Psychology Program

The School of Psychology is part of the Faculty of Science. Units of study in this program are available at standard level, except for PSYC2015 Brain and Behavioural Psychology (available at advanced level in PSYC2915), and PSYC3011 Learning and Behaviour (available at advanced level in PSYC3911), PSYC3013 Perceptual Systems (available at advanced level in PSYC3913), PSYC3014 Behavioural and Cognitive Neuroscience (available at advanced level in PSYC3914) and PSYC3016 Developmental Psychology (available at advanced level in PSYC3916).

About the program

Psychology is both a profession and a science. That is, psychological phenomena are investigated using the scientific method, and the outcomes of these investigations are applied to diverse professional settings (e.g. treatment of mental illness, job selection, health promotion, education policy, etc.).

When you study psychology, you will cover a range of areas including behavioural neuroscience, personality theory, social influences on the behaviour of individuals and groups, forensic psychology, health psychology, developmental psychology, abnormal psychology, memory, attention, intelligence, sensory processes and perception, research methods, and theories of learning and motivation.

Accreditation and Higher Degree Research

The Psychology Program is designed to both meet the requirements for accreditation so that students can engage in further training to become registered and practising psychologists AND/OR prepare students for higher degree research in one or more of the areas of Psychological Science.

Requirements for completion

A program in Psychology requires 60 credit points, consisting of:

(i) A 48 credit point major in Psychological Science
(ii) 6 credit points of 2000-level program core units
(iii) 6 credit points of 3000-level program core units

First year

In the first year, you will be introduced to all the disciplines in Psychology, including behavioural neuroscience, personality theory, social influences on the behaviour of individuals and groups, forensic psychology, health psychology, developmental psychology, abnormal psychology, memory, attention, intelligence, sensory processes and perception, research methods, and theories of learning and motivation.

Core: PSYC1001 Psychology 1001 and PSYC1002 Psychology 1002.

Second year

In the second year, you will study all the core disciplines introduced in first-year Psychology at a deeper level across four courses rather than two.

Students complete core units from their Psychological Science major, plus 6cp from: PSYC2X15 Brain and Behavioural Psychology.

Third year

The third year courses allow students to continue their studies in the core research methods used in Psychology, and to specialise in a few of the major research disciplines in Psychology.

Students complete 48 credit points of selective units from their Psychological Science major, plus PSYC3010 Advanced Statistics for Psychology to make up the Program.

Specialist selective courses can be selected in the areas of Learning and Behaviour, Perceptual Systems, Cognitive Psychology, Neuroscience, Developmental Psychology, Social Psychology, Differential Psychology, Applied Psychology (Forensic, Health, Organisational), Clinical Psychology, and Theoretical Psychology.

In your third year you must take at least one designated project unit.

Fourth year

The fourth year is only offered within the Bachelor of Advanced Studies course.

Advanced Coursework
The Bachelor of Advanced Studies advanced coursework option consists of 48 credit points, with a minimum of 24 credit points at 4000-level or above. Of these 24 credit points, you must complete a project unit of study worth at least 12 credit points.

Honours
Meritorious students may apply for admission to Honours within a subject area of the Bachelor of Advanced Studies. Admission to Honours requires the prior completion of all requirements of the Bachelor's degree, including Open Learning Environment (OLE) units. If you are considering applying for admission to Honours, ensure your degree planning takes into account the completion of a second major and all OLE requirements prior to Honours commencement.

Unit of study requirements for Honours in the area of Psychology: completion of 24 credit points of project work and 24 credit points of coursework.

Contact and further information

W sydney.edu.au/science/study/study-areas/psychology
E
T +61 2 9351 7327

Address:
School of Psychology
Brennan MacCallum (A18)
The University of Sydney NSW 2006

Dr Ian Johnston
E
T +61 2 9351 4353


Psychology is the scientific study of human behaviour and mental processes. Professional training is available at the postgraduate level. The research activities of the school cover all of the main branches of the discipline. Extensive information about the subject and the school is available on the school website: sydney.edu.au/science/schools/school-of-psychology

Learning Outcomes

Students who graduate from Psychology will be able to:

1. Critique the major theories of core disciplines within the psychological sciences.
2. Apply and evaluate both foundation and advanced research methods in Psychology including research design, data analysis and interpretation, and the appropriate use of technologies.
3. Select, critically evaluate and synthesise information from appropriate research and literature and communicate findings in scientific research reports, essays, presentations and other media.
4. Apply psychological concepts to personal, social, and professional issues, and across cultural and social boundaries.
5. Plan, design, carry out and interpret experimental research in Psychology, utilising deep knowledge in the principles of statistics and experimental design.
6. Address authentic problems in psychology and behavioural sciences, working professionally and ethically and with consideration of cross-cultural perspectives, within collaborative, interdisciplinary teams.
7. Recognise and apply the ethical standards of the discipline and profession, demonstrating an understanding of the complexity of sociocultural and international diversity, and the value of empirical evidence.