What A-levels do you need to study psychology?
Are you thinking of studying a psychology degree at university? Make sure your A-level line-up ticks admissions tutors’ boxes…
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However, certain A-level subject choices will help prepare you for studying psychology at degree level, and may give you an edge over other applicants.
A few courses could ask for one or more of the following A-levels:
You should always check entry requirements yourself when it comes to applying, but this gives you a good idea of what to expect:
University of Glasgow: AAA - ABB. Two A-level science subjects and GCSE Mathematics at grade 5 or 6.
University of Bath: A typical offer is A*AA in three A-level subjects. Your offer can include mathematics or further mathematics but not both.
Brunel University: AAB - BBB three A-level subjects. Five GCSEs at grade 4 or above are also required, including English language and maths.
- Essential A-levels for psychology
- Useful or handy A-levels for psychology
- Other typical A-levels taken by psychology students
- Examples of psychology degree entry requirements
- Other degree subjects with similar A-level requirements
A-level subjects for psychology
What essential A-levels do I need to study psychology?
Psychology, and other social sciences like sociology, are popular degrees normally open to you with any A-levels ie they don't usually have strict subject requirements.However, certain A-level subject choices will help prepare you for studying psychology at degree level, and may give you an edge over other applicants.
A few courses could ask for one or more of the following A-levels:
- biology
- chemistry
- maths
- physics
What A-levels would be useful to have to study psychology?
Some unis suggest that a mix of sciences and humanities would be useful. You could consider studying psychology, or sociology – having a feel for the subject before you start it is always helpful. Other typical A-levels taken by psychology students include:- English
- general studies
- history
Examples of psychology degree entry requirements
Below are a range of Psychology BSc (Hons) courses offered by different universities and their A-level entry requirements for September 2025 entry (figures correct as of 18 December 2024).You should always check entry requirements yourself when it comes to applying, but this gives you a good idea of what to expect:
University of Glasgow: AAA - ABB. Two A-level science subjects and GCSE Mathematics at grade 5 or 6.
University of Bath: A typical offer is A*AA in three A-level subjects. Your offer can include mathematics or further mathematics but not both.
Brunel University: AAB - BBB three A-level subjects. Five GCSEs at grade 4 or above are also required, including English language and maths.
Psychology students spill the beans
Here are some thoughts from psychology students on The Student Room:For most psychology degrees you would need to have studied a science or science related subject at A-level to apply to the course, but it’s always worth checking the entry requirements for specific universities that you are interested in.
You could look into foundation years in psychology, if you are eligible. Alternatively, you could consider a conversion degree in psychology and study something else at undergraduate level, or taking a gap year to study a science or science related subject.
You could look into foundation years in psychology, if you are eligible. Alternatively, you could consider a conversion degree in psychology and study something else at undergraduate level, or taking a gap year to study a science or science related subject.
I didn't take psychology at A-level... and I'm following along the course just fine so I wouldn't say it's overcomplicated and hard 
I gather from my mates who did take psychology at A-level that our course has been so far mostly a recap of A-level while going a little more in depth.
I gather from my mates who did take psychology at A-level that our course has been so far mostly a recap of A-level while going a little more in depth. What other similar subjects to psychology could you study?
- A sociology degree – the study of the development and structure of human society
- A criminology degree – the scientific study of crime and criminals
- A behavioural sciences degree – the study of human actions
