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Is A-level Psychology more interesting than Psychology at undergrad?

I feel like when you do A-level Psychology there is not a huge huge emphasis on scientific aspects and you get to learn about the interesting bits of psychology, but at degree level, there is a heavy focus on the research methods, mathematics and scientific side of things. This is just an assumption I have.
Please tell me whether I am right or wrong
At A-Level you learn the backstory and some of the theory, whereas at undergrad you get to experience how to discover something new. Psychology is a science, and science doesn't just happen, research takes work! However, my advice for you if you're on the fence regarding choosing to do a Psychology degree or not would be to have a look at a BA in Psychology rather than BSc. The Bachelors in Arts may be something in Therapeutic Psychology, but you will do very very minimal stats and research methods and instead focus on the theories and concepts that you're referring too at A-Level.
Original post by Ibrahimmakda
I feel like when you do A-level Psychology there is not a huge huge emphasis on scientific aspects and you get to learn about the interesting bits of psychology, but at degree level, there is a heavy focus on the research methods, mathematics and scientific side of things. This is just an assumption I have.
Please tell me whether I am right or wrong

Hi there! Third-year psychology student here. There is definitely a lot more of an emphasis on research methods, science in general, and math. You'll study modules (topics) based entirely around research methods and statistics, and it'll be covered within other modules too. For example, in adolescent development, we've covered how you'd modify your experiments to be suitable for children.

Then, in your third-year you'll carry out your own independent research project (dissertation), where you apply everything you learn over the three years. So, you are completely right! I wouldn't worry too much about it, as you'll get lots of support, and there's lots of guides available online to help🤗

-Kiera (Student Ambassador, York St. John University)
Original post by YSJstudents
Hi there! Third-year psychology student here. There is definitely a lot more of an emphasis on research methods, science in general, and math. You'll study modules (topics) based entirely around research methods and statistics, and it'll be covered within other modules too. For example, in adolescent development, we've covered how you'd modify your experiments to be suitable for children.
Then, in your third-year you'll carry out your own independent research project (dissertation), where you apply everything you learn over the three years. So, you are completely right! I wouldn't worry too much about it, as you'll get lots of support, and there's lots of guides available online to help🤗
-Kiera (Student Ambassador, York St. John University)

Hi Kiera, thank you
I noticed you wrote 'research methods and statistics' - does this mean that stats will be covered in the 'research methods' module? And that stats is not taught separately from different types of research methods. or is stats like an integrated part of research methods.
(I don't take A-Level Psychology so I have no idea haha)
Original post by Ibrahimmakda
Hi Kiera, thank you
I noticed you wrote 'research methods and statistics' - does this mean that stats will be covered in the 'research methods' module? And that stats is not taught separately from different types of research methods. or is stats like an integrated part of research methods.
(I don't take A-Level Psychology so I have no idea haha)

Hi there!

This differs between universities. At YSJ for example, you'll study two research methods-focused modules in your first year. These will teach you about different research methods (think experiments, questionnaires, interviews) and how to analyse the data you get from those methods (statistics). So, to answer your question, they are covered together at YSJ, but might not be at other universities. There isn't a set order to teach things in, so universities decide this themselves.

If you're looking at a specific university, you can have a look at their course page. You'll be able to find a "course structure" section that will explain each of the modules you'd study, and what they include. I'll put a link below to the YSJ page to give you an idea. If you scroll down to "course structure," you'll see a list of modules. if you click on one it'll give you some information about what each involves! Have a look at "Foundations of Research 1" and "Foundations of Research 2".

Psychology BSc (Hons) - Course Information

Hope this helps🤗
-Kiera

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