FIVE REASONS TO STUDY PSYCHOLOGY AT UOW

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1 CONNECT:

2 WELCOME Psychology, as an academic discipline, is the study of the human mind and behavior. We study both the why and how of human behavior. We try to understand how the human mind gives rise to the behavior that we can observe. What drives behaviour and what are the mechanisms and processes by which it is accomplished? To do so, we build theories of those mechanisms and seek to test them, in order to improve our understanding. The profession of psychology takes those theories and our knowledge of psychological processes, and applies them to problems in the real world, to help individuals, families and organisations. Psychology encompasses everything that humans do, or are capable of doing, so it is very broad and there is an endless array of fascinating phenomena to learn about. As it is so broad there are numerous perspectives within psychology, from the biological to the social, and an education in psychology will expose you to many perspectives. This is one of the things that make psychology graduates unique in the combination of skills that they possess. Not only do they have an understanding of human behavior, but they also have analytical skills, communication skills, research and problem solving skills, and training in statistical analysis, that can be applied in a range of different areas. FIVE REASONS TO STUDY AT UOW Psychology at UOW connects you with people, programs and technology to enhance your learning experience. We offer an innovative teaching program, in undergraduate, postgraduate and professional courses. 1. MODERN FACILITIES UOW School of Psychology offers excellent facilities and is equipped with the latest audio, visual, computer and Internet technologies. Our tutorial rooms are of a very high standard. The School has specialised space for small group teaching, computer activities, clinical groups, and research. 2. PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE The School enjoys a high calibre of academic, tutorial and support staff. Tutorials are just that - tutorials. Unlike some of the large institutions we continue to run face-to-face tutorial classes at all levels. Our skilled tutors are there to guide and assist you. We provide quality education and opportunities for first rate research CONNECT: 1 FIVE REASONS TO STUDY AT UOW 2 GRADUATE OUTCOMES 3 OUR DEGREES 5 PROFESSIONAL PATHWAYS The School of Psychology at UOW is a moderate sized school by Australian standards. We are large enough to offer world-class facilities and education from staff who are active researchers, but small enough that students will have the opportunity to engage with staff and have a much more individual experience. Our staff are approachable and responsive to student needs. Our professional postgraduate training programs are amongst the best in the country and we have strong links with local psychological service providers so our students have excellent placement opportunities. We offer more opportunity for undergraduate students to go on to professional training than many other universities. I believe that studying psychology at UOW is an enjoyable and rewarding experience for students at all levels, and I hope you will take the opportunity to find out for yourself. Head of School, Associate Professor Steven Roodenrys 3. ACCREDITED PROGRAMS ALL of the psychology courses for domestic Australian students are accredited by the Australian Psychological Accreditation Council. A minimum of 4 years of study at university is required for registration as a psychologist. Our programs provide that education, plus we offer postgraduate programs that can lead to full registration. 4. DIVERSIFICATION The study of psychology is one of the most popular options taken by university students in Australia. Almost every university offers psychology, and students from every faculty of UOW are currently enrolled in psychology subjects. What attracts them is the content area - focusing on the study of people in all their diversity. Psychology is a broad field of study and it has relevance to many other disciplines. Any activity that people undertake involves psychological processes so the discipline of psychology has something to offer everyone. 5. THE NORTHFIELDS CLINIC The proof of what you learn is always in what you do, and this idea comes to life at UOW s Northfields Psychology Clinic. Northfields Clinic provides postgraduate students with the next step towards professional practice. The clinic offers work placements under the supervision of experienced senior clinical psychologists, an integral part of becoming a registered clinical psychologist. Interns are trained in evidence-based practice, continually gathering, assessing and adopting new information, whilst spending time with as wide a range of clients as possible. Northfields is well integrated with other local health providers within the community and a strong network of counsellors, personal development programs and specialist agencies 1

3 WHAT WE DO CONNECT: OUR SCHOOL Psychology is the scientific study of human behaviour and mental experience. It examines not just why we behave the way we do and why we have particular experiences, but also how it is that we can engage in those behaviours and the processes that underlie those experience, including physiological, perceptual and cognitive processes. The profession of psychology applies the knowledge of the discipline to practical problems. Psychology help us to understand who we are and how we think, feel and act. Professional psychologists aim to help people function better, and to prevent ill-health and other problems developing. Their clients include children, adults, couples, families and organisations in a variety of settings. BACHELOR OF ATAR 92 4 years UAC F This degree is for high achieving students who want to become psychologists. It qualifies you to apply for provisional registration The fourth year of the Bachelor of Psychology is an approved Honours year. The Honours program contains a significant research thesis along with course work and is a necessary step towards registration. The Honours year is also available for students completing the Arts or Science degree. PROGRAM STRUCTURE GRADUATE OUTCOMES As a graduate from the School of Psychology you will have: an understanding of human behaviour and psychological processes critical thinking and problem solving skills research and information finding skills the ability to look at problems from a variety of perspectives possess interpersonal and environmental awareness and sound professional ethics There are many avenues of progression in an Psychology career: Clinical, Counselling, Clinical Neuropsychological, Community, Educational & Developmental, Forensic, Organisational, Sports, Health, Academic. Career options with a 3-year major includes: Personnel Services, Human Resources, Organisational Psychology, with Government agencies or private enterprise. School Counsellors first qualify and work as teachers, then undertake postgraduate training through the School of Education. The degree combines university and classroom experience throughout the course, using on-campus, on-site and online learning environments. PROFESSIONAL RECOGNITION BACHELOR OF ARTS () ATAR 75 3 years Spring* (July) UAC M This degree is fully accredited by the Australian Psychology Accreditation Council In all UOW Psychology degrees you will be comprehensively trained in the processes basic to human psychology. These include the biological bases of human behaviour, lifespan development, motivation and emotion, cognition and perception, individual differences and states of consciousness. You will also learn the fundamentals of psychological practice, including the history of psychology, statistical and quantitative methods and psychological assessment. PROGRAM STRUCTURE The degree combines university and classroom experience throughout the course, using on-campus, on-site and online learning environments. PROFESSIONAL RECOGNITION This degree is fully accredited by the Australian Psychology Accreditation Council 2 UNIVERSITY OF WOLLONGONG 3

4 BACHELOR OF SCIENCE () ATAR 75 3 years Spring* (July) UAC G *Subject to Faculty approval POSTGRADUATE WHICH THREE YEAR DEGREE The difference between the Bachelor of Arts (Psychology) biological basis of human behaviour, while the Arts degree allows and Bachelor of Science (Psychology) is in the electives. The you to gain a wider understanding of the human experience. This psychology WHICH THREE component YEAR of each DEGREE of the degrees is identical. The variation lets you pursue your personal interests, and opens up Science degree can give you a stronger background in the different options for combining your studies with other disciplines. The difference between the Bachelor of Arts (Psychology) and Bachelor of Science (Psychology) is in the electives. The psychology component of each of the degrees is identical. The Science degree can give you a stronger background in the biological basis of human behaviour, while the Arts degree allows you to gain a wider understanding of the human experience. This variation lets you pursue your personal interests, and opens up different options for combining your studies with other disciplines. PROFESSIONAL PATHWAYS PROFESSIONAL PATHWAYS Becoming a registered psychologist requires you to complete a path of study approved by the Psychology Board of Australia. You Becoming a registered psychologist requires you to complete a path of study approved by the Psychology Board of Australia. You will have will have many options of how to reach your goal at UOW. many options of how to reach your goal at UOW. If you want to become a registered Psychologist, once you qualify for provisional registration by completing 4 years of accredited coursework in psychology, you will have many different options for how to complete your next two years of training. However, if you are interested in a research career you can complete a research-only Doctor of Philosophy degree in a wide variety of areas of psychology. TWO YEAR MASTERS DEGREE TWO YEARS OF SUPERVISED WORK UNDERGRADUATE UNDERGRADUATE Bachelor of Psychology (Including Honours) 4 years POSTGRADUATE POSTGRADUATE 2 years Masters You can satisfy the requirements for registration by completing an accredited two-year masters degree, such as UOW s Master of psychology (Clinical). This also earns you the specialist title of Clinical Psychologist. ONE YEAR DIPLOMA PLUS SUPERVISED WORK You can complete the UOW Graduate Diploma of Professional Psychology and then complete a single year of supervised work under a registered psychologist. You can complete two years of supervised work under a registered psychologist DOCTORAL STUDIES You can complete an approved professional doctorate, the Doctor of Psychology (Clinical), or a Doctor of Philosophy (Clinical Psychology). Although both of these degrees qualifying you for registration and train you in advanced research skills, the professional doctorate offers more professional training and the PhD includes a larger research component. Holding a Doctorate will make you a suitable candidate for high level research positions in clinical or academic settings. Bachelor of Science (Psychology) 3 years Bachelor of Arts (Psychology) 3 years Honours 1 year Honours 1 year Pre - registration OR 1 year Diploma 1 year work experience 2 years work experience Professional Doctorate Registration Careers: Counselling, HR, Marketing, Recruitment UOW Graduate School of Medicine Specialist Training Psychiatrist PHD Researcher PRACTICING PSYGHOLOGIST 4 UNIVERSITY OF WOLLONGONG 5

5 LEARN MORE FACULTY OF SOCIAL SCIENCES Student Services ssc@uow.edu.au socialsciences.uow.edu.au GENERAL ENQUIRIES Within Australia: International: uniadvice@uow.edu.au facebook.com/uowfuture The University of attempts to ensure the information contained in this publication is correct at the time of production (April 2013); however, sections may be amended without notice by the University in response to changing circumstances or for any other reason. Check with the University at the time of application/enrolment for any updated information. UNIVERSITY OF WOLLONGONG : 00102E