Psychology (Extended Major)

Career Pathways

Psychology is relevant to almost any human endeavour, which means a psychology degree, or some complementary psychology studies, are relevant not only for traditional psychology careers, but for a wide range of careers. For example, there are psychologists designing cockpits for NASA, computer software interfaces, personnel selection systems, or age-appropriate toys; psychologists develop market research strategies, or train people in a variety of settings.

Traditional careers in psychology:

• Clinical Psychologist—assess, diagnose, and treat mental health conditions; design and assess treatment interventions; be involved in research, teaching and supervision; promote psychological health
• Clinical Neuropsychologist—assess and treat people with a wide range of brain injuries or disorders; design and assess treatment interventions; be involved in research, teaching and supervision; promote brain health
• Industrial and Organisational Psychologist—recruit and select personnel; design and evaluate behavioural training programs; develop leadership and management skills; optimise job design, performance, and workplace culture; foster employee wellbeing and work-life balance
• Educational and Developmental Psychologist, School Psychologist—assess developmental, learning, and behavioural difficulties; design and evaluate interventions; promote positive development
• Sport Psychologist—work with athletes and teams, addressing the wide range of psychological factors associated with sports performance (e.g., goal focus, team building, stress management, communication skills)
• Health Psychologist—assess community health issues; design, implement, and assess public-health and behaviour-change programs; promote health behaviours
• Forensic Psychologist—conduct forensic interviews; provide psychological assessments; give evidence in court proceedings,/li>

Please note these traditional career paths often require postgraduate studies and registration as a psychologist.

Non-traditional careers in psychology:

Public sector

• Government agencies
• CSIRO
• Australian Bureau of Statistics
• Federal and State Police Forces

Not-for-profit sector

• Mental health, addiction and disability support services
• Community and welfare services
• Children, youth and parenting services
• Charities

Private sector

• Corporate business
• Banks and financial service providers
• Professional service firms
• Market research, marketing, public relations, and advertising firms; consumer goods companies
• Employment services, and industrial relations

Education sector

• Schools and universities