What IGCSEs Do I Need to Be a Psychologist?

Psychology is one of the most fascinating subjects you can study, and it can open doors to amazing career opportunities. If you think this career is the path for you, it's best to start strategising your way to your goal early. That means choosing the right IGCSEs that will put you onto the right A Levels, or IB Diploma Programme subjects, that will eventually lead to a career in psychology.

Knowing which subjects to choose, however, can feel overwhelming. It’s completely natural, and common, to feel that way.

This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about the IGCSEs you need to become a psychologist. We’ll walk you through how IGCSE choices can impact your future options. Plus, we’ll offer practical advice on subject combinations, why they matter, and address common misconceptions, so you can make your choices with confidence.

Why Your IGCSE Choices Matter for a Career in Psychology

Your IGCSEs are the first step in shaping your future. The subjects you decide on now will affect which A Levels you can take later, which influences the university courses you can apply for, including psychology. Yes, there’s a lot resting on your choices, but don’t worry:  with the right guidance and careful thought, choosing your subjects is an exciting move to realise your ambitions.

Firstly, you must have an accredited degree and a postgraduate qualification in a specialist area to be a psychologist. Most universities expect at least a Grade C or 4 in IGCSE English Language and Maths at a minimum (opens in a new tab), just to get through the door. 

If you want to stand out, and get onto a good course, it’s important to aim higher, especially in subjects like science, English, and maths. These subjects form the core of your academic skill set, and are absolutely key when applying for a psychology degree.

Starting to build strong skills early on really helps. IGCSEs are a great opportunity to develop solid foundations in critical thinking, research, and analytical skills (the same skills psychologists use every day) in preparation for your academic journey towards your career goal. 

Recommended IGCSE Subjects for Aspiring Psychologists

Certain IGCSE subjects are more relevant to psychology degrees than others. So, it’s important to think strategically, and understand which subjects will best align you with the field and why, so you can make your choices with confidence.

Here are our recommendations.

Biology

If you're thinking about becoming a psychologist, IGCSE biology is a really important subject to consider. It helps you understand how the body and brain influence how we think, feel, and behave.

In biology, you’ll learn key concepts like genetics, cell structure, and the nervous system. These give you a solid foundation for understanding the biological side of psychology, as the organic processes happening inside the body can affect our thoughts and actions.

You’ll also build valuable skills that psychologists use all the time. For example, biology teaches you how to design experiments, analyse data, and evaluate evidence, which are all essential when it comes to psychological research.

Some topics in IGCSE biology are especially useful for psychology, including:

• Brain structure and function – Knowing what different parts of the brain do helps you understand how they affect things like memory, emotions, and behaviour.

• The nervous system – Learning how the brain and nerves communicate is key to understanding how we process information and respond to the world around us.

• Hormones and the endocrine system – Hormones play a big role in shaping our emotions and behaviour, so this knowledge is vital in psychology.

• Genetics and inheritance – Understanding how traits are passed down can help explain why people may think or behave in certain ways.

• Homeostasis – Knowing how the body keeps itself balanced helps explain how physical states can affect mental well-being.

In short, choosing biology provides insights into the biological roots of human behaviour. This knowledge is a big part of what psychologists use to understand people and help them through challenges.

Mathematics

There’s a common misconception that psychology is just about people’s thoughts and feelings. In fact, it also involves working with data, analysing patterns, and making sense of results. That’s where IGCSE maths comes in.

Having a solid understanding of maths is more important than you might think. Here’s how maths is applied in psychology:

• Statistical analysis – Psychologists use stats to make sense of data from surveys, experiments, and research. You’ll need to know how to work with averages, distributions, and different types of graphs and charts.

• Probability – This helps psychologists predict behaviour and test how likely certain outcomes are in experiments.

• Graphs, tables and charts – Psychologists often create and interpret visual data to spot patterns and trends in research.

• Fractions, percentages and ratios – These are used to describe and compare findings, like how many people in a study showed a certain behaviour.

• Experimental design – Maths is key when setting up experiments, like choosing the right sample size and using randomisation to keep things fair.

Studying IGCSE maths will help prepare you for A-Level psychology and beyond, building  your confidence in analysing information, solving problems, and thinking critically—all of which are essential skills for a future psychologist.

English Language and Literature

Strong communication skills are essential in psychology. They help you understand complex ideas, explain them clearly, and show your knowledge through both speaking and writing.

You’ll use these skills in many ways, such as:

• Writing coursework and exam answers

• Analysing psychological studies and theories

• Presenting arguments clearly and logically

• Working in groups, sharing ideas, and having discussions

Psychologists also need to communicate effectively with clients, colleagues, and other professionals. It’s not just about words either—understanding non-verbal cues like facial expressions, gestures, body language, and tone of voice is just as important when interpreting people’s emotions and behaviour.

Studying IGCSE English is a great way to build these important skills. It can help you develop:

• Critical thinking – You’ll learn how to analyse texts, interpret themes, and evaluate arguments. These same skills are used in psychology to assess research and understand theories.

• Essay writing – In English, you’ll practise structuring essays, presenting evidence, and explaining your ideas clearly—skills that are essential when writing psychology essays and reports.

• Comprehension – Understanding and interpreting complex texts in English helps prepare you to read and make sense of psychological research, case studies, and subject-specific vocabulary.

The communication skills you build in IGCSE English will support you all the way through your psychology studies, and are just as important in real-world psychology careers, too.

Psychology (If Available)

Although this may seem like an obvious one, studying Psychology at IGCSE is not specifically required to study the subject at A Level or degree level. But, it can’t hurt to get a formal introduction to your chosen field.

IGCSE Psychology is a great way to explore how people think, feel, and behave. You don’t need any prior knowledge, this course is designed for beginners and gives you a solid foundation in the subject.

You’ll:

• Build a clear understanding of key psychological concepts, theories, and explanations.

• Learn how research is carried out and how it links to everyday life.

• Understand the importance of ethics in psychology and why guidelines matter.

• Explore how individual, social, and cultural differences shape behaviour.

• Develop curiosity about the mind and what influences human behaviour.

Sociology (If Available)

If you're thinking about becoming a psychologist, and your school has the subject available, taking IGCSE Sociology can really help. That’s because human behaviour is shaped by both  what’s going on in our minds and external factors in the world around us, like our culture, family, and society.

Here are some key ways society and culture affect how people think, feel, and behave:

• Social structures – Institutions like families, schools, and governments help set rules and expectations. For example, laws are created to discourage certain behaviours, such as crime.

• Socialisation – This is how people learn what’s considered “normal” in society. It starts with your family and continues through school, friendships, and media.

• Cultural norms – Every culture has its own idea of what’s acceptable. In the UK, for instance, queuing and being polite are expected behaviours that shape how people act in public.

While psychology focuses more on the individual — how we think, feel, and behave — sociology helps us understand the bigger picture. It looks at how groups function and how society influences us as individuals. Here’s how they connect:

• Group dynamics – Sociology explores how people behave in groups, including things like social roles, group pressure, and relationships. Psychology adds another layer by examining how these group experiences affect someone’s thoughts and emotions.

• Social structures – Sociology studies the impact of things like class, education, and institutions. Psychology then explores how these structures affect someone’s mental health or behaviour, like how poverty or school pressure can impact well-being.

In choosing IGCSE Sociology, you’ll not only learn about how society works, but you’ll also practise skills that are useful in psychology, like doing research, analysing data, and exploring human behaviour from different angles.

Other Useful Subjects

While science, maths, and English are key for a future in psychology, there are several other IGCSE subjects that can really help you build the skills and knowledge psychologists use every day.

IGCSE History

This subject teaches you how to think critically, analyse sources, and consider how context influences people's decisions and actions. You'll learn how to evaluate evidence, spot bias, and build well-reasoned arguments. These are all skills psychologists need when studying behaviour, reviewing research, and drawing conclusions.

IGCSE Geography

Geography isn’t just about maps and places, it also involves collecting and analysing data, spotting patterns, and conducting fieldwork. These experiences help you understand how to work with statistics, carry out research, and present findings clearly, which are key parts of psychological research too.

IGCSE Foreign Languages

Studying a new language builds communication skills, cultural awareness, and memory — all useful for psychologists. It can also open doors to international career opportunities or research in psychology. Many important psychology studies and academic texts are written in other languages, so being able to understand or translate them can be a big advantage.

Taking these subjects alongside core ones like Biology, Maths, and English can give you a strong, well-rounded foundation for studying psychology at higher levels, and, eventually, for building a rewarding career in the field.

How IGCSE Choices Affect A Level and University Options

The subjects you choose for IGCSE can shape what you’re able to study at A Level. That, in turn, affects which universities and psychology courses you can apply for.

For example, taking Biology at IGCSE means you’ll be able to take A Level Biology, which many top universities look for in psychology applicants. The same goes for Maths: if you take it at IGCSE, it opens the door to A Level Maths or Further Maths later on, which are desirable subjects universities accept.

Universities like Glasgow require two A-level science subjects (opens in a new tab) and GCSE Mathematics at grade 5 or 6, while UCL requires A*A (opens in a new tab) from two of Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics, Physics, and Psychology.

The key is to choose a balanced mix of subjects now so you have more flexibility when it’s time to pick your A Levels. Even if you’re not 100% sure about your future plans yet, keeping your options open gives you the best chance of meeting university entry requirements down the line.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will Not Taking Psychology at IGCSE Stop Me From Becoming a Psychologist?

Most universities don’t require IGCSE psychology for a psychology degree. What they really care about is how well you do in core subjects like Science, Maths, and English. What really matters is building strong analytical, research, and communication skills — these are the tools you’ll use throughout your studies and future career.

Do I Need Top Grades in Maths and Science?

Most universities ask for at least a Grade C or 4 in IGCSE English and Mathematics as a minimum. But if you're aiming for a competitive psychology course, it’s a good idea to aim higher. Try to work towards Grade 6 or above in your core subjects, especially Biology, Maths, and English. The better your grades, the more choices you’ll have when it comes to A Levels and university options.

What Other Skills Are Important for a Psychologist?

Studying the right subjects is important, but there are personal qualities that matter too, like:

• Empathy – being able to understand how others feel and see things from their point of view

• Patience – helping people takes time, and progress can be slow

• Problem-solving – thinking through complex situations and finding helpful solutions

• Ethics – making thoughtful, responsible choices that protect people’s wellbeing

• Curiosity – always wanting to understand why people think and behave the way they do

These skills come from life experience as well as the classroom. But, some subjects, like English Literature, History, or Religious Studies, can really help you develop empathy, critical thinking, and an understanding of different perspectives. All of these are valuable if you’re thinking about a future in psychology.

Final Thoughts

Becoming a psychologist isn’t just about your subjects. It’s also about your curiosity, empathy, and your desire to understand people. Those qualities come from you.

If you're thinking about psychology, focus on Biology, Maths, and English — these core subjects build the skills universities are looking for.

If your school offers IGCSE psychology, and you're curious, go for it! But, remember, it's not essential to a future career in psychology. Choose a balanced mix to keep your options open. You never know what other interests you might discover along the way, and that’s completely okay.

If you found this guide useful, we have plenty more articles about the IGCSE accreditation to help you on your academic journey. 

At Save My Exams, you’ll also find IGCSE revision resources, including revision notes, flashcards, mock exams and more, to set you up for exam success. 

References

• University Entry Requirements | UCAS (opens in a new tab)

• Cambridge IGCSE subjects (opens in a new tab)

• University of Glasgow - Undergraduate study - 2026 Degree programmes A‑Z - Psychology (opens in a new tab)

• Psychology BSc | Prospective Students Undergraduate - UCL – University College London (opens in a new tab)