UWA Handbook 2025

Major Overview

Description

Note: this major is only available to re-enrolling students.

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. Students hoping to pursue further study at postgraduate level leading to professional accreditation as a psychologist should complete the Psychology double major. 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:

1. demonstrate knowledge and understanding of psychological processes and their relationships with neurobiology
2. demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the scientific method in psychology
3. demonstrate critical thinking in psychology including an appreciation of the use of the scientific method to study psychological processes
4. demonstrate skills in the analysis and presentation of quantitative data
5. demonstrate effective written and oral communication skills
6. work effectively as a team member in solving problems
7. apply high-level critical thinking, teamwork and communication skills required for employment and further studies related to 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 if this suits your aspirations. Over the next few months you will find here some broadening suggestions related to your degree-specific major. While we know that many students value guidance of this sort, these are only suggestions and students should not lose sight of the opportunity to explore that is afforded by your Broadening Choices. Advice can also be sought from your Allocated Student Advising Office.

Incompatibilities

MJD-PSYSO Psychology in Society

Courses

Psychological Science can be taken as a degree-specific major in the following degree courses:

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

Units