UWA Handbook 2025

Major Overview

Description

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

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. How do groups communicate? Can panic be controlled? How do attitudes to alcohol consumption develop? These are just a few of the questions psychologists investigate. The Psychology in Society major will help you build a scientific understanding of human behaviour and its underlying psychological processes. You will find an emphasis on the measurement of psychological abilities such as intelligence, how these abilities develop through the life span and on the processes that govern the relationships between people and groups in society. Please note this major does not lead 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:

1. demonstrate knowledge and understanding of selected psychological processes, their development, and the relationships between them
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-PSYSC Psychological Science

Courses

Psychology in Society can be taken as a degree-specific major in the following degree courses:

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

Units