Psychology and sociology alevels - too similar?

[toadstool32]

Dd wants to do law. She’s y11 but needs to submit 3 choices by December.

History and/or English lit
psychology and/or sociology

Would it be silly to do both psychology and sociology? Is there the potential for confusion? Is there overlap?

I did both- very different and no confusion for me!

DS did both, he enjoyed it and took psychology at Uni

I did psychology and sociology. I found them to be quite different in content and structure. Psychology included statistics, which I’ve found useful subsequently.

Sociology is more of a slog, with much of it focusing on the theories of long dead sociologists.

Both subjects teach you to think critically and to critique methodology and theories.

Of the two subjects I preferred psychology. I got an A in both subjects. I have a good memory for names/dates and my essay writing ability is good. These abilities are crucial if you are to do well in both subjects.

They’re both very different subjects and a lot of people do them together.

Oh this is interesting thanks! Dd seems to think it can only be either/either.

Not at all. They work well together. I did those two and Eng lit and went to Cambridge…good to do history or Eng lit so you have one traditional one

Thank you - English Lit is the front runner of those two.

some unis offer joint honours in psychology and sociology so not a problem there. My dd would say don't do both history and eng lit unless your child loves essay writing, very long exams and has a v.good memory but obviously some people excel at those!

There is overlap but it's not significant. It's actually quite helpful.

They are quite different really. Is DD not thinking it has to be just one because they clash on the timetable so physically she can only do one.

She should do English and history and one of the other two if she wants to do law. Law firms prefer A-levels that are perceived to be rigorous.

They’re not too similar no.
Of those subjects for Law I would say History, English and Psychology

Thanks everyone. English lit is a cert. Then she’s unsure between history / biology (nice to do a non-essay for variety?) and then psychology/ sociology.

surely these are all seen as rigorous subjects?

Outside of MN , yes.

Biology and psychology are fairly equal in non essayness. You do have to write extended answers in both. Last time I checked psychology had multiple choice type answers, which surprised me.

Sociology is 100% essay - some variation between boards over typical length.

History and English both have coursework.

From experience, Eng Lit, history and sociology is a lovely combination. They complement each other in different ways.

@toadstool32 Eng Lit and History make a strong application for Law. Third - choose what she likes. The essays and analysis of the former 2 matter.