Extended Major Overview
- Description
Psychology is a fascinating and diverse area of study that touches upon many aspects of daily life, seeking to answer questions about how and why people behave the way they do. The Psychology extended major will help you develop a scientific understanding of human thoughts and behaviours, the psychological processes underlying these and the relationship of these processes to brain function. You will find an emphasis on the measurement of psychological abilities, how these develop through the lifespan and on the processes that govern the relationships between people and groups in a multicultural society. You will also develop an understanding of how psychological processes are affected by ageing, brain damage and disease.
In comparison to the single-major of psychology, the extended major in psychology helps students gain group experience conducting research to answer psychological questions, as well as an understanding of the application of psychology in business settings. Students completing the extended major will also gain some understanding of Indigenous heritage, experience, and knowledge, as well as possibly Indigenous health and well-being (depending on option units selected).
The Psychology extended major is a three-year undergraduate sequence in psychology, accredited by the Australian Psychology Accreditation Council (APAC). Completion of this major will allow students to apply for further study in Psychology leading to professional accreditation as a psychologist.
During the major you will be exposed to sensitive topics (e.g. depression, suicide, trauma, eating disorders). You will 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 upon your ability to complete the requirements of the major.
- Outcomes
Students are able to:
- demonstrate knowledge and understanding of selected psychological processes, their development, and the relations between them
- demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the scientific method in psychology
- demonstrate critical thinking in psychology, including an appreciation of the use of the scientific method to study psychological processes
- demonstrate skills in the analysis and presentation of quantitative data
- demonstrate effective written and oral communication skills consistent with expectations in the professional discipline of psychology
- work effectively as a team member in solving problems
- demonstrate a knowledge of appropriate cultural responsiveness in the application of psychology.
- Broadening guidelines
All students studying towards a Bachelor's Degree at UWA are required to Broaden their studies by completing a minimum of four units (24 points) of study outside their degree specific major. Broadening is your opportunity to explore other areas of interest, investigate new disciplines and knowledge paradigms and to shape your degree to suit your own aspirations and interests. Many of you will be able to undertake more than this minimum amount of broadening study and we encourage you to do so and to pursue as many areas of interest as you can during your course of study. At the same time, we know that many of you value the University's guidance and assistance in planning your enrolment throughout your course, so we offer the following suggestions for your consideration as possible avenues to broaden your degree.
Recommended units:
MKTG1204 Consumer Behaviour
INDG2300 Indigenous Knowledge: Mind, Body and Spirit
PUBH2203 Foundations of Epidemiology and Biostatistics
AHEA3301 Aboriginal Social and Emotional Wellbeing
Recommended minors:
Data Science
Applied Statistical Learning
Biological Anthropology
NB: Do always remember that there is no wrong way to broaden your studies as long as you complete at least four units not associated with your Degree Specific Major.
- Incompatibilities
MJD-PSYSC Psychological Science (ID 426) and MJD-PSYSO Psychology in Society (ID 427) and MJD-PSYCH Psychological and Behavioural Sciences
- Courses
Psychology can only be taken as a degree-specific major in the following degree courses:
Example Study Plan
See study plans for more information.
Units
Key to availability of units:
- S1
- Semester 1
- S2
- Semester 2
Level 1
Degree-specific major units
Take all units (12 points):
| Availability | Unit code | Unit name | unit requirements |
|---|---|---|---|
| S1 | PSYC1101 | Psychology: Mind and Brain | None |
| S2 | PSYC1102 | Psychology: Behaviour in Context | None |
Degree-specific major units
Take unit(s) to the value of 6 points:
| Availability | Unit code | Unit name | unit requirements |
|---|---|---|---|
| S1 | INDG1150 | Aboriginal Encounters: Strangers in our Backyard |
|
| S2 | INDG1160 | Boodjar Moort Katitjin: Introduction to Indigenous Heritage and Knowledge | None |
Degree-specific major units
Take ANHB1101 Human Biology 1: Becoming Human or AHEA2201 Aboriginal Health and Wellbeing:
| Availability | Unit code | Unit name | unit requirements |
|---|---|---|---|
| S1 | ANHB1101 | Human Biology I: Becoming Human | None |
Level 2
Degree-specific major units
Take all units (24 points):
| Availability | Unit code | Unit name | unit requirements |
|---|---|---|---|
| S1 | PSYC2203 | Research Methods and Analysis in Psychology I |
|
| S2 | PSYC2212 | Psychology and Social Behaviour |
|
| S2 | PSYC2213 | Psychology: Lifespan Development |
|
| S1 | PSYC2217 | Cognitive Neuroscience |
|
Degree-specific major units
Take AHEA2201 Aboriginal Health and Wellbeing or ANHB1101 Human Biology 1: Becoming Human:
| Availability | Unit code | Unit name | unit requirements |
|---|---|---|---|
| S1 | AHEA2201 | Aboriginal Health and Wellbeing |
|
Level 3
Degree-specific major units
Take all units (36 points):
| Availability | Unit code | Unit name | unit requirements |
|---|---|---|---|
| S1 | PSYC3302 | Psychological Measurement and its Application |
|
| S1 | PSYC3309 | Industrial and Organisational Psychology |
|
| S2 | PSYC3310 | Psychology: Specialist Research Topics |
|
| S2 | PSYC3314 | Psychopathology |
|
| S1 | PSYC3315 | Cognitive Psychology |
|
| S2 | PSYC3318 | Perception and Sensory Neuropsychology |
|