Psychology Degree Entry Requirements

University entry requirements vary all the time. Some universities specialise in specific kinds of courses, therefore, they may have higher or lower requirements, depending on what they specialise in.

Not all universities ask for the same things, either. Some require students with the highest grades or UCAS points, while others prefer students with industry work experience.

What is a Psychology degree?

A psychology degree focuses on studying human beings and their behaviour. More accurately, it focuses on getting to the bottom of what makes people tick and what makes them, them.

The modules you will study will also vary depending on where you are attending. Typically, modules will include statistical methods, psychological experimentation, research methods, social psychology, developmental psychology and clinical and organisation psychology.

What are the Psychology degree entry requirements?

The university degree entry requirements will depend on where you are applying. Psychology is a hugely popular course that will often have fairly high entry requirements.

A psychology degree's most common entry requirements are:

Some universities may not accept certain qualifications. For instance, BTECs and T Levels may not be accepted by all universities, therefore, you will need to check beforehand if these are accepted.

A Levels

A Levels are accepted at all universities and colleges. To be able to study a psychology degree, students will need to have A Levels in at least one science or maths-based subject. General studies will not be accepted.

BMAT

The BMAT is a medical-based university admissions test. However, not all universities require you to sit the BMAT.

The universities that require students to have studied the BMAT are:

• Brighton & Sussex Medical School
• Imperial College London
• Lancaster University
• University of Cambridge
• University of Oxford

The test is set into three different sections: aptitude; scientific knowledge and application, and writing. Some universities may be more interested in individual section scores than your overall score.

BTEC

BTECs are the second-most commonly accepted qualifications in the UK. Generally, you will need to have a DDM in a science-based subject (preferably chemistry or biology) before you can apply for psychology courses. Even then, you may still need to supplement your BTEC with an A Level or two.

IELTS

The IELTS is a qualification designed specifically for international students. Not all universities will accept the IELTS, with some preferring other international qualifications. That being said, to study for a psychology degree, you will need to have at least a 7 or 8 in the IELTS to study this course.

International Baccalaureate

The International Baccalaureate is another qualification for international students. This qualification is more widely accepted than the IELTS. Typically, you must have a 6,6,6 at Higher Level, though a 5 in Standard Level English may also be accepted.

T Levels

T Levels are expected to replace BTECs within the next few years. They are not widely accepted at the moment, so it is possible that your T Levels would need to be combined with an A Level or BTEC before you can apply. Health or healthcare science would be the preferred qualification for students to have.

UCAT

The UCAT is a medical-based university admissions test. It is very similar to the BMAT.

The following universities require students to sit the UCAT:

• Anglia Ruskin University
• Aston University
• Cardiff University
• Edge Hill University
• Hull York Medical School
• Keele University
• Kent & Medway Medical School
• King's College London
• Newcastle University
• Queen Mary University of London
• Queen's University Belfast
• St. George's, University of London
• University of Aberdeen
• University of Birmingham
• University of Bristol
• University of Dundee
• University of East Anglia
• University of Edinburgh
• University of Exeter
• University of Glasgow
• University of Leicester
• University of Lincoln
• University of Liverpool
• University of Manchester
• University of Nottingham
• University of Plymouth
• University of Sheffield
• University of Southampton
• University of St. Andrews
• University of Sunderland
• University of Warwick (graduate entry)

There are five different sections. Universities may choose students based on their overall score or based on the results of each disparate section.

What is the best university to study for a Psychology degree?

The best university depends on you and your needs as a student. While some universities may specialise in psychology, that does not necessarily mean they are the best-suited university to teach the subject.

Furthermore, you will need to consider what you need from a university. Are you someone who prefers one-on-one teaching or group teaching methods? Do you prefer a university with the best teaching standards, or are you a student who prefers a university with the best facilities? Consider all of these before you make your choices, and attend some open days to get more of an idea.

How to write a Psychology personal statement

Your personal statement is the most important part of your UCAS application, even more than your grades. It is a chance to reveal your love for the subject and sell yourself to the university.

When discussing your love of the subject, discuss what prompted your interest. Did you read an interesting book or watch an interesting film or TV show that piqued your interest? Avoid quotes where possible, as they take up space on the page and will also use up your precious character count.

When speaking about yourself, be as open as possible. It is always handy if you can relate your interests, hobbies, or achievements to psychology in some way, but it is not essential. Universities want to know what kind of addition you will be to their student society, and talking about yourself gives them a chance to picture you at their university.

What jobs can I get with a Psychology degree?

As psychology is such a varied degree, it opens up the possibility of many different career choices. You do not just have to work in the medical sector if you don't want to.

The best careers you can find with a psychology degree are:

• Border Force officer
• Chaplain
• Clinical psychologist
• Counsellor
• Forensic psychologist
• HR manager
• Life coach
• Mediator
• Occupational therapist
• Psychologist
• Psychotherapist
• Social worker

It is also possible to become a teacher or lecturer. However, you must have either a Master’s in Education or a PGCE degree.

Can you find Psychology degrees in Clearing?

Psychology is a hugely popular degree. As a result, you will almost certainly be able to find some psychology Clearing courses.

However, these will not always just be courses with lower entry requirements. These courses may also require you to have a foundation year or to study the course as a sandwich course instead.