook😩) that trying to learn it all before an exam and trying to make sense of messy notes is near impossible.

In my case, cause I'm a kinesthetic learner, every worksheet and every note I made in lessons I summarised in an A4 notebook each weekend. Took me like 3 hours (1 and a half each day) over each weekend, so not long and it meant I had stress free revision at the end of the year with an added bonus of an extra review each week.

That's honestly all the advice I can give. Any university's you're looking at in particular?

(edited 4 years ago)

Reply 36

OP

There are a few, but I'm not sure where to do toxicology or neuropsychology because they are both really fascinating and they interest me. I thinking maybe Bristol, Birmingham, UCL, Cambridge, Bath and Kings College London

Reply 37

OP

I'm terrible at taking notes on things. I just prefer to go over the topic again via Google or YouTube. I literally can't take notes, I don't know how to

Reply 38

Phoenixfeather99

18

Original post by JMcGarry00

So, I want to be a clinical neuropsychologist and I don't know which A level to take. Some people have told me to do health and social, some have said chemistry and some have said law (for the essay part about it and to develop skills). What are all of these like as an A-level?

You don’t need to take any specific subjects to study psychology or go into the specific branch, but studying psychology and biology at A Level would be a massive advantage along with chemistry. However, if your looking for easy A level options then your career aspiration isn’t correct as you want to go into a highly skilled and academic branch of psychology.

Reply 39