Bachelor of Science in Psychology

Introduction

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).

Careers in Psychology

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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Reasons to Psych Yourself Up

• 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 programme 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 programme have a firm understanding of human behaviour and a solid foundation in behavioural science, making them employable across a wide range of industries.

Awards & Accreditation

• The Psychology undergraduate programmes offered by the School received full accreditation from the Australian Psychology Accreditation Council (APAC) and are recognised by the Australian Psychological Society (APS)
• 5-star Rating for Teaching Quality, Generic Skills and Overall Satisfaction - 2011 Good Universities Guide
• Awarded the prestigious Ashley Goldsworthy Award for Sustained Collaboration between Business & Higher Education in the fields of research & development and education & training – 2010 Business Higher Education Round Table (B-HERT)
• Professor Alfred Allan of the ECU School of Psychology and Social Science has been appointed by the Australian Health Workforce Ministerial Council as a member of the inaugural Psychology Board of Australia. The appointment is recognition of Professor Allan's expertise in the area of health ethics and law and his contribution to psychology in Australia
• ECU's Professor Ralph Martins was named Western Australia Australian of the Year 2010. Professor Martins is one of the world's leading researchers into Alzheimer's disease
• ECU is the largest provider of Psychology, Social Science and Community Studies courses in Western Australia
• The Psychology undergraduate programmes offered by the School are accredited and recognised by the Australian Psychology Accreditation Council (APAC) and the Australian Psychological Society (APS)
• ECU is a member of the Association of Commonwealth Universities, Australian Vice-Chancellor's Committee and National Unified Systems of Australian Universities
• A track record of technology-based learning systems that are amongst the most advanced in Australia.

ECU Psychological Services Centre

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.

Structure & Content

This programme consists of sixteen (16) core units delivered in a modular structure to suit the schedule of busy professionals. Students may be granted advanced standing depending on the entry qualification(s).

Core Units (12 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
• PSY3350 Biological Psychology, Sensation and Perception
• PSY2231 Developmental Psychology
• PSY3304 Cognition
• PSY3343 Abnormal Psychology
• PSY2305 Individual Differences
• PSY3303 Research Applications and Ethical Issues

Elective Units (choose 4 out of 5)

• PSY3216 Group Processes and Group Management
• PSY3211 Cultural Issues in Psychology
• COU3201 Contemporary Challenges in Therapeutic Practice
• PSY3306 Psychology, Community and Work
• PSY3246 Systems Consultation

Duration

The minimum duration of completion is two (2) years.

Assessment Methods

All units will be assessed through a combination of course work and examination.

Programme Fees

The programme fees include school registration, course notes, selected articles, assignments, main examinations, degree certificate upon completion and transcript. Programme fees are due and payable as follows:

 All fees stated are subject to prevailing GST and in Singapore dollars. Fees are to be made payable to "SMa Institute of Higher Learning Pte Ltd" in accordance with the above schedule. Candidates who do not comply with the fee schedule will not be permitted to proceed with the programme.

For a full schedule of the miscellaneous fees, please click here:

 http://www.sma.edu.sg/MiscellaneousFees.pdf

Intakes

March / July / November

Entry Requirements

Applicants should possess one (1) of the following:

• SMa Institute Specialist Diploma in Psychology
• Diploma from Polytechnics
• Recognised Diploma from private education institutions

Applicants with other relevant diploma qualifications may also apply, but will be assessed on a case-by-case basis by the University.

Applicants must also demonstrate proficiency in English Language (EL1) or its equivalent:

• GCE 'O' level with grade C6 & above, OR
• IELTS minimum band score of 6.0 (with no band below 6.0) OR
• TOEFL score of at least 550 (paper-based) or 213 (computer-based) or 80 (Internet-based)

Applicants may be required to undertake additional units / modules / programme in order to achieve full advanced standing. The final decision rests with Edith Cowan University.

Application Procedure

Edith Cowan University takes about three (3) weeks to process each application. Therefore, it is advisable for potential students to submit application at least six (6) weeks before the commencement of each intake. All applications must be submitted to SMa Institute of Higher Learning (SMa Institute) before the closing date. Each application package must contain the following items:

• A duly completed application form affixed with one (1) passport-size photograph
• Certified true copies of highest academic qualifications and relevant transcripts
• Photocopy of NRIC (front and back)
• Resume required for matured candidates

Last update 26 May 2011

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