Psychological and Behavioural Sciences

3 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

University of Western Australia

Program Overview

The Psychological and Behavioural Sciences major at The University of Western Australia (UWA) is for curious minds who want to understand why people think, feel, and behave the way they do. It’s ideal for students who love solving people‑centred problems, enjoy hands‑on research, and are excited about careers that make a real difference in business, health, community, or social settings.

Curriculum Structure:
In first year, you’ll build a strong foundation in the essentials of psychology with units like Psychology: Mind and Brain and Psychology: Behaviour in Context. You’ll explore how scientists study behaviour, start thinking like a researcher, and see how lab insights connect with everyday life.

In second year, your learning deepens. You’ll take units such as Research Methods and Analysis in Psychology I, Psychology and Social Behaviour, and Cognitive Neuroscience. Here, you’ll design simple studies, interpret data confidently, and explore how people grow and interact in society.

By third year, everything comes together. Advanced units like Psychological Measurement and its Application, Psychopathology, and Cognitive Psychology will let you apply your skills to real-world questions. You’ll understand how to measure behaviour, analyse thinking patterns, and see how this knowledge can shape careers in human services, business, or data-driven fields.

Focus Areas:
You’ll explore behaviour across the lifespan, research methods, cognition, social interaction, and the links between brain and behaviour.

Learning Outcomes:
Graduates leave with a scientific understanding of human thought and action, strong analytical and research skills, and the ability to apply psychological insights in a wide range of professional settings.

Professional Alignment:
While this major isn’t a professional psychology qualification on its own, it provides a strong, accredited foundation that can lead into Honours and postgraduate pathways if you want to pursue registration or specialised careers in psychology.

Reputation & Employability:
UWA’s psychology programs are highly regarded — consistently ranked 1st in Western Australia and 10th nationally by the QS World University Rankings by Subject — giving graduates a real edge in the job market.

If you want a degree that blends scientific discovery with meaningful insights into everyday life, the Psychological and Behavioural Sciences major at UWA offers a welcoming, world-class learning experience.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

If you’ve ever wondered why people think, feel, and behave the way they do—and want to go beyond just reading about it—UWA’s Psychological and Behavioural Sciences major could be an exciting fit. From day one, you won’t just learn theories; you’ll roll up your sleeves and explore how psychologists actually study behaviour, giving you real confidence in research, analysis, and scientific thinking. You’ll work with real data, experiment with measurement tools, and uncover the ways our brains shape how we act, so by the time you finish, you’re not just knowledgeable—you’re practiced.

Here’s what learning by doing looks like in this major:

Research Methods and Analysis in Psychology I gets you designing studies, collecting data, and analysing results—like a real psychologist in training.
Psychological Measurement and its Application lets you try out the tools professionals use to measure behaviour and abilities firsthand.
Units like Cognitive Neuroscience and Perception and Sensory Neuropsychology give you a deeper understanding of how brain and behaviour connect, through applied experiments and scientific inquiry.
The program builds gradually, moving from foundational topics to more advanced areas like psychopathology and cognitive psychology, so your analytical skills grow steadily alongside your knowledge.
If you’re excited by research, there’s even a clear path to Honours, letting you take on your own independent project in your final year.

In short, if you’re someone who learns best by doing—and wants to understand human behaviour while building hands-on research skills—this major is designed to give you those opportunities every step of the way.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates from UWA’s Psychological and Behavioural Sciences program step into a world of opportunities where understanding human behaviour is at the centre of every role. Many find themselves thriving as research assistants, human resources specialists, policy advisors, or in community engagement roles, using their insights to make real impact.

Here’s what this means for you:

UWA Career Services: You’ll have access to dedicated support through the UWA Careers Centre, including mentoring, internships, and guidance on building your professional network.
Industry Connections: The program links you with local and national organisations, giving you hands-on experience and connections that often translate directly into employment opportunities.
Accreditation & Recognition: As an accredited pathway within psychology, your degree carries weight for professional and postgraduate opportunities, ensuring your qualifications are widely respected.
Graduate Outcomes: UWA graduates are known for their employability and analytical skills, giving you a strong foundation to start a rewarding career immediately after your degree.

Further Academic Progression:
After completing this program, you can continue your studies through pathways such as UWA’s Honours in Psychology, the Master of Business Psychology, or the Graduate Certificate in Business Psychology. These options allow you to deepen your expertise, specialise in areas like organisational or clinical psychology, and open doors to advanced research or professional practice.