Undergraduate · UCL Psychology
UCL's Psychology BSc is a three-year, British Psychological Society accredited degree taught as a science. Its entry rule is specific: A*A in two of Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics, Physics and Psychology, plus science GCSEs. That differs from how other universities treat Psychology A level, so the choice of two subjects matters. This guide is written for families planning 2028 entry. Everything cycle-specific in it was last verified for 2027 entry, so treat it as the best guide to preparation and not as the 2028 requirement.
Official information · last verified for 2027 entry
Taken from UCL's official Psychology BSc course page and read on 25 October 2026. For a normal 2028-entry application, made in 2027, every requirement below is last verified for the previous cycle and may change; UCL's 2028-entry requirements and dates are awaiting publication.
The A-level requirement is A*AA, with A*A from two of Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics, Physics and Psychology. The contextual offer is A*AC with the same subject rule. At least two A level subjects should come from UCL's preferred list.
UCL asks for English Language, Mathematics and two sciences (Double Award acceptable) at GCSE grade B or 6.
The IB requirement is 39 points, with a total of 19 points in three Higher Level subjects, including grade 7 and 6 in two subjects from Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics, Physics or Psychology, with no Higher Level score below 5. Either Mathematics syllabus is accepted.
The Psychology BSc is a three-year, British Psychological Society accredited course. UCL also offers a four-year integrated Master's course with a workplace applied or research placement.
Students begin writing research lab reports from the start of Year 1 and learn R, and complete a compulsory research project in the final year.
Official sources
Read on 25 October 2026 on UCL's Psychology BSc course page, which describes 2027 entry. The preferred A level subjects list, UCL's selection process page and fees were not read. The page read lists no admissions test and no interview.
The course
UCL describes the BSc as teaching students to use scientific methods to explore and understand human behaviour, and it is accredited by the British Psychological Society. Year 1 combines compulsory modules in scientific psychology, research design and data analysis, cognitive psychology, social psychology and individual differences with one elective. Students write research lab reports from the start and begin to learn R. Year 2 has no electives, and in the final year students choose all their modules from a wide range of options across psychology and complete a compulsory research project. The UCAS code is C800.
Reading the offer
UCL's subject rule is built around a list of five.
A*A must come from two of Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics, Physics and Psychology. Psychology is on the list, so it can be one of your two.
English Language, Mathematics and two sciences at grade B or 6, with Double Award acceptable.
At least two of your A levels should come from UCL's list of preferred A level subjects. This guide has not read that list, so check it before you finalise choices.
39 points with 19 in three Higher Level subjects including a 7 and a 6 in two of the five named subjects, and no Higher Level score below 5. Either IB Mathematics syllabus is accepted at Higher Level.
Comparing universities
This is a UCL rule, not a general psychology rule. Oxford's Experimental Psychology lists no required subjects but highly recommends a science or Mathematics, and Cambridge's Psychological and Behavioural Sciences sets its own subject list. If you are applying to several universities, check each course page rather than assuming one A level combination satisfies all of them.
The application
UCL says applications are made through UCAS and that all applicants offered a place are invited to an offer holder open day, online and in person. The page read for this guide lists no admissions test and no interview, which is not the same as saying none is used: check UCL's selection process page.
Planning for 2028 entry
Applying for 2028 entry means applying in 2027, under rules UCL has not yet published for that cycle. Each item below carries one of two labels. Last verified for 2027 entry means UCL published it for the previous cycle and it may change. Awaiting publication for 2028 entry means UCL has not yet published it.
These are the best guide to what to prepare. UCL has not confirmed them for 2028 entry.
Check UCL's course page and selection process page for the 2028-entry values when they appear.
Choose two of the five named subjects to carry the top grades, check the preferred subjects list, and make sure two science GCSEs are in place.
Support
Avandy provides independent academic and admissions support. It is not affiliated with UCL or any of its colleges or departments. Preparation sits within the Avandy Trinity Advisory Model: a Strategic Admissions Consultant, a PhD-level Academic Mentor and a Subject-specific Tutor, working to the actual requirements of each programme. No outcome is promised.
Questions
A*AA at A level with A*A from two of Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics, Physics and Psychology, or 39 IB points with the pattern described above. This is UCL's wording for 2027 entry.
Yes. UCL lists Psychology among the five subjects from which the A*A pair can come.
English Language, Mathematics and two sciences (Double Award acceptable) at grade B or 6.
UCL says the Psychology BSc is accredited by the British Psychological Society.
UCL says it also offers a four-year integrated Master's course which includes a workplace applied or research placement.
No. They are UCL's wording for the 2027 application cycle. Check the course page again when UCL publishes its 2028-entry requirements.
Students and families
Tell us about the student's curriculum, their sciences and Mathematics, the universities on the list, and the intended year of entry. A senior adviser will review the academic profile before recommending how to prepare.
