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The University of Western Australia (UWA)

  • 22% international / 78% domestic

Psychology (Extended Major)

  • Non-Award

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.

Key details

Degree Type
Non-Award
Study Mode
In person

About this course

This course opens up a world of future study pathways and career opportunities.

The University of Western Australia welcomes applications from international and domestic school-leavers. If you're interested in studying this major, find out the admission details below.

The Psychology extended major provides an advanced 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 behaviour and abilities; the social and multicultural contexts for human behaviour; and psychology in the workplace. You can also develop an understanding of the biological underpinnings of behaviour, and will learn how psychological processes are affected by ageing, brain damage and disease.

Study locations

Perth

Career pathways

Psychology is relevant to almost any human endeavour, which means a psychology degree, or some complementary psychology studies, are relevant not only for traditional psychology careers, but for a wide range of careers. For example, there are psychologists designing cockpits for NASA, computer software interfaces, personnel selection systems, or age-appropriate toys; psychologists develop market research strategies, or train people in a variety of settings.

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,/li>

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

Non-traditional careers in psychology:

Public sector

  • Government agencies
  • CSIRO
  • Australian Bureau of Statistics
  • Federal and State Police Forces

Not-for-profit sector

  • Mental health, addiction and disability support services
  • Community and welfare services
  • Children, youth and parenting services
  • Charities

Private sector

  • Corporate business
  • Banks and financial service providers
  • Professional service firms
  • Market research, marketing, public relations, and advertising firms; consumer goods companies
  • Employment services, and industrial relations

Education sector

  • Schools and universities