Career Profiles

Career Profiles

Psychology

Introduction

Psychology concerns the study of human behaviour, as well as the factors that may influence human behaviour. Professional Psychologists use scientifically-established processes to help investigate a range of personal and social issues. Despite popular misconceptions, not all Psychologists are directly concerned with personal problems. Many work in positions where they:

• create social change to improve or prevent human problems
• undertake assessment, intervention and counselling for learning and developmental issues in people of all ages
• work with the law, police services and in correctional services
• study accident prevention
• assist people involved in sport and exercise to maximise their performance and participation
• design educational material
• promote the prevention and treatment of illness and promote healthy behaviours
• research how people function in different environments and situations
• assist clients to live happier, healthier lives
• design and implement recruitment and selection strategies
• examine work, human resource management, training and development and market research and advertising
• conduct research and teach in universities
• diagnose, treat and prevent a wide range of mental health and general health issues
• assess, diagnose and manage individuals with brain impairment
• assist people to achieve goals in areas such as welfare and community projects
• counsel people to assist with issues such as personal wellbeing, relationships, work, health and crisis management.

Psychology is a very popular discipline in Australian universities. While many Psychology students go on to become registered Psychologists, others use it as a stepping stone to different occupations, or to broaden their knowledge and understanding of human behaviour. Psychology may be studied as a dedicated degree program (Bachelor of Psychology) or as a major sequence within a Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Science or Bachelor of Social Science degree, or may be included in degrees as diverse as Education, Business or Health Science. (The Australian Psychological Society lists available courses on the APAC (Australian Psychology Accreditation Council) website – www.apac.psychology.org.au .)

Education and Training

Practising Psychologists are required by law to register in the state or territory in which they work, in the same way medical practitioners and solicitors must register to practise.

Registration is the responsibility of the state and territory Psychologists Registration Boards. Each Board determines the requirements for registration in that state or territory. These requirements differ slightly, but all require the completion of four full-time years of academic study in Psychology plus two additional full-time years of either postgraduate training in Psychology or supervised workplace experience as a probationary/conditional registered Psychologist. The four full-time years of academic study in Psychology usually consists of either a three-year pass degree majoring in Psychology plus an Honours year or Postgraduate Diploma, OR a four-year Psychology degree. The two additional full-time years of postgraduate training would consist of a Masters degree or Doctorate (which in fact takes three years). Note that study in this area requires mathematical and scientific aptitude, as statistical and biological subjects must be completed within psychological qualifications. Employers advertising for Psychologists normally require applicants to be eligible for state/territory registration and/or full membership of the Australian Psychological Society.

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