Psychology

Psychology UAC Code 757651
Psychology is the scientific study of human behaviour and experience, the physiological, sensory and cognitive processes that underlie it, and the profession that applies this knowledge to practical problems. Psychologists help us to understand who we are and how we think, feel, act and change. They aim to help people function better, and to prevent ill-health and other problems developing. Psychologists’ clients include children, adults, couples, families and organisations.

Entry Requirements / Assumed Knowledge
Domestic school leavers are assumed to have completed at least 2 units of English at HSC level. International students are required to have achieved an IELTS score of 6.0 with at least 6.0 in reading and writing, and at least 5.0 in listening and speaking. All domestic applicants normally apply through the Universities Admission Centre (UAC). Higher School Certificate students will automatically receive a guide and application form from UAC. For HSC students, admission is based on the University Admissions Index (UAI) calculated from HSC results. It is not possible to estimate the UAI cut-off in advance as marks fluctuate from year to year depending on the number and standard of applicants. Alternative pathways exist for mature age domestic students.

Major Study
Students of the BSc will complete the program of study outlined below for a major in Psychology. Additional subjects should be taken in line with the degree requirements to complete the degree.

Double Majors
Students may undertake a double major in:
Population Health and Psychology
Psychology and Biology
Psychology and Exercise Science
Psychology and Nutrition

Honours
Honours in Psychology is a fourth year of study accredited by the Australian Psychological Society (APS). It is offered on a one year full-time or two year part-time basis. Psychology Honours is a route to the Postgraduate coursework or research degrees in Psychology. It is also a partial qualification for registration as a Psychologist with the Psychologist’s Registration Board of New South Wales, a post degree supervision period also being required. Graduates of the University of Wollongong with a major in Psychology are eligible for admission to Psychology Honours provided that: they have completed an undergraduate degree curriculum with a major in psychology; they have completed PSYC348 History and Metatheory of Psychology and PSYC354 Design and Analysis (and thus any 200- level prerequisites for PSYC354); they have completed at least 76 credit points of Psychology subjects at 200- and 300- levels; they have at least a credit average for Psychology subjects at 200- and 300- levels.

Professional Recognition
To apply for registration as a professional psychologist with the Psychologists Registration Board of NSW it is necessary to complete an accredited 4-year course of study plus 2 years supervised practice. Accreditation with the Australian Psychological Society, the national professional association, requires 6 years of approved academic study.