Psychology

(UAC Code 753122)

Single Major

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 6.5 with at least 6.0 in reading, writing, listening and speaking. Alternative pathways exist for mature age domestic students.

Major Study

Students of the BA 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 PSYC249 Applied Psychology, PSYC348 History and Metatheory of Psychology and PSYC354 Design and Analysis; 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.

Course Program

Other Information

Subjects to the total value of 144 credit points are required for the degree. Subjects to a value of at least 90 credit points must be selected from the Health and Behavioural Sciences or the Arts schedules. The remaining 54 credit points can be chosen from Health and Behavioural Sciences, Arts, or the General Schedule. Students may undertake no more than 60 credit points of 100-level subjects. Students should refer to the Award Rules for the Bachelor of Arts (Course Code 708) for further details.

Last reviewed: 7 November, 2007