Should I pick a level physics or psychology?

1

I'm taking biology and chemistry (ocr) and I'm unsure whether I should choose physics (ocr) or psychology (aqa). I would also like to to medicine at uni.
I currently do triple science and I am predicted a 7 in physics. I wasn't the biggest fan of gcse physics but I think that was mainly due to my teacher and missing school.
I didn't take gcse psychology so I am unsure how I would find the subject. I'm also not the biggest fan of english (lit and lang) as I don't like larger pieces of writing and I know there are some bigger psychology questions. However, I do feel I would find the psychology content more interesting.

(edited 6 months ago)

Reply 1

Jumpingcat

8

I do physics and know quite a lot of people who do psychology but don’t take it so take this with a pinch of salt. I personally would take whatever you think will be the most interesting because they you’ll be more engaged but it’s up to you as both are good options.

Reply 2

Staxdust

5

I’m doing psychology and I didn’t do it for my GCSEs either but tbh, it's a good subject and you don't need any prior experience for it.

Reply 3

McGinger

20

Unless a Uni specifically asks for a particular subject - I think Cambridge alone asks for a third science - it really will have no impact on your application at all.

For all other Med Schools, all that matters for your 3rd subject is the grade - so it makes sense to pick a subject you will enjoy studying and where you feel confident of an A grade. Don't worry about what you think is 'relevant' or 'looks good'.

Ask teachers if you can look at the relevant course materials, and the topics each subject includes, as this may help you decide.

Reply 4

BCU Student Rep

Official Rep

18

Original post

by minamoo

I'm taking biology and chemistry (ocr) and I'm unsure whether I should choose physics (ocr) or psychology (aqa). I would also like to to medicine at uni.
I currently do triple science and I am predicted a 7 in physics. I wasn't the biggest fan of gcse physics but I think that was mainly due to my teacher and missing school.
I didn't take gcse psychology so I am unsure how I would find the subject. I'm also not the biggest fan of english (lit and lang) as I don't like larger pieces of writing and I know there are some bigger psychology questions. However, I do feel I would find the psychology content more interesting.

Hi @minamoo,

Both Physics and Psychology are accepted by nearly all med schools, so the choice really depends on your strengths, interests, and how you work best. Given that you're predicted a 7 in Physics, you clearly have the ability, even if you didn’t love it at GCSE. If your lack of enjoyment came down to the teacher or missing lessons, A-level might actually be a better experience, especially if you get a good teacher and the content clicks better.

Physics also pairs nicely with Chemistry and can help with logical problem-solving, which is useful for medicine and the UCAT.
On the other hand, Psychology does have longer essay-style questions, and while it’s not like English Literature, you’ll still need to write structured answers with evaluation and evidence. That said, if you genuinely find the content more interesting, it might motivate you to engage more, and enjoying a subject can make a big difference at A-level.

Since you haven't taken GCSE Psychology, you won’t be at a disadvantage. A-level assumes no prior knowledge. If you’re unsure, it might help to look at a few sample AQA Psychology lessons or textbooks (e.g. the Year 1 content) to see if it appeals to you in practice, not just in theory.

Overall, both choices can work well for medicine. If you're strong in maths and problem-solving, and you don't mind abstract thinking, Physics could be a solid and safe bet. If you're more drawn to human behaviour and prefer learning through case studies and applied examples, and you're okay with some essay writing; Psychology could suit you more.

Hope this helps,
Danish
BCU Student Rep

Should I pick a level physics or psychology?

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