UWA Handbook 2027

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 Psychological and Behavioural Sciences 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 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.

The Psychological and Behavioural Sciences 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 can 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.

Please note that the Psychological and Behavioural Sciences major can only be taken as a degree-specific major in the BP001 Bachelor of Arts, the BP004 Bachelor of Science, or the BH005 Bachelor of Philosophy (Honours), as MJD-PSYCH Psychological and Behavioural Sciences; and can only be taken as a second major in the BP001 Bachelor of Arts, the BP002 Bachelor of Commerce, the BP004 Bachelor of Science, the BP006 Bachelor of Biomedical Science, the BH005 Bachelor of Philosophy (Honours), the BP009 Bachelor of Business, or BP011 Bachelor of Environmental Design, as MJS-PSYCY Psychological and Behavioural Sciences.

Students enrolled in combined Bachelor-Bachelor degrees are not permitted to enrol in the Psychological and Behavioural Sciences major (as either a degree-specific major or a second major), as these courses are not accredited by the Australian Psychology Accreditation Council (APAC).

Outcomes

Students are able to:

1. Apply broad foundational knowledge of psychological theories, concepts, and processes to explain behaviour and experience across diverse individuals, contexts and stages of development.
2. Analyse and evaluate psychological theories, research and evidence, recognising assumptions, limitations and sources of bias, and communicate reasoned conclusions in written and oral forms.
3. Apply scientific approaches to psychology to investigate psychological questions, including the use of appropriate research methods and data analysis techniques.
4. Apply psychological knowledge in ethical, culturally responsive, and reflexive ways, recognising the influence of culture, context, values and lived experience, with a focus on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander ways of knowing, being, and doing that support culturally safe practice.
5. Communicate and collaborate effectively for respectful, culturally safe teamwork across diverse contexts.
6. Engage in self-directed scholarly inquiry and use digital technologies appropriately, ethically, and critically.
7. Apply ethical and professional principles to learning and engagement in psychology, including recognising professional responsibilities, boundaries, research, and the importance of self-care and sustainable practice..

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, and guidance can be provided by your Course Advisor. Do always remember, however, 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.

Prerequisites

Enrolment in the BP001 Bachelor of Arts, the BP004 Bachelor of Science, the BH005 Bachelor of Philosophy (Honours), or the CM023 Bachelor of Science and Master of Teaching - Secondary

Incompatibilities

MJD-PSYDM Psychology; MJD-PSYSC Psychological Science; MJD-PSYSO Psychology in Society; enrolment in any combined Bachelor-Bachelor degree

Courses

Psychological and Behavioural Sciences can be taken as a degree-specific major in the following degree courses:

• BP001 Bachelor of Arts
• BP004 Bachelor of Science
• BH005 Bachelor of Philosophy (Honours)

Units