Are you looking to work as a psychologist? Are you interested in assessing, diagnosing and treating problems experienced by people? Psychology is a science that provides powerful tools and methods for exploring human experience and behaviour.

Psychologist’s support individuals, who are experiencing difficulties, and others design policies and campaigns to benefit communities.

The combination of a social science degree with a psychology specialisation is ideal for those interested in the interaction between individuals and the world around them.

Why study psychology

• Psychology studies can lead to becoming a clinical psychologist.
• You'll become a better communicator.
• You'll have a better understanding of yourself and the people around you.
• Gain an understanding of research.
• Study decision-making and problem-solving and develop well-honed critical thinking skills.
• Get the skills needed to help you in your future career, even if you don't become a psychologist.

If you want to work in areas that call for a grasp of the insights, traditions and practices of psychology, this course is for you.

Get your foot in the door

You'll have the opportunity to put your skills to practice, and meet potential future employers, on a professional work-placement.

Psychology studies can lead to careers in human services organisations, community-based agencies, human resource management, multicultural agencies and education settings.

How to become a psychologist

To register as a psychologist, you'll need to complete the Bachelor of Social Science (Psychology), the Bachelor of Applied Science (Psychology) (Honours) (1 year full-time) and the Master of Clinical Psychology (2 years full-time), or equal courses recognised by the Australian Psychological Society.

Find out more about becoming a psychologist.

This course is also available as a double degree; Bachelor of Social Work (Honours)/Bachelor of Social Science (Psychology).

Career Outcomes

You'll enjoy excellent employment prospects in the public, private and community sectors.

The skills learned in this course are especially relevant to areas such as child protection, human resource management, education, welfare and the health sector and in community-based agencies.

Graduates find work in areas including:

• federal and state government departments (Centrelink, Department of Human Services)
• disability services
• rehabilitation services
• community development programs
• dispute mediation
• employment placement and case management
• equal employment opportunity program development
• immigration advice and referral centres

This degree also provides an academic foundation to pursue further specialised study in clinical, educational, organisational, developmental or forensic psychology.

Students seeking to qualify as a practising psychologist must apply either for entry to Honours, or an equivalent graduate year of study in psychology.

Students who continue study and successfully complete a fourth year (Honours or equivalent) qualify for registration as a probationary psychologist. Another 2 years of study, generally taken as a Master of Psychology, qualifies you as a psychologist.

Careers

• social psychologist
• social researcher
• social policy officer
• organisational behaviour specialist
• human resources manager
• welfare service officer

Professional recognition and accreditation

The degree is accredited by the professional accreditation body for tertiary psychology courses, the Australian Psychology Accreditation Council (APAC).

Successful completion of an APAC-accredited psychology specialisation is a partial requirement for registration as a psychologist with the Psychology Board of Australia.