do i need to do a physics gcse for becoming a therapist?

1

Hi everyone, I’m currently looking at my GCSE options and I’m a bit stuck. My goal is to become a therapist (the kind who sits and talks with people), and my backup plan is Marketing. I really enjoy working with ppl and that sort of thing.
The dilemma is that I really don't like Physics or heavy "number" subjects, but I’m worried about shutting doors if I don't take enough sciences. Here is my current plan:
GCSEs: I'm doing single Biology and Chemistry (dropping Physics) plus the core subjects, french, graphics (Dt) and rs.
A-levels: I definitely want to do Psychology and the combined Philosophy, Ethics & RS course. For my 3rd, my school doesn’t offer Sociology or Law, and I don't want to do English or History. I’m thinking of A-level Biology as my 3rd, but I'm worried if I can handle it without Physics/Maths.
My questions for you guys:
Will dropping GCSE Physics look bad to unis for a Psychology degree or Therapy training?
If I take Psychology and Biology A-level (but no Physics/Maths), is that "sciencey" enough for top unis, or will I struggle?
Since I want to do "talking therapy" and understand "why people do what they do," is Psychology + Philosophy/RS + Biology a good mix?
Would this combo still work for Marketing if I change my mind?
I’m not a "super-sciency" person—I’m more interested in the human/behavioral side. Would love to hear from anyone doing these subjects or currently training in mental health! Thanks!

Reply 1

McGinger

20

If you mean a Counsellor then - How to become a counsellor | Prospects.ac.uk

You might find that looking at degrees in Mental Health or Psychology is a good place to start. No Uni is going to care what you got for GCSE Physics for either degree subject. Look at the 'entry requirements' for the essential of preferred A level subjects'. Some examples:

Mental Health and Wellbeing, BSc | University of Greenwich, London
Nursing (Mental Health) - BSc(Hons) - UWE Bristol: Courses
Undergraduate : Study with us : School of Psychology : University of Sussex
Education and Psychology, BSc (Hons) - Swansea University

Reply 2

DerDracologe

Study Forum Helper

20

Original post

by laurenainsl

Hi everyone, I’m currently looking at my GCSE options and I’m a bit stuck. My goal is to become a therapist (the kind who sits and talks with people), and my backup plan is Marketing. I really enjoy working with ppl and that sort of thing.
The dilemma is that I really don't like Physics or heavy "number" subjects, but I’m worried about shutting doors if I don't take enough sciences. Here is my current plan:
GCSEs: I'm doing single Biology and Chemistry (dropping Physics) plus the core subjects, french, graphics (Dt) and rs.
A-levels: I definitely want to do Psychology and the combined Philosophy, Ethics & RS course. For my 3rd, my school doesn’t offer Sociology or Law, and I don't want to do English or History. I’m thinking of A-level Biology as my 3rd, but I'm worried if I can handle it without Physics/Maths.
My questions for you guys:
Will dropping GCSE Physics look bad to unis for a Psychology degree or Therapy training?
If I take Psychology and Biology A-level (but no Physics/Maths), is that "sciencey" enough for top unis, or will I struggle?
Since I want to do "talking therapy" and understand "why people do what they do," is Psychology + Philosophy/RS + Biology a good mix?
Would this combo still work for Marketing if I change my mind?
I’m not a "super-sciency" person—I’m more interested in the human/behavioral side. Would love to hear from anyone doing these subjects or currently training in mental health! Thanks!

Usually people study all 3 sciences or combined science, it is unusual in the UK to not do all the sciences at GCSE. You will definitely need some mathematical knowledge for a level bio (Maths GCSE grade 6 is sufficient) as at least 10% of a level biology questions are maths questions in a biological context.
For the a level combo, not doing maths or physics is fine. Some very reputable unis might want 2 core sciences depending on what degree you end up opting for but biology and psychology should be fine for the most part. The combo will skill work for marketing to my knowledge but its definitely worth checking the entry requirements for any unis you have in mind and a range of options too (including some local options).
When you do a psych degree, you can apply to do a bachelors in science or a bachelors in arts, youll probably end up doing a bachelors in arts which is the more humanities side of psychology.

Reply 3

artful_lounger

Universities Forum Helper

21

Original post

by laurenainsl

Hi everyone, I’m currently looking at my GCSE options and I’m a bit stuck. My goal is to become a therapist (the kind who sits and talks with people), and my backup plan is Marketing. I really enjoy working with ppl and that sort of thing.
The dilemma is that I really don't like Physics or heavy "number" subjects, but I’m worried about shutting doors if I don't take enough sciences. Here is my current plan:
GCSEs: I'm doing single Biology and Chemistry (dropping Physics) plus the core subjects, french, graphics (Dt) and rs.
A-levels: I definitely want to do Psychology and the combined Philosophy, Ethics & RS course. For my 3rd, my school doesn’t offer Sociology or Law, and I don't want to do English or History. I’m thinking of A-level Biology as my 3rd, but I'm worried if I can handle it without Physics/Maths.
My questions for you guys:
Will dropping GCSE Physics look bad to unis for a Psychology degree or Therapy training?
If I take Psychology and Biology A-level (but no Physics/Maths), is that "sciencey" enough for top unis, or will I struggle?
Since I want to do "talking therapy" and understand "why people do what they do," is Psychology + Philosophy/RS + Biology a good mix?
Would this combo still work for Marketing if I change my mind?
I’m not a "super-sciency" person—I’m more interested in the human/behavioral side. Would love to hear from anyone doing these subjects or currently training in mental health! Thanks!

As above it seems unusual to do two individual sciences instead of the combined science double award.

You don't need physics or maths to do psychology, although I gather maths is not altogether unhelpful to have as a background. Worth being aware there's a fair bit of statistics involved in any psychology degree at the very least though!

Otherwise bear in mind many "top" unis for psychology (Oxbridge, UCL, KCL, Edinburgh, Bath for example) are often very focused on the science and experimental side of psychology, more than e.g. clinical or social/behavioural/etc sides. So if those are not your areas of interest you may not want to apply to those departments anyway :smile:

However even for (at least most) of those psychology and biology plus a third should be sufficient. So I wouldn't suggest taking something you don't want to do (like physics or maths).

do i need to do a physics gcse for becoming a therapist?

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