• Question: How different is A Level Psychology and Psychology at Degree Level?

    Asked by luke to Jack, Gem, Jermaine, Michelle, Steve on 17 Jun 2017.
    • Photo: Jack barton

      Jack barton answered on 17 Jun 2017:

      A level psychology and first year degree level psychology are very similar. With a combination of biology and psychology at A level I found that I had gone over a lot of the content already. That was fine with me because it meant I could spend more time enjoying my optional modules on philosophy and getting used to my new home, Durham. The main difference between A level and degree level in general is that there is a greater focus on experiments and you will have regular ‘practical’ classes at university. These will teach you about how to actually carry out scientific research and have you collecting your own data. Also, the lecturers teaching you at university will generally be telling you about their own research as part of your lessons. I found it pretty cool to have the expert on the topic you’re learning in front of you and open to questions!

    • Photo: Jermaine Ravalier

      Jermaine Ravalier answered on 17 Jun 2017:

      As Jack says – A level psych gives you a good grounding in the first year of your degree, so you’ll have a bit of a leg up for the first year, although all students will be brought up to the same standard by the end of the first year.

    • Photo: Steven Brown

      Steven Brown answered on 18 Jun 2017:

      It’s not a huge leap – far from it. No major benefit of having studied at A Level though, as first year Uni needs to cater for students who both have and have not already studied Psychology.

    • Photo: Michelle Jamieson

      Michelle Jamieson answered on 18 Jun 2017:

      It’s not a huge step from A level into your 1st year, I suppose taking it would make you feel more confident in your first year at Uni.

    • Photo: Gemma Taylor

      Gemma Taylor answered on 21 Jun 2017:

      I didn’t do A-level psychology. But I degree level subjects are much more challenging and will help you develop a brand new set of academic and personal skills.

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