What GCSEs Do You Need to Study A Level Psychology?

Thinking about taking A Level Psychology? You're in good company! Psychology is actually one of the most popular A Level choices.

But here's a question you might be wondering: what GCSEs do you need to progress onto A Level Psychology ?

Don't worry – I've got you covered. In this article I will break down exactly what you need to know to prepare for an A Level Psychology course.

Key Takeaways

• You usually need GCSE English Language, Maths, and Science (grade 5 or above) to study A Level Psychology — GCSE Psychology is not normally required.

• Requirements vary by school, so always check your sixth form or college’s specific entry criteria.

• Recommended but optional GCSEs such as Sociology, History, or Philosophy can help develop relevant skills for Psychology.

• Strong essay writing, basic statistics, and critical thinking skills will set you up for success in A Level Psychology.

Why Students Choose A Level Psychology

Psychology is the science of how people think, feel, and behave. Who doesn't want to understand what makes people tick? It affects our everyday lives in so many ways.

Another reason that students love Psychology is that the skills it develops are useful in so many areas of life. You'll learn to analyse data, understand research, and write persuasive arguments – skills that employers value highly (opens in a new tab). 

As a result, Psychology opens doors to brilliant careers. These include clinical psychology, counselling, marketing, teaching, or even forensic psychology (just like in crime documentaries!). Check out our article about what A Levels you need to be a clinical psychologist.

Do You Need to Take GCSE Psychology To Study A Level Psychology?

You do not need GCSE Psychology to study it at A Level. Most schools don't even offer GCSE Psychology, so they can hardly make it a requirement! 

The A Level Psychology course is designed to be studied from scratch. Your teachers will start with the basics and build from there. You'll learn everything you need to know, whether you've never heard of Pavlov's dogs or you're already fascinated by Freud's theories.

That said, if your school does offer GCSE Psychology and you're interested, it can give you a helpful head start. You'll be familiar with some key terms and concepts, which might make those first few weeks a bit easier.

But don't panic if you haven't taken it – you're not at a significant disadvantage.  

GCSE Subjects You'll Typically Need For A Level Psychology

Every school and college sets their own entry requirements. What one sixth form asks for might be completely different from another, so check your chosen school's specific requirements before making assumptions.

Whilst you don't normally need GCSE Psychology, there are some subjects that virtually every school will ask for. Let's break them down:

English Language

Nearly every sixth form and college will want you to have at least a grade 5 in English Language. Some might ask for a grade 6, especially if they're quite competitive.

Why is English so important for Psychology? Simple: you will be writing essays. Many of them.

You'll need to explain complex theories, evaluate research studies, and construct clear arguments. Strong English skills help you express your ideas clearly and persuasively.

Maths

Most schools ask for grade 5 or above in Maths for A Level Psychology. Some might accept a grade 4, but grade 5 is becoming the standard.

You might be thinking: "But I want to study people's minds, not numbers!" Here's the thing – Psychology is a science, and science involves statistics.

You'll analyse research data, calculate averages, and interpret graphs and charts. Don't worry, though – the maths isn't terribly complex. If you can handle GCSE-level statistics and percentages, you'll be fine.

Science (Combined or Separate)

Given that Psychology is a science, you won’t be surprised to hear that many schools ask for grade 5 or above in either Combined Science or one of the separate sciences (Biology is particularly useful).

Psychology uses the scientific method to study behaviour. You'll design experiments, control variables, and draw evidence-based conclusions. So, understanding the essential scientific theory is important.

Biology is especially relevant because you'll study how the brain and nervous system affect behaviour. Understanding basic biology concepts will definitely give you an advantage. 

Recommended GCSE Subjects (But Not Always Required)

These subjects aren't always required, but they can be really helpful.

• Sociology: If your school offers it, Sociology complements Psychology brilliantly. Both subjects explore human behaviour from different angles.

• Philosophy and Ethics: Great for developing critical thinking skills and exploring questions about consciousness and free will.

• History: Builds excellent essay-writing and evaluation skills that transfer perfectly to Psychology.

• Geography: Often involves data analysis and research methods that are useful in Psychology.

• Drama: Helps you understand human emotions and behaviour. It's also great for gaining confidence in presentations.

What GCSE Grades Do You Need To Study A Level Psychology?

Here's where it gets interesting – requirements vary quite a bit between schools.

Most sixth forms and colleges want grades 5 or 6 in their core requirements (English, Maths, and Science). This is pretty standard across the board.

However, some high-performing schools might ask for grade 7s, particularly in English Language or Science subjects. These schools often have many applicants, so they can afford to be more selective.

The Department for Education (opens in a new tab) considers grade 4 a "standard pass" and grade 5 a "strong pass". Most Psychology courses aim for strong passes in their key requirements.

Don't just take my word for it, though. Check your school's website or give them a call. Requirements can change from year to year, and you want the most up-to-date information.

How to Prepare If You're Planning to Study A Level Psychology

Want to give yourself the best possible start? Here's how to prepare:

Focus on your essay writing skills. Psychology involves lots of extended writing. Practice structuring arguments, using evidence, and writing clear conclusions.

Get comfortable with basic statistics. You don't need to be a maths genius, but practice interpreting graphs, calculating averages, and understanding percentages.

Learn more about Psychology by reading and listening. 

• Try books like The Psychology Book by Nigel Benson and Catherine Collin (DK, 2012), Simply Psychology by Michael W. Eysenck (Psychology Press, 2012) or books on specific topics such as The Man Who Mistook His Wife for a Hat by Oliver Sacks. 

• Listen to psychology podcasts such as The PsychCrunch Podcast (opens in a new tab) by The British Psychological Society. 

• Even Wikipedia articles about famous psychologists or topics can be interesting to start off.

Develop your critical thinking. Practice evaluating arguments – what evidence supports them? What are the weaknesses? This skill is crucial for A Level success.

Work on your research skills. Learn to find reliable sources and distinguish between scientific studies and opinion pieces.

Take a look at our A Level Psychology course overviews for more insight into what you’ll be doing and how you can prepare.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need GCSE Psychology to study it at A Level?

No, you absolutely don't need GCSE Psychology. Most schools don't even offer it at GCSE level, and A Level courses are designed to start from the beginning.

Is Psychology a Science A Level?

Yes, Psychology is considered a science A Level. You'll use scientific methods, conduct experiments, and analyse statistical data. It's often grouped with other sciences for university applications.

What skills should I work on now to prepare?

Focus on essay writing, basic maths and statistics, critical thinking, and research skills. These form the foundation of A Level Psychology success.

Which A Levels go well with Psychology?

Popular combinations include Biology (great for understanding the brain), Sociology (explores society and behaviour), English Literature (develops analytical skills), and Maths (for the statistical elements). History and Philosophy also work well.

Ready to Take the Next Step?

To sum up, you don't need GCSE Psychology to study A Level Psychology, but you do need solid foundation skills. You typically need strong passes in English Language, Maths, and Science in particular.

Remember to check your target school's specific requirements early. Requirements can vary, and you want to make sure you're taking the right GCSEs and aiming for the right grades.

The most important thing? Don't let requirements put you off if Psychology genuinely interests you. With the right GCSE preparation and a genuine passion for understanding human behaviour, you'll be well-equipped for A Level success.

References 

Global employability skills in the 21st century workplace: A semi-systematic literature review - ScienceDirect (opens in a new tab) 

The Department for Education (opens in a new tab)