Is psychology an “academic” A-Level?

I have recently chosen my A-Level choices:
Maths, English lit, French, Psychology.
And I am hoping to go into law.
I know I don’t have to do four but I want to keep my options open. Most competitive Law degrees don’t have specific subjects but usually ask for 3 “academic” A-Levels. Incase I drop another A-Level, does Psychology count as an “Academic” A-level or is it not worth doing?
Thanks

Reply 1

annabel whittle

13

Original post by Kayak1

I have recently chosen my A-Level choices:
Maths, English lit, French, Psychology.
And I am hoping to go into law.
I know I don’t have to do four but I want to keep my options open. Most competitive Law degrees don’t have specific subjects but usually ask for 3 “academic” A-Levels. Incase I drop another A-Level, does Psychology count as an “Academic” A-level or is it not worth doing?
Thanks

yess ! i think they mean subjects like dance, drama or photography as less academic and more creative but psychology is a very essay based subject (like law) and also had aspects of biology and stats etc so i would definitely say its considered academic

Reply 2

gingercat103

11

Original post by Kayak1

I have recently chosen my A-Level choices:
Maths, English lit, French, Psychology.
And I am hoping to go into law.
I know I don’t have to do four but I want to keep my options open. Most competitive Law degrees don’t have specific subjects but usually ask for 3 “academic” A-Levels. Incase I drop another A-Level, does Psychology count as an “Academic” A-level or is it not worth doing?
Thanks

Hello!
I’m in year 13 and take a level psychology. I would definitely count it as an academic a level as there is such a large amount of content in it, including biology and maths.
For me personally, it’s probably my hardest a level

Reply 3

Kayak1

OP

8

Thanks, it sounds like a great subject!

Reply 4

UoL Students

Official Rep

14

Hi @Kayak1

I hope you are well! I took psychology as an A-Level and absolutely loved it! 😄

It was never an issue when applying to study law at university or even when applying to different legal schemes!

I hope that helps, and feel free to ask any further questions !

Claire
Law LLB Student

Reply 5

BCU Student Rep

Official Rep

17

Original post by Kayak1

I have recently chosen my A-Level choices:
Maths, English lit, French, Psychology.
And I am hoping to go into law.
I know I don’t have to do four but I want to keep my options open. Most competitive Law degrees don’t have specific subjects but usually ask for 3 “academic” A-Levels. Incase I drop another A-Level, does Psychology count as an “Academic” A-level or is it not worth doing?
Thanks

Hi @Kayak1,

Your A-level choices are great for Law! You’re right that most competitive Law degrees don’t require specific subjects, but they do prefer traditional, academically rigorous A-levels.

Psychology is considered an academic A-level by universities, including top ones like Oxbridge, LSE, and Russell Group unis. It’s essay-based, analytical, and involves critical thinking, all skills that are useful for Law. So if you ever dropped one of your other A-levels, you’d still have a strong combination.

Psychology is definitely worth doing, and your subject choices already set you up well for Law. The most important thing is to get high grades in three strong subjects, so focus on what you’ll enjoy and excel in :smile:

Rooting for you!
Danish
BCU Student Rep

Reply 6

Kayak1

OP

8

Thank you!!!

Reply 7

Walkablecities

12

If you're still in any doubt, see if there's a list of the subjects they count as "academic" and if not, you can always email admissions at some universities for the peace of mind

Reply 8

Lotlaxo

11

Not law, but I know someone who got into medicine at oxford with their third a level being psychology and oxford med doesn't generally accept anyone without a third academically seen subject so I'd say yes it is. A lot more unis are viewing it as a science subject now

Reply 9

Kayak1

OP

8

Thanks - I might drop an A-Level (out of Maths, English Lit, French, Psychology) for law and French law. If I were to drop one A-Level, which one is the best one to drop?

Is psychology an “academic” A-Level?

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