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GCSE maths entry requirements for Psychology degree- how strict?

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(edited 7 years ago)

Reply 1

Original post by MortyC137
My predicted A level grades are A*AA/A*A*A (Psychology, Law, English Literature) and I want to study psychology at university. I have a C in GCSE maths (A*s in English lit/lang, ABB in sciences)
I have work experience, wider reading and external activities (attending conferences etc) for my personal statement, should I still apply to universities that require a B in GCSE maths? Does anyone have any experience of this? (I will be applying to those who require a C but I'd like to see what I can do)


Make an informal enquiry, but its at their discretion and you would avoid wasting one of your choices. My position would be to expect them to refuse unless you meet their stated offer.
If you require a B then the common sense solution is to resit.

Reply 2

Original post by MortyC137
My predicted A level grades are A*AA/A*A*A (Psychology, Law, English Literature) and I want to study psychology at university. I have a C in GCSE maths (A*s in English lit/lang, ABB in sciences)
I have work experience, wider reading and external activities (attending conferences etc) for my personal statement, should I still apply to universities that require a B in GCSE maths? Does anyone have any experience of this? (I will be applying to those who require a C but I'd like to see what I can do)


Psychology involves a substantial amount of statistical analysis - GCSE maths requirements are there to make sure you'll be able to cope with the course not to catch applicants out.

Ask the university directly (and ask about requirements for the new maths grades) and then resit if they require it (or apply to universities that don't have such a high miaths requirement - they'll usually include more maths support in the first few years to help you get up to speed)

Reply 3

If I remember rightly Greenwich Uni wanted AAB, for theirs. I would try a resit, or a retake and see if you can get higher. As said above it is statistic based, but in my maths class I have a psychology masters student who hasn't got her GCSE yet, so it may well be if you show your keen to retake they will let you on the course. She said the stats are pretty much done on computers now, so not as bad as it used to be.

Reply 4

Original post by MortyC137
My predicted A level grades are A*AA/A*A*A (Psychology, Law, English Literature) and I want to study psychology at university. I have a C in GCSE maths (A*s in English lit/lang, ABB in sciences)
I have work experience, wider reading and external activities (attending conferences etc) for my personal statement, should I still apply to universities that require a B in GCSE maths? Does anyone have any experience of this? (I will be applying to those who require a C but I'd like to see what I can do)


If a requirement is a B in GCSE Maths, that's what you have to get. You could email the universities and explain all your pros, and would you be considered if you applied to them. Otherwise, don't just apply, you'll likely get a rejection.

Reply 5

In a very similar position to you- almost identical A levels (Spanish instead of law). (I'm in year 12)
My maths also lets me down at a grade C and I have been advised to look for universities that will accept a C in maths for psychology. So far, I have found around 5 universities that accept a C, 4 of which are in the Russell Group. Therefore, it would suggest that retaking maths is not very useful and it may put added stress and prevent me from achieving the highest A-level grades I can when there are clearly universities that will accept a C.

N.B Some universities have stringent guidelines regarding retakes. Also, have you considered law as an option?

Reply 6

Can you tell me the names of these universities please?

Reply 7

What unis are those? Ive got to resit my maths but im doing foundation so i can only get a C as thats the highest it goes...

Reply 8

Original post by username3610756
In a very similar position to you- almost identical A levels (Spanish instead of law). (I'm in year 12)
My maths also lets me down at a grade C and I have been advised to look for universities that will accept a C in maths for psychology. So far, I have found around 5 universities that accept a C, 4 of which are in the Russell Group. Therefore, it would suggest that retaking maths is not very useful and it may put added stress and prevent me from achieving the highest A-level grades I can when there are clearly universities that will accept a C.
N.B Some universities have stringent guidelines regarding retakes. Also, have you considered law as an option?

hey I want to study psychology at university and have a 4 in maths grade did you get into any universities with that grade and also what universities accepted it?

Reply 9

Original post by grilled-micropro
hey I want to study psychology at university and have a 4 in maths grade did you get into any universities with that grade and also what universities accepted it?

Did they ever get back to you?

Reply 10

Original post by utilitarianist
Did they ever get back to you?

psychology degrees are 30-40% maths due to bps requirements, so i would reccomend resitting! if you dont like maths id really advise against this degree as its a massive component that isnt talked about a lot

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