The idea of studying psychology and eventually working in the field is exciting. However, although you may have some understanding about what you will be doing, you may find yourself having to answer questions from family and friends. These may include, "Just what is psychology anyway?" and, "Does this mean you will be analyzing me?"

Attempting to put them straight may ultimately leave you confused, so here are some insights and answers! Psychology is a wide-ranging discipline that involves the study of people - how they think, act, feel, perceive, react and how they interrelate. Concerned with all aspects of behaviour, psychology looks at the thoughts, feelings and motivation, which underlies such behaviour. Psychology integrates different areas of knowledge that involve science and the arts (Hayes, 1996). Sound impressive? Are you feeling inspired? Well read on.

Courses in psychology aim to give you an understanding of why humans behave as they do, why they differ from one another and how they are affected by living and working together. An undergraduate course provides the basis for the study of psychology at higher levels but also equips you with basic skills in analysing, understanding researching, changing, and evaluating human behaviour as well as exploring the interaction between people and their physical and social environments.

Psychology is special because it not only teaches a particular psychological skill (relevant to other disciplines) but it equips you with a large number of skills and a range of knowledge. Psychology graduates are equipped to undertake many diverse occupations. Through their coursework, psychology students are trained to be highly literate and numerate, pragmatic, generally computer literate, have well developed information finding and research skills, and be environmentally aware. Another important area of expertise is interpersonal awareness. Graduates have learned about social communication and sources of interpersonal conflict, have problem-solving skills, can critically evaluate, and are trained to look at issues from a broad perspective by identifying different ideologies, clarifying social issues and providing a wider view of arguments (Hayes, 1996).

The following information is to draw your attention to the many possibilities available when applying psychology to the workforce. Students undertaking a Major in Psychology at Edith Cowan University can focus their studies on a future career goal.

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• ECU offers psychology courses that are accredited with the Australian Psychological Society (APS).
• Because psychology covers valuable generic skills like critical thinking, analysis and problem-solving, it can be combined as a double major with other interest areas like criminology, addiction studies, women's studies or children and family studies.
• ECU's psychology team recently won a national award for a unique support program that provides undergraduate students with peer mentoring, tutor training and learning communities.
• The University's research strengths lie in community and forensic psychology, particularly psychology and family law, social psychology and developmental psychology.
• Graduates of ECU's Psychology program have a firm understanding of human behaviour and a solid foundation in behavioural science, making them employable across a wide range of industries.

The Bachelor of Arts (Psychology) course is provided for students with a humanities background who are interested in careers comprising psychology and areas from arts and humanities, such as children studies, youth work, human services, disability studies,criminology.

The Bachelor of Science (Psychology) course is provided for students with a science background who are interested in careers combining psychology and areas from science and technology such as aviation science, environmental management, human biology, sports science and computer science.

• Top 10 Universities nationally in terms of overall graduate satisfaction - Graduate Careers Council surveys
• 5-stars for academic qualifications - Good University Guide 2002
• 5-stars for entry flexibility - Good University Guide 2004
• 5-stars for indigenous participation - Good University Guide 2004
• Winner of Prime Minister's award for University Teacher of the Year 2002
• A member of the Association of Commonwealth Universities, Australian Vice-Chancellor's Committee and National Unified System of Australian Universities
• Research Institutes and Centres staffed by internationally-renowned researchers, many of whom work at the cutting edge of their fields

A track record of technology-based learning systems that are amongst the most advanced in Australia.

Edith Cowan University provides psychological services to the community of Perth at a teaching clinic which is located in Joondalup. The clinic is the primary training centre for postgraduate students in the School of Psychology at ECU.

These students have degrees in psychology and are undertaking training in specialist areas. Services are provided under the direct supervision of experienced staff members who are specialist psychologists.

Do visit Edith Cowan University for more information.

The Bachelor of Arts/ Science (Psychology) programme consists of 16 units delivered in a modular structure to suit the schedule of busy professionals.

BACHELOR OF ARTS (PSYCHOLOGY) / BACHELOR OF SCIENCE (PSYCHOLOGY)

Core Units (16 units)
PSY1101 Introduction to Psychology
PSY1102 Research Methods in Psychology 1
PSY1111 Psychology: History and Perspectives

PSY1204 Social Determinants of Behaviour
PSY2202 Research Methods in Psychology 2
PSY2301 Learning and Motivation

PSY2214 Biological Psychology
PSY2231 Developmental Psychology

PSY3304 Cognition
PSY3343 Abnormal Psychology
PSY3202 Personality

PSY3303 Research Methods
PSY3216 Group Processes and Group Management
TPR3101 Contemporary Challenges in Therapeutic Practice

PSY3211 Cultural Issues in Psychology
PSY3203 Psychology of Interpersonal Skills

• SMa Specialist Diploma in Psychology
• Diploma holders from Polytechnics
• Psychology related Diploma from Commercial institutions including PATH, Kaplan, Learning Capital and Lee Community
• Applicants with other relevant diploma qualifications may also apply, but will be assessed on a case-by-case basis by the University.

March & July every year

*Applications to be submitted 6 weeks before commencement.

Interested applicants are required to submit the following:

• Duly-completed application form that can be obtained from SMa School of Management or SMa web site
• Certified true copies of all education certificates and transcripts
• Application processing fee of S$20 (non-refundable)
• 2 passport-sized photos

* Reservations will not be entertained.

All notice of withdrawal must be in writing. A full refund of the course fees paid will be made if notice of withdrawal is received more than 60 days before course commencement. If notice of withdrawal is received between 60 to 30 days before course commencment, 75% of course fees paid will be refunded.

No refund will be made after the course has commenced. Course Fee paid will not be refunded in the event of deferment regardless of whether the request made is prior to commencement or after the commencement of the course.

SMa reserves the right to make changes to the programme structure, admission requirements, course fee, examination rules and regulations, lecturers, date and venue of lectures.