You now know all the facts and stats about the Bachelor of Psychology at WSU. If you don’t, have a quick read here.
But, are you still curious about how people feel about this degree? Wonder no more!
We chatted with Emma, a Bachelor of Psychology Student at WSU, about what this degree is really like to study.
Have a look!
Why should you study a Psychology degree at WSU?
Top 3 Pros of a Psychology Degree
Top 3 Cons of a Psychology Degree
Mistakes You Shouldn’t Make
Things to Know Before Starting WSU Psychology
What Makes this Degree Different
Motivations for Studying WSU Psychology
Potential Career Paths
Why should you study a Psychology degree at WSU?
A psychology degree can really help you to better understand the world around you and the human civilisation as a whole. To have a psychology degree under your belt demonstrates that you’re a person who prioritises empathy and understanding in the interactions you have with others.
Studying a Bachelor of Psychology at WSU can be a launchpad for further study to become an accredited Psychologist!
“I chose to study a bachelor of Psychology because I have always been interested in a career in this discipline. This degree is a platform for me to continue my studies to become a Psychologist,” Emma tells us.
Top 3 Pros of an Arts degree
#1: The life skills this degree gives students
The Bachelor of Psychology at WSU gives students a vast amount of skills, such as empathy, critical thinking and an enhanced sense of self. Not only are these skills useful in the psychology space, they are skills that will be impactful for life!
Within the field of psychology, it’s essential to be personable and kind. Emma says these are skills you become familiarised with throughout the degree, “This degree has taught me a lot about how to best approach people with varying needs!”
#2: The electives
“There are elective spaces within this degree! We are able to branch out and specialise in different areas if we want to,” Emma says.
The Bachelor of Psychology at WSU has a vast range of electives that can help students to specialise within a certain area! Some of these units include Health Psychology, Psychology of Language and Community Engaged Learning.
#3: The cohort
Studying a very human-centred degree, it would be difficult to excel if you were not friendly and open. This means the WSU Psychology cohort are a lovely bunch to be around!
“Everyone is genuinely very kind. If you need someone to talk to or ask a question, the cohort is so lovely for that!” Emma tells us.
Top 3 Cons of a Psychology degree
#1: To graduate with a Bachelor of Psychology you must complete an Honours year
Emma reveals, “The Bachelor of Psychology is technically a four year degree if you want to graduate with the Bachelor of Psychology.”
Unfortunately, you really do have to complete that extra year of study in order to graduate with a Bachelor of Psychology — you can’t take shortcuts. Otherwise, you graduate with a Bachelor of Psychological Studies if you only complete the three years of study.
If you enjoy learning about the theories of psychology that’s completely fine, but if you’re looking at becoming a Psychologist, you’ll need to do the extra study which will provide the pathways into postgrad studies.
#2: No practical placements
You don’t get a lot of exposure to what it’s like in the field as there aren’t any practical placements embedded in the degree. The closest you’ll get is by participating in other psych students’ studies and research, and you’re definitely encouraged to get experience!
Emma tells us, “We are encouraged to participate in other students studies, sometimes. It can get us credit towards certain units.”
#3: Long hours
“There are lots of different ways to learn within this degree, but this degree still has a focus on face-to-face learning! Most of the time you will be on campus at a lecture or workshop,” Emma says.
The Bachelor of Psychology at WSU is a degree that is very content heavy — students who aren’t keen on lots of reading and writing may get a shock at first! Due to this degree being extremely content heavy, students will need to be on campus for a long time each week — the average amount of time is around 20 hours.
Any regrets?
There could be parts of this degree that you find difficult to understand, and that’s okay! Do not suffer in silence — if you need help, ask for it right away. Try not to fall behind as then it will become even more difficult to catch up.
“Do not stress out if you are not understanding something! It is important to be able to see where you are having trouble and to ask for help when needed. I regret no one telling me this sooner,” Emma tells us.
What do you wish you had known before starting the degree?
Emma went into the degree with the expectation that she’ll be learning mainly about the mind and how it works, but there’s actually so much more that she’s had the chance to learn.
“This degree is not only about the mind, it also has a focus on environments in which psychology can be useful. I did not know this! There is such a big range of topics you will cover that you may not have thought about before,” Emma says.
What makes this degree different from the ones offered at other universities?
Emma tells us, “The Bachelor of Psychology at Western is different as it has such a focus on each individual’s success. I can’t speak for other unis of course though!”
Another factor that makes WSU distinct from other universities is the fact that there are several campuses in which this degree is offered! So you can choose (if you’d like) the campus which is most conveniently located near you.
You can study at Bankstown, Parramatta South or the Penrith Campus!
What inspired you to choose this degree?
“I live close by. This degree has allowed me to have access to uni and not have to travel extremely far! I have always wanted to study this degree, and I am very happy I can so close to home!” Emma says.
Like Emma, convenience and location can be a major factor that impacts your choice of degree and university. It’s really whatever works for you!
What are the possible career paths?
There are many different industries that WSU Psychology students can end up in! Students could find themselves working in areas such as:
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- Clinical, industrial and organisational psychology
- Disability services
- Psychology and the law
- The media
- Community psychology
- Forensic psychology
With further study, you could go on to become a research academic in the field, or a Psychologist!
Matilda Elliott is a Content Writer at Art of Smart and a Communication graduate with a major in Journalism at Western Sydney University. You can find some of her published work in a range of platforms including SBS World News, The Music Network and within her own creative exploits with her twin sister. Matilda is a lover of listening, helping people to tell their stories, making genuine connections, clowning around in her circus troupe and dancing like no one is watching at live music shows!
