What is psychology?

Psychology is concerned with a wide range of phenomena relating to the mind and behaviour, including remembering and forgetting, thinking, problem-solving, learning, acquiring skills, language, seeing and hearing, verbal and non-verbal communication, social interactions and emotions. It focuses on understanding biological, social and environmental influences on people and societies.

Why study psychology?

You’ll benefit from one of the best scientist-practitioner models of psychological education Australia has to offer, emerging with a deep insight into the human mind, and a suite of highly valued professional skills, like interpersonal communication, statistics, project management and research and writing that can be applied to any field of work.

Psychology offerings at Monash

Psychology at Monash is at the forefront of brain function research in Australia with roots in the basic discovery sciences, cognitive, clinical and brain neurosciences and the social sciences. Formalised within our research-intensive institute, the Turner Institute for Brain and Mental Health, we are responding to global and community challenges through our current research themes, ranging from addiction to sleep, with the goal of translating scientific discoveries to directly improving diagnosis and treatment of acquired, developmental and degenerative brain pathologies.

Over the course of this degree, you will explore the complex biopsychosocial factors that influence human behaviour, gain exposure to evidence-based and culturally informed approaches, and develop your understanding of scientific methodology and its application in psychology. The Bachelor of Psychology is accredited by the Australian Psychology Accreditation Council (APAC) as a LEVEL 1 APAC accredited degree.

Psychology extended major

The extended major is accredited by the Australian Psychology Accreditation Council (APAC) as an approved level 1 sequence of units.

The extended major (APAC accredited level 1 sequence of units) is required if you wish to specialise in psychology because it provides you with a pathway to further study in psychology (an APAC accredited level 2 sequence of units) and to the training required to practise as a Psychologist in Australia.

The extended major is only available in select courses. They include: Bachelor of Arts at Clayton (A2000), Bachelor of Science at Clayton (S2000), and Bachelor of Science and Bachelor of Arts double degree at Clayton (S2006).

If you study the Psychology extended major in the Bachelor of Arts you can combine this area of study with disciplines like anthropology, criminology, sociology, human rights, international relations and much more.

Alternatively, if you choose to study the Psychology extended major in the Bachelor of Science, you can complement your study with over 20 fascinating science areas of study, for example physiology, genetics, pharmacology, environmental science or mathematics.

Delve into a world of ideas. Solve problems, create change. Depending on what you choose to study in combination with your study of psychology, as part of a Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science, you have the opportunity to delve deep into the ‘why’ behind why we do what we do, explore global issues and cultures, think about the diverse world we live in and how we communicate.

Psychology major and minor

The major and minor provide you the opportunity to gain the broad and wide ranging knowledge and understanding of the mind and human behaviour.

If you do not wish to become a registered Psychologist but have an interest in psychology, or if psychology complements your other studies, you may wish to complete a minor or major.

The Psychology minor and major are available in the following, broader range of Monash courses: Bachelor of Arts and associated double degrees (Clayton and Caulfield), Bachelor of Science and associated double degrees (Clayton and Caulfield), Bachelor of Science Advanced – Global Challenges (Honours) (Clayton), and Bachelor of Science Advanced – Research (Honours) (Clayton). A list of associated double degrees is provided below.

You may also be able to complete the psychology minor or major in other courses if you have the required free elective space. To include the minor in your degree you would need a minimum of 4 units (24 credit points) of free electives, and to include the major in your degree you would need a minimum of 8 units (48 credit points) of free electives.

The Psychology minor and major do not meet the accreditation requirements for an approved level 1 sequence of units according to the Australian Psychology Accreditation Council (APAC).

What careers will you be ready for?

Studying psychology gives you a strong understanding of the human mind. This opens up a wide range of rewarding career opportunities where you can make a difference in someone’s life. Here’s a taste of where psychology could take you, or enhance your skills and employability in your chosen career:

• Recruitment Manager
• Psychologist*
• Social Worker*
• Human Resource Adviser
• Drug and Alcohol Counsellor
• Consumer Behaviour Analyst
• Market Research Consultant
• Psychological Researcher*

*Further study required.