Uni help

[MissyA369]

Hi, I have to apply to uni this year and I have definetly decided to do Psychology for undergrad and postgrad, so that I become a psychologist. However, I would like to have a degree in something else like management, finance as it would make me feel happier knowing i have something else other than psychology. I was wondering if there was any way that I would be able to get another degree at the same time as doing the psychology degree other than the combined degrees e.g. doing a course at college?

Also could anyone recommend something sciency i could do with just Biology, maths and psychology A level and economics (and possibly chemistry at AS level) Thanks

[separation]

Hi Missy,

At Bournemouth Uni, we run a 3 year full-time course called Applied Psychology and Computing. Please see the following link for details http://courses.bournemouth.ac.uk/3details.asp?programmeC ode=BSPC

[abfandango]

Yeah but that doesn't give you the BPS graduate basis for registration does it?

[morg_monster]

No offense (although I'm sure I will cause it) but at my uni (won't say which but it is in the top ten) management was seen as a pretty easy option, people would take management modules if they needed some really good results to boost their grades. To be fair psychology in the first 2 years was also seen as pretty easy and lots of people took modules from this area too for some 'easy' first or 2.1 marks. sorry but there it is.

If you are sure you want to be a psychologist, there is really no need to worry about doing another degree. Doing two at once is impossible and will probably mean you'll spread yourself too thin and fail both. I'd just concentrate on the psychology and try to get a first; then you'll sail onto any postgrad course. If you are trying to get into clinical psychology you'll struggle to get on the phD course without a first or really good 2.1 degree. My friend had 68% (a 2.1) and has just been rejected for the 2nd year running by the courses she applied to after 3 years of directly relevant experience.

I would guess if you really wanted something useful to contribute to your career as a psychologist, then go for something like biology or neurology.

Unless - you really want to go into occupational psychology, in which case management is probably more useful.
I'd just carefully pick your optional modules; at most uni's you get a lot of them and you can learn a lot, and mention them on future job applications etcetera!

[abfandango]

that's a pretty good reply. I'll second that answer.

[MissyA369]

Thanks for your help, there was some really good advice, I only wanted to do something else with the psy cos people usually see psy as a 'easy' subject, so doing something else would help me feel happier about working hard towards something (currently doing AS levels and they are such a pain). I didn't know management was also seen as an easy option too. I'll definetly stick to doing something with neurology/biology.

My only other worry is if the courses are accreditied by the BPS, but i can check that. Thanks again 

[abfandango]

Psychology is not an easy subject. It may be seen so at A AS level, and may be taught that way in certain 'ex poly's' but it is actually one of the most challenging subjects. I know very many people who tried to get through into honours at university level and were rejected because it was simply too hard for them.

A psychology degree equips you fantastically well for a whole range of careers, never mind those in psychology. Look long and hard at the degree first, make sure it equips you to get the BPS accreditation, many combined courses do not. From then you need to do the conversion....

You may wish to consider going to Uni in Scotland. 4 years, granted, but normally you don't need to commit until your second, often 3rd year. Do management, psychology, biology, for example, and if psych at degree level doesn't suit, then you can branch out with the others. Psychology at degree level is very different from psych at school level. Challenging indeed. Pick up a uni textbook (eg Gleitman) or some papers (pdfs) online, and look through them. It's quite challenging.