According to the Joint Council for Qualifications record, psychology has been a popular choice since 2014, and the number of students taking this subject is increasing yearly. In 2023, 80,493 students were taking Psychology at A Levels. The Joint Council for Qualifications shows that psychology is ranked number 2 of the ten most popular A-level subjects for 2023.
The understanding of this subject can assist students in learning how to understand people more effectively and establish better connections with them. Additionally, leading a good life is not just limited to the amount of money we earn but also encompasses the quality of our relationships with others and ourselves. Knowing how our mind functions and influences our actions can serve as a beacon for the remainder of our lives.
Let’s take a look at the benefits of studying psychology.
Relevance: It addresses topics relevant to students' lives, such as understanding human behaviour, mental processes, and relationships. Versatility: Psychology has applications in medicine, education, business, and social sciences. Students see its relevance across multiple disciplines.
Engaging Content: The subject often involves intriguing concepts like memory, perception, cognition, and abnormal behaviour, which captivate students' interest.
Critical Thinking: It encourages critical thinking, analysis, and evaluation skills. Students learn to assess theories, research methodologies, and empirical evidence.
Real-World Applications: Psychology provides insights into real-life scenarios, helping students understand themselves and others better, making it practical and applicable in everyday life.
Career Prospects: Studying psychology at these levels can lay a foundation for further education and diverse career opportunities in counselling, psychiatry, research, and more.
Interdisciplinary Nature: Psychology draws from various disciplines like biology, sociology, philosophy, and neuroscience, making it a multidimensional and comprehensive subject.
Experimentation and Research: It involves conducting experiments and exploring research methods, giving students hands-on experience in the scientific process.
Global Relevance: Human behaviour is universal, making psychology a subject with worldwide applicability and relevance across different cultures and societies.
Increased Awareness: In today's world, mental health awareness is growing, and studying psychology can help break stigmas, fostering a more understanding and compassionate society.
Unsurprisingly, an increasing number of students are opting to pursue a degree in Psychology, given that it is currently ranked as the 3rd most popular subject in the UK and 6th in the USA. Due to this growing popularity, university admissions for this degree have become more competitive.
Students who wish to pursue a degree in Psychology and have taken psychology courses at IGCSE or A Level have an advantage when applying to universities. They have a deeper understanding of the subject than their peers, giving them an early head start. With this early advantage, the future looks promising.
If you want to learn more about studying Psychology at IGCSE or A Level at RBIS, contact [email protected] and Read the following article about what you know at IGCSE and A Level in Psychology.
