Help with third A-Level
I want to go on to study Psychology at University. I have so far chosen English Literature and Psychology since i enjoy both of these subjects but i am stuck on a third. I was originally going to chose Philosophy & Ethics but the sixth form college told me that it is unlikely to run due to lack of interest. I was thinking of picking either History or Politics. Sociology i am doing for GCSE yet i don’t want to really do it at A Level since it is considered a ‘soft’ subject i think but i am not too sure. So, History or Politics?
Reply 1
Original post
by bad-strikeoutI want to go on to study Psychology at University. I have so far chosen English Literature and Psychology since i enjoy both of these subjects but i am stuck on a third. I was originally going to chose Philosophy & Ethics but the sixth form college told me that it is unlikely to run due to lack of interest. I was thinking of picking either History or Politics. Sociology i am doing for GCSE yet i don’t want to really do it at A Level since it is considered a ‘soft’ subject i think but i am not too sure. So, History or Politics?
Hey @bad-strikeout , this is a great question. To be completely honest, as someone who did History, I will say this is a pretty good dilemma to have because both History and Politics work well and neither choice will block you from studying Psychology at university.
What I have noticed from Psychology students is that UK universities normally requires: Psychology (not ALWAYS required), one essay or analytical subject and strong grades overall. So your current combination already looks academically strong.
I would suggest you don't do Sociology only if you do not like it. The idea of it being a soft subject is mostly outdated now if I am being honest.
History A level:
It does involve -
•
Heavy reading
•
Lots of essays
•
Evidence and argument building
•
Remembering detailed content
And you do gain skills like evaluating interpretations, building balanced arguments and writing analytical essays under pressure which are all great skills for Psychology. The only challenges are it is content heavy, it requires consistent revision and essays can feel intense alongside English Literature. So I would say choose History if you enjoy writing essays, like analysing causes/events deeply and do not mind memorising details.
Politics A level:
As for Politics, it is more of current affairs and political ideas, debates and evaluation and less memorisation of dates but more understanding of systems. Skills gained include evaluation and argument, linking theory to real-world examples, discussion and critical thinking. I would say the good thing about politics is that it often feels more engaging and modern, overlaps with certain Psychology topics and slightly lighter memorisation load than History. So if you like discussing real-world issues, enjoy debates and opinions and prefer understanding concepts over memorising timelines, then Politics is for you.
My personal opinion will always be go for what works well for you and what you can guarantee a good result in. Something I always ask myself when deciding anything school related is, "Which subject would I still want to revise when I'm tired?" and that is usually your best choice! I will say, Politics is often the nicer balance as you will still develop essay skills, but with:
•
more topic variety
•
less overlap in workload style
•
a different way of thinking
Pick History if you love structured essays and academic depth. And pick Politics if you like discussion, real-world relevance and variety.
And remember, universities care far more about the grades you acquire rather than a perfect subject combination. I really hope this was helpful, and all the best in making your choice 🙂
Ru
BCU Student rep.
Reply 2
Be mindful that some unis require 2 sciences at A level or give lower offers for 2 sciences ….this is only just in case you are aspiring to some of the top ranked uni psychology courses! History and Eng lit are both very content heavy essay subjects but obviously this isn’t a problem if that’s your thing.
Reply 3
10
Original post
by bad-strikeoutI want to go on to study Psychology at University. I have so far chosen English Literature and Psychology since i enjoy both of these subjects but i am stuck on a third. I was originally going to chose Philosophy & Ethics but the sixth form college told me that it is unlikely to run due to lack of interest. I was thinking of picking either History or Politics. Sociology i am doing for GCSE yet i don’t want to really do it at A Level since it is considered a ‘soft’ subject i think but i am not too sure. So, History or Politics?
Well for the third subject you can pick a subject you like, given that english lit and psychology ticks all boxes....?
Reply 4
Original post
by bad-strikeoutI want to go on to study Psychology at University. I have so far chosen English Literature and Psychology since i enjoy both of these subjects but i am stuck on a third. I was originally going to chose Philosophy & Ethics but the sixth form college told me that it is unlikely to run due to lack of interest. I was thinking of picking either History or Politics. Sociology i am doing for GCSE yet i don’t want to really do it at A Level since it is considered a ‘soft’ subject i think but i am not too sure. So, History or Politics?
Have a think about whether you'd like to do a BSc or a BA in psych. If you might consider a BSc then it would be a really good idea to take another science (preferably bio but could be something like geography). Some BSc degrees will want 2 sciences so check entry requirements carefully. Sociology is not considered soft, hasn't been for 10 years now so if you enjoy it, go for it! If its between history and politics then choose whichever you think you'd like more- look at the specific topics for each and read through the specs
Original post
by bad-strikeoutI want to go on to study Psychology at University. I have so far chosen English Literature and Psychology since i enjoy both of these subjects but i am stuck on a third. I was originally going to chose Philosophy & Ethics but the sixth form college told me that it is unlikely to run due to lack of interest. I was thinking of picking either History or Politics. Sociology i am doing for GCSE yet i don’t want to really do it at A Level since it is considered a ‘soft’ subject i think but i am not too sure. So, History or Politics?
Sociology isnt considered a soft subject. So if you want to do sociology then do sociology.
Between the other 2, which do you think you will enjoy the most and get the best grade in?
Reply 6
Original post
by bad-strikeoutI want to go on to study Psychology at University. I have so far chosen English Literature and Psychology since i enjoy both of these subjects but i am stuck on a third. I was originally going to chose Philosophy & Ethics but the sixth form college told me that it is unlikely to run due to lack of interest. I was thinking of picking either History or Politics. Sociology i am doing for GCSE yet i don’t want to really do it at A Level since it is considered a ‘soft’ subject i think but i am not too sure. So, History or Politics?
Hi,
I’d recommend checking entry requirements for Psychology at the universities you’re interested in, as some may have preferred or required subjects.
As a pharmacy student who did A-level Sociology alongside Biology and Chemistry, I can confirm that Sociology isn’t considered a ‘soft’ subject and was my favourite. It helps develop skills like critical thinking, essay writing and understanding research, all of which are very useful for Psychology.
History and Politics are also great options if you enjoy them, but ultimately choose a subject you’ll enjoy studying consistently, as motivation and interest can make a different to A-level grades.
Hope this helps,
Tayba
Student Rep
Reply 7
Original post
by Emma:-)Sociology isnt considered a soft subject. So if you want to do sociology then do sociology.
Between the other 2, which do you think you will enjoy the most and get the best grade in?
Between the other 2, which do you think you will enjoy the most and get the best grade in?
Reply 8
Original post
by DerDracologeHave a think about whether you'd like to do a BSc or a BA in psych. If you might consider a BSc then it would be a really good idea to take another science (preferably bio but could be something like geography). Some BSc degrees will want 2 sciences so check entry requirements carefully. Sociology is not considered soft, hasn't been for 10 years now so if you enjoy it, go for it! If its between history and politics then choose whichever you think you'd like more- look at the specific topics for each and read through the specs
Reply 9
Original post
by bad-strikeoutWould English Literature, Psychology and Geography be a good combination? I don’t mind doing Geography at A-Level even though i don’t do it for gcse. Biology i can consider but the content seems difficult
Having had a look at 10ish unis for psych, having geography in addition to psych wont increase your options massively (which is news to me so thanks for prompting me to research this!). Having Biology would increase your options a great deal, as would maths or a different core science if preferred. I do a level bio so lmk if you need any questions on it answered 🙂 In summary, psych and 2 other subjects would give you options, pysch with bio would pretty much mean you could apply anywhere for psych
Original post
by bad-strikeoutI am predicated a 7 in history. Both seem interesting its just that i don’t want to get overwhelmed with coursework during my a levels
If you think you would do better in history then do history.
Alternatively, you could do sociology. That goes well with psychology as well.
Reply 11
Original post
by bad-strikeoutI want to go on to study Psychology at University. I have so far chosen English Literature and Psychology since i enjoy both of these subjects but i am stuck on a third. I was originally going to chose Philosophy & Ethics but the sixth form college told me that it is unlikely to run due to lack of interest. I was thinking of picking either History or Politics. Sociology i am doing for GCSE yet i don’t want to really do it at A Level since it is considered a ‘soft’ subject i think but i am not too sure. So, History or Politics?
Trenyce (Kingston rep)
Quick Reply
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