Human behaviour is complex; sometimes predictable, often irrational, but always fascinating. Your interest in understanding the human condition can take many forms, from helping people improve their mental health, to advocating for social change that improves quality of life, to holding a mirror to society in works of art. Review your study options below.
Investigate & change human behaviour
How will you investigate human behaviour?
Psychology & human behaviour
Would you like to understand why people think and behave the way they do? Or help others change their thought patterns and behaviours to improve their wellbeing and quality of life? Consider study in the area of human behaviour, with a degree in psychology at UOW.
Social Science & Advocacy
Are you interested in how we function as a society? Would you like to use your knowledge to help people improve their health and wellbeing, or create more inclusive environments for people? Consider social science, public health, human geography, or social work at UOW.
Humanities & Human Inquiry
Would you like to investigate why people act, react and interact in a particular way? What if you could better understand human behaviour or how we function as a society? Study in the area of humanities and human inquiry could be for you.
Creative & Performing Arts
Would you like to investigate how people think and feel, and reflect that in your art and performance? Maybe you’d like to design more inclusive products and spaces for people of all ages and abilities? Consider study in the creative arts at UOW.
Meet Sarah
I have always had an interest in what drives people’s behaviour, how the mind works, and why people feel the way they do. These interests drove me toward studying psychology. I hope to one day become a Clinical Psychologist working with people in a clinical setting—while continuing my research.
Stories to inspire you
The psychology of music
Despite what you might see on TV, psychology isn’t just about people reclining on lounges and dissecting their childhood. Meet Dr Tim Byron, a UOW lecturer with a passion for music psychology, as he sheds light on the impact of music on our physiological state.
A voice for change
Shifts in attitude, like our tolerance of racism, are slow and difficult to measure. For UOW lecturer and public health graduate Dr Summer May Finlay, the Black Lives Matter movement demonstrated that there is still some way to go, but ultimately, change will happen.
Seeing clearly
For Associate Professor Jioji Ravulo, social work is about helping people to be self-reliant, but to also feel like they belong. His infectious attitude and dedication to helping others has changed countless young lives for the better.
Art influencing life
Art and performance aren’t just for entertainment; the messages they send can move hearts and minds, and make a tangible difference. See how a team of UOW researchers are helping pacific island communities use theatre to tackle critical resource management issues.
Meet Alex
My first lecture in Globalisation of World Politics sparked my interest in politics. Along with a trip to Geneva, this was enough to make me change to a Bachelor of Arts, where I could combine politics and economics and the freedom to question the status quo.
See where your degree could take you
Your interest in human behaviour could lead to a diverse and rewarding career, with opportunities in psychology, management, policy development, public service, the creative industries, and the community sector.
No matter your path, your UOW degree is appreciated by employers; UOW is consistently rated in the world's top 200 by global employers (QS Graduate Employability rankings). Here are just some of the careers you could pursue:
- Actor & performer
- Child protection officer
- Clinical psychologist
- Community or social services officer
- Content creator
- Counsellor
- Curator
- Editor
- Educational officer
- Forensic psychologist
- Life coach
- Market and social research consultant
- Mental health advocate
- Musician
- Occupational psychologist
- Organisational behaviour consultant
- Personnel or human resources manager
- Policy analyst
- Public health nutritionist
- Public health project manager
- Public health research officer
- Publisher
- Refugee services advocate
- Social or market researcher
- Social planning advisor
- Social policy advisor
- Social worker
- Writer and columnist
- Youth worker
Career options
UOW's Careers Central offers advice on the career options that study in a particular discipline can provide, including sample jobs, employers, key skills, professional associations and postgraduate study options.
Work while you study
UOW offers a number of services that can help make finding work that fits with your studies a little easier.
Employability Programs
See how UOW can help you connect with potential employers and learn the skills you need to launch your career successfully.