Are you interested in how we learn, remember and think? Have you ever wondered how we control our movements? Psychologists are interested in how and why people behave the way they do. Psychology is the scientific study of mental processes and behaviour, and is a challenging and wide-ranging discipline. The Psychological Science major will provide you with a scientific understanding of our psychological processes and the relationship of these processes to brain function. You will also develop an understanding of how these psychological processes are affected by ageing, brain damage and disease. If you’re hoping to pursue further study at postgraduate level leading to professional accreditation as a psychologist, you should complete the Psychology double major.During the major you will be exposed to sensitive topics (e.g. depression, suicide, trauma, eating disorders). You’ll also be required to demonstrate skills across a variety of different formats and contexts (e.g. written assessments, participation in practical work, contribution to group discussions, oral presentations), and so it is important to carefully consider whether you are able to cope with the demands of a psychology major and whether there is anything that would impact on your ability to complete the requirements of the major.

Career Pathways Psychology is relevant to almost any human endeavour, which means a psychology degree, or some complementary psychology studies, are relevant not only for traditional psychology careers, but for a wide range of careers. For example, there are psychologists designing cockpits for NASA, computer software interfaces, personnel selection systems, or age-appropriate toys; psychologists develop market research strategies, or train people in a variety of settings.Traditional careers in psychology• Clinical Psychologist—assess, diagnose, and treat mental health conditions; design and assess treatment interventions; be involved in research, teaching and supervision; promote psychological health• Clinical Neuropsychologist—assess and treat people with a wide range of brain injuries or disorders; design and assess treatment interventions; be involved in research, teaching and supervision; promote brain health• Industrial and Organisational Psychologist—recruit and select personnel; design and evaluate behavioural training programs; develop leadership and management skills; optimise job design, performance, and workplace culture; foster employee wellbeing and work-life balance• Educational and Developmental Psychologist, School Psychologist—assess developmental, learning, and behavioural difficulties; design and evaluate interventions; promote positive development• Sport Psychologist—work with athletes and teams, addressing the wide range of psychological factors associated with sports performance (e.g., goal focus, team building, stress management, communication skills)• Health Psychologist—assess community health issues; design, implement, and assess public-health and behaviour-change programs; promote health behaviours• Forensic Psychologist—conduct forensic interviews; provide psychological assessments; give evidence in court proceedingsPlease note these traditional career paths often require postgraduate studies and registration as a psychologist. Non-traditional careers in psychology Public sector• Government agencies• CSIRO• Australian Bureau of Statistics• Federal and State Police ForcesNot-for-profit sector• Mental health, addiction and disability support services• Community and welfare services• Children, youth and parenting services• CharitiesPrivate sector• Corporate business• Banks and financial service providers• Professional service firms• Market research, marketing, public relations, and advertising firms; consumer goods companies• Employment services, and industrial relationsEducation sector• Schools and universities