UWA Handbook 2027

Extended 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 Psychology extended 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 on 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.

In comparison to the single-major of psychology, the extended major in psychology helps students gain group experience conducting research to answer psychological questions, as well as an understanding of the application of psychology in business settings. Students completing the extended major will also gain some understanding of Indigenous heritage, experience, and knowledge, as well as possibly Indigenous health and well-being (depending on option units selected).

The Psychology extended 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 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. 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, so we offer the following suggestions for your consideration as possible avenues to broaden your degree.

Recommended units:

MKTG1204 Consumer Behaviour

HMSC1000 Waking Up to Sleep

PUBH2203 Foundations of Epidemiology and Biostatistics

Recommended minors:

Data Science

Applied Statistical Learning

Biological Anthropology

NB: Do always remember 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.

Incompatibilities

MJD-PSYSC Psychological Science (ID 426) and MJD-PSYSO Psychology in Society (ID 427) and MJD-PSYCH Psychological and Behavioural Sciences and MJS-PSYCY Psychological and Behavioural Sciences

Courses

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

• BP030 Bachelor of Psychology
• BH005 Bachelor of Philosophy (Honours)

Units