A Level Psychology builds a powerful toolkit: analysing data, evaluating evidence, understanding human behaviour, and communicating clearly in extended writing.

If you’re studying AQA A Level Psychology (7182) with us, here’s how it can open doors—whether you plan to go to university, an apprenticeship, or straight into work.

Why A Level Psychology is valued

• Scientific literacy: research methods, statistics, and ethical thinking.
• Critical evaluation: weighing theories, evidence, and alternative explanations.
• Communication: clear, structured arguments and concise conclusions.
• People insight: cognition, social influence, psychopathology, biopsychology.

University degrees that welcome Psychology

Typical degree options (single or joint honours) include:

• Psychology (BPS-accredited) or Psychology with [Neuroscience/Education/Criminology/Business]
• Cognitive Neuroscience; Neuroscience; Biomedical Sciences
• Education, Childhood Studies, or Speech & Language Therapy (check specific prerequisites)
• Sociology, Criminology, Social Policy, or Health & Social Care
• Business, HR, Marketing, or Management
• Law (LLB) or conversion after a non-law degree
• Sports Science, Coaching, or Nutrition (often with Biology/PE)

Tip: For BPS-accredited Psychology degrees, universities usually require at least one science (often Biology). Always check individual entry requirements.

Careers directly related (with degree-level routes)

• Clinical, Counselling, or Educational Psychologist (BPS-accredited degree + postgraduate training)
• Forensic or Occupational Psychologist (postgraduate training after relevant degree)
• Health Psychology (Stage 1/2 training after BPS-accredited degree)
• Psychological Wellbeing Practitioner / Assistant Psychologist (degree + specific programmes/experience)
• Neuropsychology / Research (postgraduate study; lab experience helps)

Careers where Psychology gives you an edge

• Healthcare & social care: support work, NHS admin, mental health services, youth work
• Education: teaching (via PGCE), SEN support, learning mentor
• Business & HR: recruitment, learning & development, organisational development
• Marketing & UX: consumer research, UX research, insights/analytics, copywriting
• Public sector & charity: policy support, offender rehabilitation, community programmes
• Law & enforcement: policing, probation, legal services (with further training)

Apprenticeships & entry-level roles (if not going to university)

• Healthcare Support Worker (NHS), Mental Health Support, Social Care
• Business Administration, HR Support, Recruitment Resourcer
• Digital Marketing, Data Analyst (with additional maths/IT skills)
• Education Support: Teaching Assistant, Learning Mentor, SEN roles

Building a strong subject mix

• Psychology + Biology (and/or Maths) for clinical, neuroscience, or health routes
• Psychology + Sociology for social sciences, criminology, social policy
• Psychology + English (or History) for essay-heavy degrees and careers
• Psychology + Business/Economics for HR, marketing, organisational behaviour

Super-curriculars that stand out

• MOOCs or short courses (research methods, statistics, mental health)
• Volunteering in care, education, or youth programmes
• Assistant roles in schools, charities, or research participation
• Independent project: literature reviews, data analysis, or a small survey (ethics-aware)
• Reading beyond the spec (popular science + peer-reviewed summaries)

Next steps

Map your interests (clinical, education, business, research) to the right subjects and experiences. If you’d like help planning your route, we’re happy to chat about combinations, timelines and applications.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is A Level Psychology required for a Psychology degree?

Not always. Many universities accept applicants without A Level Psychology, but they often prefer at least one science (commonly Biology) and value strong maths/research skills. Always check individual entry requirements.

Do I need a BPS-accredited degree to become a psychologist?

Yes. To use protected titles like Clinical or Educational Psychologist in the UK, you typically need a BPS-accredited undergraduate degree (or conversion) plus postgraduate training and registration with the HCPC.

How can I get relevant experience before university?

Try volunteering in health or social care, education support (SEN/mentoring), mental health charities, research participation/assistant roles, or customer-facing work that develops communication and teamwork.