Psychology is a multifaceted discipline that encompasses many areas of study such as human development, health, clinical, social behavior and cognitive processes. According to the American Psychological association, it is the scientific study of the mind and behavior. 

Psychology is considered a social science due to its emphasis on the social nature of human behavior. It is a discipline that involves an interaction between the individual, their environment and other individuals. In other words, students who take up psychology will study how people behave and why they behave the way they do.  Psychology looks at the way people think, act, react and interact with one another and it studies human behaviors and the thoughts and emotions that influence these behaviors.

In a Psychology program, students will learn about theory, research and the practical application of psychological science. Students are trained to deal with issues like trauma, depression, anxiety, mental disorders, addiction and therapy and with the help of scientific researches, practitioners of psychology learn and interpret human activities and decisions and then translate that understanding into strategies to assist human beings into making healthier life choices.

While a degree in Psychology offers clear advantages for those pursuing a career in the field of behavioural sciences, the skills acquired at the undergraduate and post graduate level will equip students to better manage situations encountered in everyday life.

Study levels:

Psychology has become one of the most popular subjects to study at the degree level as many degree courses are accredited and follow the professional body guidelines. Colleges and Universities offer courses that can focus on scientific research and/or applied psychology under the following study levels:

• Bachelor of Science in Psychology
• Bachelor of Arts in Psychology
• Bachelor Degree in Psychological Sciences
• Bachelor of Arts in Applied Psychology and Human Relations
• Bachelor of Arts in Community Psychology
• Bachelor of Science in Business Psychology
• Bachelor of Arts in Psychology with Criminology and Criminal Justice
• Bachelor of Arts in Personality and Social Psychology
• Bachelor of Arts in Forensic Psychology
• Master of Science in Organizational Psychology
• Master of Science in Environmental Psychology
• Master of Science in Criminology and Criminal Psychology
• Master of Arts in Psychology
• Master of Science in Marketing and Consumer Psychology
• Master Degree in Business and Organizational Psychology
• Master of Science in Psychology
• Master Degree in Clinical Child and Adolescent Psychology
• Master Degree in Applied Cognitive Psychology
• MPhil in Psychology
• PhD in Psychology

Specialisations:

There are a lot of paths that students can take while studying Psychology. These paths will determine what type of Psychologist they will become. Each with its own theories and techniques, students can choose to specialise in specific areas such as the following:

• Clinical Psychology
• Human Factors Psychology
• Counselling Psychology
• Industrial or Organizational Psychology
• Developmental Psychology
• Neuro and Physio Psychology
• Forensic Psychology
• Educational Psychology
• Environmental Psychology
• Cognitive Psychology
• Human Factors Psychology
• School Psychology
• Social Psychology
• Physiological Psychology
• Health Psychology
• Sports Psychology

Employability:

Depending on their interests and the level of qualification, graduates with a degree in psychology are well placed to pursue careers in both the arts and scientific fields. While certain jobs are significantly professional careers, other related jobs are made accessible by the transferable skills acquired throughout the course.

Professional careers requiring, or directly relevant to, studying psychology:

• Clinical psychologist
• Counselling psychologist
• Educational psychologist
• Health psychologist
• Forensic psychologist
• Neuropsychologist
• Occupational psychologist
• Sports psychologist
• Psychological wellbeing practitioner
• Further education teacher/ university lecturer

Related careers:

• Advice worker
• Psychiatrist
• Career adviser
• Councelor
• Detective
• Human resources officer
• Market researcher
• Consultant
• Psychotherapist
• Mental health nurse