Major in Psychology

SATAC codes/TER (2009)

HESS Group: General

University Undergraduate Calendar
University Undergraduate Prospectus

Psychology may be studied at The University of Adelaide as a major component of a number of other single degree programs (e.g., BA, BCom, BEc, BHlthSc, BMa&CompSc, BSc, BSocSc) and double degree programs (e.g., BSocSc/BHlthSc). Students who are unsure about whether to pursue Psychology as a career are advised to enrol in one of these programs. It is emphasised that all of the above degrees have been accredited by the Australian Psychology Accreditation Council. They offer you the opportunity to keep your options open through the study of other subjects besides Psychology, and permit you to major in more than one discipline. A major in Psychology from The University of Adelaide means that you are eligible to apply to proceed to Honours not only at this University, but also at other universities around the country that offer Honours programs accredited by the Australian Psychological Society.

Study Plan for a Major in Psychology

Program Structure

The first year of the program seeks to provide an overview of psychology as a discipline and a profession. Later years build on this foundation and enable students to study topics including developmental psychology, social psychology and psychology and mental health, cognition and language, learning and memory, and personality and individual differences. Since psychology is an evidence-based discipline, students also have an opportunity to find out about the range of methodologies employed to collect and analyse data relevant to these various topics. In addition, students become acquainted with cultural and ethical issues that may impact on the practice of psychology.

These programs have been accredited by APAC (Australian Psychological Accreditation Council)

Requirements needed for registration as a Psychologist

• A University degree with four years of formal study in Psychology;
  
  
• two further years, either in further study for a Master’s degree in Psychology that provides advanced coverage of professionally-relevant material, field training placements and a research thesis, or in a program of preregistration training under the guidance of a registered psychologist

Careers in Psychology

According to the Commonwealth Government Job Search Website employment growth for Psychologists to 2011-12 is STRONG. The range of jobs available to psychologists is also becoming increasingly varied. Further information can be found at http://jobsearch.gov.au/joboutlook.

Psychologists are employed in both the public and private sectors, and work in a variety of settings. Clinical psychologists are involved in meeting the needs of children and adults with mental health problems such as depression and drug addiction, and play major roles in the diagnosis and rehabilitation of people with disabilities and acquired brain damage. In business and industry, psychologists are employed in personnel selection, human resource management, job design and skills training, and product marketing. In the legal system, psychol ogists have skills relevant to criminal investigation and a range of matters examined within the court system and correctional programs. In schools and universities, psychologists assess students with learning difficulties, develop programs for the management of behavioural problems and carry out research into many aspects of human and animal behaviour.