Psychology is the scientific study of behaviour, human experience and mental processes. It considers explanations and causes of behaviour and applies that knowledge to help individuals and groups in clinical settings, education, employment and the community.
With further postgraduate study students can aim to be Psychologists. Psychologists study both normal and abnormal behaviour and the mental processes of individuals from early childhood to old age.
The knowledge and skills gained through studying psychology provide a sound basis for careers in areas where a good understanding of human behaviour, sound communication and interpersonal skills, and well-developed research and analytical abilities are vital. Graduates with a psychology major find employment in the public sector and in business, in areas such as: health and human services; education (after a completing a teaching qualification); community welfare; employment and training; management and marketing. Employment opportunities for graduates with fourth-year and postgraduate training in psychology include: clinical psychology; child and adolescent services; sport psychology; rehabilitation services; educational guidance; disability services; organisational psychology; the defence forces; forensic services.
Membership of the Australian Psychological Society (APS) requires a four-year accredited degree followed by at least a two-year postgraduate degree. To register as a psychologist in Tasmania, either a four-year accredited degree followed by appropriate supervised experience, or two years of postgraduate training is required. Undergraduate, honours and postgraduate programs offered by the School of Psychology are accredited by the APS.
This 3-year (minimum) full-time or part-time course is offered by the Faculty of Science, Engineering and Technology and is available at Hobart and Launceston. The main intake to the Bachelor of Science is February, however a mid-year intake in July is also available. Students interested in Psychology, may like to consider studying a major or minor in Psychology.
For all other Psychology related courses, please refer to the Faculty of Health Science website.
(For research trained degrees, see the Research section.)
This 1 year full-time, 2 year part-time (maximum) course is available at Hobart and, subject to available supervision, at Launceston. It aims to provide advanced training in the major area of the student's pass degree, opportunity for training in research, to prepare candidates for further research study (eg MSc and PhD) and employment in research organisations, and an in-depth knowledge in a single area of science.
The Graduate Diploma in Science allows students to obtain a science major in an area outside their specialisation, such as Plant Science. Applications are open to graduates from all disciplines provided that the prerequisites for the field of specialisation are met, or other evidence of fitness to undertake the work is provided.
For all other Psychology related courses, please refer to the Faculty of Health Science website.