Psychology at Exeter?
Hi, I achieved ABBB in my A levels English literature, history, RE and EPQ. I have recently been reading that it is hard to get accepted to russel group universities for psychology without having a science based A level. I am thinking of applying next month for psychology at universities such as Exeter and Southampton, but wondering will I just get rejected by both of them for not having science A levels? Has anyone else applied to a russel uni for psychology with no science a levels and still got in? Thanks
Original post by Jamesdkkdks
Hi, I achieved ABBB in my A levels English literature, history, RE and EPQ. I have recently been reading that it is hard to get accepted to russel group universities for psychology without having a science based A level. I am thinking of applying next month for psychology at universities such as Exeter and Southampton, but wondering will I just get rejected by both of them for not having science A levels? Has anyone else applied to a russel uni for psychology with no science a levels and still got in? Thanks
The Russell group brand is not significant for Psychology (or for nearly every other degree), its a self-selecting club primarily focused on research output and grants and standards widly differ between unis in this group (some are great but some are very poor). So basically only go to Exeter if it is the specific course style and location that suits you.
Greg
Hi! I am a fresh graduate from Sheffield, which is a russel uni. I totally understand your concern and to be very honest, yes it may be hard. Due to circumstances at the time I did my A-levels and covid, I didn't do quite well, achieving ABBD. I did psychology, music, french and maths (which I did badly and got D, and was not included in the decision for my offer). However I got REALLY lucky and got into Sheffield through clearing after being rejected by my firm UCAS choice. I would like to think that my eligibility for contextual offer and personal statement helped me. So I wouldn't say you have 0 chance.
Having a science A-levels helps in some way, especially psychology and understanding scientific research and concepts. I'd talk to Exeter or Southampton's admissions team to check. I would encourage you to try anyways, putting emphasis in your personal statement that you know psychology as a subject field and is interested in psychology. I'm not sure if these are actual grades or predicted, and whether you've started your EPQ, but make it related to psychology if you can. Or you can start off doing a degree in a subject that is related to your A-levels then do a conversion course.
I really wish you good luck since I know how this can cause anxiety. Psychology is actually a great subject to learn and I've loved this subject and ended up with a 2-1!
Having a science A-levels helps in some way, especially psychology and understanding scientific research and concepts. I'd talk to Exeter or Southampton's admissions team to check. I would encourage you to try anyways, putting emphasis in your personal statement that you know psychology as a subject field and is interested in psychology. I'm not sure if these are actual grades or predicted, and whether you've started your EPQ, but make it related to psychology if you can. Or you can start off doing a degree in a subject that is related to your A-levels then do a conversion course.
I really wish you good luck since I know how this can cause anxiety. Psychology is actually a great subject to learn and I've loved this subject and ended up with a 2-1!
Original post by zalaxyn
Hi! I am a fresh graduate from Sheffield, which is a russel uni. I totally understand your concern and to be very honest, yes it may be hard. Due to circumstances at the time I did my A-levels and covid, I didn't do quite well, achieving ABBD. I did psychology, music, french and maths (which I did badly and got D, and was not included in the decision for my offer). However I got REALLY lucky and got into Sheffield through clearing after being rejected by my firm UCAS choice. I would like to think that my eligibility for contextual offer and personal statement helped me. So I wouldn't say you have 0 chance.
Having a science A-levels helps in some way, especially psychology and understanding scientific research and concepts. I'd talk to Exeter or Southampton's admissions team to check. I would encourage you to try anyways, putting emphasis in your personal statement that you know psychology as a subject field and is interested in psychology. I'm not sure if these are actual grades or predicted, and whether you've started your EPQ, but make it related to psychology if you can. Or you can start off doing a degree in a subject that is related to your A-levels then do a conversion course.
I really wish you good luck since I know how this can cause anxiety. Psychology is actually a great subject to learn and I've loved this subject and ended up with a 2-1!
Having a science A-levels helps in some way, especially psychology and understanding scientific research and concepts. I'd talk to Exeter or Southampton's admissions team to check. I would encourage you to try anyways, putting emphasis in your personal statement that you know psychology as a subject field and is interested in psychology. I'm not sure if these are actual grades or predicted, and whether you've started your EPQ, but make it related to psychology if you can. Or you can start off doing a degree in a subject that is related to your A-levels then do a conversion course.
I really wish you good luck since I know how this can cause anxiety. Psychology is actually a great subject to learn and I've loved this subject and ended up with a 2-1!
Hi, thanks very much for your message sorry I did not specify I have these grades already but am applying for next year in November. Also thanks for being realistic and saying about how it will be a struggle to get into such uni's. I am heavily interested in psychology and would prefer to do this over any other degree however worried that me having not done science or maths at a level may stop me from going to a russel uni. I eventually want to go into a career in advertising further down the line, so am also considering doing marketing but would prefer to do psychology. I might be placing too much emphasis on going to a russel uni but this does matter to me quite a bit, do you think it would still be good to apply for psychology? Thanks and apologies for lack of punctuation and long sentences
Original post by zalaxyn
Hi! I am a fresh graduate from Sheffield, which is a russel uni. I totally understand your concern and to be very honest, yes it may be hard. Due to circumstances at the time I did my A-levels and covid, I didn't do quite well, achieving ABBD. I did psychology, music, french and maths (which I did badly and got D, and was not included in the decision for my offer). However I got REALLY lucky and got into Sheffield through clearing after being rejected by my firm UCAS choice. I would like to think that my eligibility for contextual offer and personal statement helped me. So I wouldn't say you have 0 chance.
Having a science A-levels helps in some way, especially psychology and understanding scientific research and concepts. I'd talk to Exeter or Southampton's admissions team to check. I would encourage you to try anyways, putting emphasis in your personal statement that you know psychology as a subject field and is interested in psychology. I'm not sure if these are actual grades or predicted, and whether you've started your EPQ, but make it related to psychology if you can. Or you can start off doing a degree in a subject that is related to your A-levels then do a conversion course.
I really wish you good luck since I know how this can cause anxiety. Psychology is actually a great subject to learn and I've loved this subject and ended up with a 2-1!
Having a science A-levels helps in some way, especially psychology and understanding scientific research and concepts. I'd talk to Exeter or Southampton's admissions team to check. I would encourage you to try anyways, putting emphasis in your personal statement that you know psychology as a subject field and is interested in psychology. I'm not sure if these are actual grades or predicted, and whether you've started your EPQ, but make it related to psychology if you can. Or you can start off doing a degree in a subject that is related to your A-levels then do a conversion course.
I really wish you good luck since I know how this can cause anxiety. Psychology is actually a great subject to learn and I've loved this subject and ended up with a 2-1!
Also my EPQ was on psychology, a generic topic however haha. My question was can a link be established between social media and depression
Exeter specifically says you have to have an A level in a Science subject so its unlikely you'd get an offer I'm afraid. You will need to look at the individual university entrance requirements.
York, for example, says a Science A level is mandatory as well and a second science is preferable. (although i know someone who has already got an offer for next year with just Psychology A level).
York, for example, says a Science A level is mandatory as well and a second science is preferable. (although i know someone who has already got an offer for next year with just Psychology A level).
Southampton says the folowing:
A-levels
AAB including one subject in Psychology, Mathematics or a Science subject. or AAA if not studying a required subject.
A-levels
AAB including one subject in Psychology, Mathematics or a Science subject. or AAA if not studying a required subject.
Original post by Jamesdkkdks
Hi, thanks very much for your message sorry I did not specify I have these grades already but am applying for next year in November. Also thanks for being realistic and saying about how it will be a struggle to get into such uni's. I am heavily interested in psychology and would prefer to do this over any other degree however worried that me having not done science or maths at a level may stop me from going to a russel uni. I eventually want to go into a career in advertising further down the line, so am also considering doing marketing but would prefer to do psychology. I might be placing too much emphasis on going to a russel uni but this does matter to me quite a bit, do you think it would still be good to apply for psychology? Thanks and apologies for lack of punctuation and long sentences
No worries! And also interesting EPQ! I suggest you to really go for Psychology if you really like it. I insisted on doing it although I've been told to rethink my choices and it was worth it! I think you should check out some courses that have foundation years. Its a route for people who don't have strong A Levels or those who did different subjects from the expected ones for normal entry. It will provide you with the knowledge and skills needed, and a direct entry to their course upon completion. There isn't many offered by russell group unis for this though unless you're an international student. Durham does a psychology with behavioural science with foundation year but you will need to be from a underrepresented group. Sheffield does one for mature applicants. However there are other unis that offer the foundation year in Psychology- including Reading, Surrey and Sussex which I think are pretty good.
In the meanwhile, try to enrich your background with relevant experience- people often say that you don't need it for Psychology but for me and those who don't meet the requirements this is valuable for and beyond your studies. It also gives you something interesting to put in your personal statement and shows your passion and enthusiasm for learning Psychology. I did some volunteering with SEN children and it really helped. Also do some online courses on coursera and futurelearn which are usually free. For your case check out some on social psychology, social sciences or behavioural science which I know are useful in marketing and advertising (my mum works in a marketing firm and told me that many colleagues have these kinds of backgrounds).
Learn to write a convincing personal statement which includes your knowledge and skills and your reasons for wanting to study Psychology despite having studied different subjects, and how it would actually work in your favour when studying for the degree. For example, we do a lot of academic writing, essays, evaluations and discussions as part of our coursework. I think your humanities subjects may have really equipped you with skills to do this, so include that in your statement. I remember putting a lot of effort into my statement once I realised that my academic situation put me in a disadvantage, and it did work out in the end. So, in general, I tried to compensate for my academics with many other means to show that I am a capable candidate, and find out different ways I can enter a Psychology course at uni.
It makes zero difference where you study it. You need to step into reality.
(edited 1 month ago)
Original post by Jamesdkkdks
Hi, I achieved ABBB in my A levels English literature, history, RE and EPQ. I have recently been reading that it is hard to get accepted to russel group universities for psychology without having a science based A level. I am thinking of applying next month for psychology at universities such as Exeter and Southampton, but wondering will I just get rejected by both of them for not having science A levels? Has anyone else applied to a russel uni for psychology with no science a levels and still got in? Thanks
Hi @Jamesdkkdks ,
I just thought I'd jump on here and give you my experience of being a student at Exeter. Although I don't study Psychology, you might still find it helpful to hear a little bit about life beyond your course here, in case that helps inform your decision!
I applied to Exeter not only because I loved the look of the course, but because the campus is so beautiful and green. There are trees and green spaces all around campus and it makes it so peaceful and relaxing to walk around every day! Also, I love the size - it's not so big that it feels overwhelming, but equally I'm in my fourth year and I still don't feel like I've outgrown it yet. The town is great too and only a 15 minute walk from campus which is ideal!
Another one of my favourite things about life in Exeter is living in Devon. We're a 20 minute train journey from Exmouth, and on the weekends I swim with Open Water Swimming Society! I've also just joined Surf Society which is really cool, and fun to travel to different parts of Devon whilst learning a new skill.
I would argue that it's always worth applying here, because it's such a great and friendly place to be a student. I can also recommend that have a look at the 'ask a current student' option on our website (https://www.exeter.ac.uk/study/life/ask-a-student/), as you might be able to talk to someone who studies Psychology too. I hope this helps and if you have any other questions about Exeter please let me know!
Sophie
University of Exeter Student Ambassador
Original post by Jamesdkkdks
Hi, I achieved ABBB in my A levels English literature, history, RE and EPQ. I have recently been reading that it is hard to get accepted to russel group universities for psychology without having a science based A level. I am thinking of applying next month for psychology at universities such as Exeter and Southampton, but wondering will I just get rejected by both of them for not having science A levels? Has anyone else applied to a russel uni for psychology with no science a levels and still got in? Thanks
Hi @Jamesdkkdks ,
I just thought I'd jump on here and give you my experience of being a student at Exeter. Although I don't study Psychology, you might still find it helpful to hear a little bit about life beyond your course here, in case that helps inform your decision!
I applied to Exeter not only because I loved the look of the course, but because the campus is so beautiful and green. There are trees and green spaces all around campus and it makes it so peaceful and relaxing to walk around every day! Also, I love the size - it's not so big that it feels overwhelming, but equally I'm in my fourth year and I still don't feel like I've outgrown it yet. The town is great too and only a 15 minute walk from campus which is ideal!
Another one of my favourite things about life in Exeter is living in Devon. We're a 20 minute train journey from Exmouth, and on the weekends I swim with Open Water Swimming Society! I've also just joined Surf Society which is really cool, and fun to travel to different parts of Devon whilst learning a new skill.
I would argue that it's always worth applying here, because it's such a great and friendly place to be a student. I can also recommend that have a look at the 'ask a current student' option on our website (https://www.exeter.ac.uk/study/life/ask-a-student/), as you might be able to talk to someone who studies Psychology too. I hope this helps and if you have any other questions about Exeter please let me know!
Sophie
University of Exeter Student Ambassador
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