Psychology is a fascinating and valuable field that offers insights into human behaviour, thought processes, and emotions. Whether you’re considering a career in psychology or simply want to understand yourself and others better, studying psychology provides you with a wide range of benefits and opportunities.

What Are the Benefits of Studying Psychology?

One of the primary benefits of studying psychology is the development of critical thinking and analytical skills. Engaging with psychological theories and research encourages you to evaluate evidence, form hypotheses, and consider multiple perspectives.

Other key benefits include:

• Understanding human behaviour: Psychology helps you grasp why people act the way they do, providing insight into motivations, emotions, and social dynamics.
• Improved interpersonal skills: Studying psychology enhances your ability to communicate effectively, understand others’ emotions, and build stronger relationships.
• Practical problem-solving: The field equips you with tools to address mental health issues, improve workplace dynamics, and support personal development.

Psychology also offers the opportunity to engage in debates and discussions, sharpening your ability to communicate ideas and present arguments, which are valuable skills across various professions.

This article looks at the 10 things we can all learn from Psychology. 

What Do You Need for a Career in Psychology?

A career in psychology often requires a combination of education, practical experience, and strong interpersonal skills. Here are some essential steps:

• Achieve good grades in relevant GCSE and A level subjects, including psychology, biology and maths.
• Develop research and analytical skills by engaging with experiments, case studies and academic writing.
• Pursue work experience through internships or volunteering in mental health clinics, counselling centres or research labs.

Some additional desirable skills include:

• Empathy and active listening: Essential for roles that involve counselling or therapy.
• Critical thinking: To evaluate psychological studies and apply findings to real-world scenarios.
• Problem-solving and adaptability: Key for working with individuals in varied and sometimes challenging situations.

What Careers Are There in Psychology?

The field of psychology offers a broad range of career opportunities, including:

• Clinical Psychologist: Assess and treat mental health issues in individuals.
• Counsellor or Therapist: Provide guidance and emotional support to people dealing with life challenges.
• Forensic Psychologist: Apply psychological principles to criminal investigations and the legal system.
• Educational Psychologist: Help children and young people overcome learning or behavioural difficulties.
• Industrial-Organisational Psychologist: Improve workplace dynamics and productivity by applying psychological principles to organisational settings.

Each of these roles requires a deep understanding of human behaviour, strong problem-solving skills, and the ability to communicate effectively.

What GCSEs Will Help You Study Psychology at University?

To prepare for a degree in psychology, you should focus on subjects that will help you develop analytical, scientific, and communication skills. Key subjects include:

• Psychology: Direct exposure to key theories and practices.
• Biology: Understanding biological processes related to human behaviour.
• Maths: Developing statistical skills for analysing psychological data.
• English: Building strong writing and communication abilities for essays and reports.

What A levels Will Help You Study Psychology at University?

When selecting A levels for a psychology degree, the following subjects are particularly beneficial:

• Psychology: Directly related to your future studies and career.
• Biology: For insights into the physiological aspects of behaviour.
• Maths or Statistics: To handle data analysis and research.
• Sociology or Philosophy: To understand broader societal and ethical issues.

These subjects will prepare you for the academic rigour of a psychology degree and show universities that you have a strong foundation in both science and critical thinking.

What Does NEC’s A level Psychology Course Cover?

If you’re interested in studying psychology and need a course that fits around your schedule, NEC’s A level Psychology course might be for you. The course covers various fascinating topics, including:

• Social influence: How individuals and groups affect behaviour.
• Memory: The science behind how we remember and forget.
• Attachment: Early childhood relationships and their long-term effects.
• Psychopathology: Understanding mental health disorders.
• Biopsychology: Exploring the connection between biology and behaviour.
• Research methods: Learning how to design, conduct, and evaluate psychological research.

The course not only provides a solid foundation in psychology but also helps develop skills in critical thinking, research, and communication, all of which are vital for further studies and a successful career in the field.

NEC’s psychology tutor explains:

“Psychology allows you to delve into the complexities of human behaviour, offering skills and knowledge that are applicable in many walks of life. The subject encourages curiosity, open-mindedness, and a deeper understanding of both yourself and others.”

Conclusion

Whether you’re interested in a career in psychology or just want to better understand people, studying psychology offers a range of practical and intellectual benefits. If you’re passionate about learning more, check out NEC’s A level Psychology course for flexible and comprehensive learning opportunities.

You can find the full range of GCSE and A level courses NEC offers on our website. 

This blog post explains why you should consider studying Critical Thinking and Problem Solving.