UWA is ranked first in Australia for Agricultural Sciences, Biological Sciences, Environmental Sciences and Engineering, and Marine/Ocean Engineering by the Academic Ranking of World Universities in 2018. We boast staff who are among the world’s leading teachers and researchers. Their research will form an integral part of your learning experience.

Psychology

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 double 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. There is 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 society. You'll also develop an understanding of how psychological processes are affected by ageing, brain damage and disease.

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY

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 proceedings

Please note these traditional career paths often require postgraduate studies and registration as a psychologist.

PROFESSIONAL RECOGNITION

The Psychology Double Major has been awarded Accreditation without conditions by the Australian Psychology Accreditation Council(APAC) as a three-year psychology sequence.