What Careers Can A-Level Psychology Lead To?

I’ve spent many open mornings standing at a sixth form or psychology stand, and one of the most popular questions asked by parents is ‘Where does A Level Psychology lead?’

The answer is not straightforward! Studying psychology at A-Level opens the door to a wide array of career opportunities across various fields. The skills and knowledge acquired through A Level Psychology provide a strong foundation for numerous professions; to succeed, you have to be numerate, literate and analytical with excellent critical thinking and research skills. You also develop a strong understanding of people which is highly valuable in so many fields, not just those of chartered psychologists.

The following list is by no means exhaustive, but includes some of the chartered psychologist careers that may follow a psychology A Level as well as further study. Over the years I have been delighted to see so many of my alumni pursue these! In my next blog I’ll outline some of the careers which use skills acquired during the study of A Level Psychology and further study, but don’t require individuals to register as a chartered psychologist.

Clinical psychologists assess and treat a wide range of psychological difficulties in mental and physical health, including phobias, anxiety, depression, OCD, schizophrenia, substance misuse and eating disorders. Clinical psychologists are trained in a number of psychological approaches and create a shared map or ‘formulation’ of psychological difficulties to guide therapies and interventions. A Level Psychology provides a foundational understanding of many of these disorders as well as the biological and psychological approaches used to treat them. To pursue a career as a clinical psychologist, further education at the undergraduate and postgraduate level is required, leading to a Doctorate in Clinical Psychology.

Similar to clinical psychologists, counselling psychologists focus on providing therapy to individuals dealing with emotional and psychological challenges including eating disorders, depression and anxiety, psychosis and personality disorders, as well as negative life events such as bereavement, relationship breakdown, domestic violence, abuse and trauma. Counselling psychologists use psychological theory to reduce psychological distress and improve the wellbeing of individuals and their families. Studying A Level Psychology equips students with the foundational skills needed for further training in counselling psychology, as well as the study of the humanistic approach, which is central to counselling.

Educational psychologists work with children and young people, their families and within schools and educational institutions to help students overcome challenges such as learning difficulties, social and emotional problems, mental health issues, developmental issues and issues around disability. Educational psychologists assess students’ needs and provide strategies to improve their learning experiences based on psychological methods that are educational. A-Level Psychology lays the groundwork for understanding child development and learning theories which is essential for those wishing to pursue a career path in educational psychology. In the AQA course, there is an optional topic; ‘Cognition and Development’ which allows students to study cognitive and social development with a particular focus on children. This career is particularly fulfilling for those who are passionate about education and child development.

Forensic psychologists work within the criminal justice system and apply psychological theory to understand criminal behaviour. They offer treatment to those who have committed offences to reduce the chances of reoffending. Studying psychology at A-Level equips students with the foundational skills needed for further training in forensic psychology. In the AQA Psychology A Level specification, students may have the option to study forensic psychology in the Upper Sixth as a Paper 3 topic.

Occupational psychologists focus on the behaviour of individuals in the workplace, applying scientific psychological principles to improve employee motivation, well-being and productivity. They often work with organisations to consider how individuals, groups and organisations behave and function, considering team dynamics, employee satisfaction, and overall workplace culture. A-Level Psychology provides essential knowledge about human behaviour and motivation, setting the stage for a career in this area.

Sports and exercise psychologists can work in many different locations with a whole range of people. Sport psychology’s aim is to help elite athletes and amateur participants to cope with injuries or to prepare psychologically for the demands of competition and training. They may work to improve team performance and motivation, and advise coaches and managers on team communication. Exercise psychology is concerned with applying psychology to increase exercise participation and motivational levels in the general public. A-Level Psychology provides essential knowledge about human behaviour and motivation including types of personality, social influence and the consequences of reward and punishment, all of which is relevant to those considering a career as a sport and exercise psychologist.

A health psychologist is a professional who focuses on how psychological, behavioural, and cultural factors contribute to physical health and illness. They help people to live healthier lives by promoting healthy behaviours as well as helping individuals and their families to manage chronic conditions. They work in various settings, including hospitals, clinics, and research institutions. Studying A-level Psychology is a useful step toward becoming a health psychologist providing foundational knowledge in areas like mental health, behaviour, and cognitive processes. A-level Psychology also develops critical thinking, research skills, and an understanding of how psychological principles can be applied to real-world health issues, all of which are crucial for a career in health psychology.

Studying A-Level Psychology provides students with a robust understanding of human behaviour and equips them with critical thinking and analytical skills that are applicable in various careers. Whether you’re interested in becoming a chartered psychologist or not, the knowledge gained from A level Psychology can pave the way for a fulfilling and diverse career path.

To find out more about the support I offer as an A Level Psychology tutor click here.

For more information on careers within psychology visit https://www.bps.org.uk/career-options-psychology.