ACAPISNOWAUNIVERSITYCOLLEGE
PSYCHOLOGY STARTER GUIDE
A GUIDE TO STUDYING PSYCHOLOGY AT ACAP UNIVERSITY COLLEGE
MESSAGE FROM THE DEAN
At ACAP University College you can future proof your career by obtaining the qualification you need for your chosen profession and prospective world of work.
Our team of knowledgeable academics and experienced industry professionals are committed to delivering a learning experience that integrates contemporary work practices and industry relevancy. We provide a distinctive student-centred learning environment based on active learning activities and feedbackfocussed authentic assessment tasks. Our philosophy is simple: the best way for you to learn about human interaction is to interact.
You can choose to attend class on-campus at one of our central city locations, virtually (online), or a combination of both (hybrid delivery). Whichever mode of delivery you choose, our learning support team will provide you with the necessary academic, professional and personal assistance throughout your studies to achieve your goals.
I look forward to welcoming you and guaranteeing you feel a sense of belonging during your time learning at ACAP and beyond.
Professor Christopher Klopper SFHEA Dean - ACAP University College
WE ARE NOW A UNIVERSITY COLLEGE
In July 2024, ACAP was recognised by the Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency (TEQSA) as a University College. This signifies the ongoing commitment made to sustained quality and excellence in education delivery, exceptional student outcomes, and genuine engagement with employers, industry and professional bodies.
As a result of our elevated status, ACAP is now formally known as ACAP University College. Joining an elite group of providers in this category, ACAP is the only provider delivering a suite of national courses for mental health professions, human services, law and management.
Study at ACAP to receive a University College qualification when you graduate, coupled with the hands-on, practical experience we’re renowned for, ensuring you are prepared for a truly impactful career.
With ACAP University College, you’ll develop a profound understanding of human emotion and behaviour, so you can build meaningful relationships that encourage personal growth, empower and enrich lives, including your own.
A WORLD OF REWARDING OPPORTUNITIES AWAITS
Career opportunities are endless with a degree in psychology.
With a qualification in psychology, you would have desirable skills to a vast range of employers and you could find yourself in a fulfilling career.
What does a psychologist do?
Psychology is the scientific study of the human mind and behaviour. In your studies you will explore theories around what determines the way people think, feel and behave at individual and group levels to gain a deep understanding. You’ll develop extensive knowledge and learn practical skills you can use in your own personal life, and as a professional.
Psychologists utilise the theoretical and practical knowledge they learnt to changes lives for the better.
Where could a qualification in psychology lead to?
Psychology graduates can work in a variety of fields and specialties such as in health and social welfare, social or market research, human services, mental health, disability and ageing services, juvenile justice, immigration and refugee support services, community based, government and non-government organisations, hospitals, rehabilitation agencies, substance abuse services, youth services, police force, law courts, prisons and counselling services.
Note that graduates will need to complete the Psychology Board of Australia approved internship and achieve general registration to practice as a psychologist in Australia.
13.3%
Jobs in Australia right now
5,724 $103K
Projected job growth in 5 years
Typical salary in Australia
* seek.com.au/career-advice/role/psychologist
WHERE COULD
PSYCHOLOGY LEAD TO?
Employment for psychologists is predicted to rise, and there are roles in specialty areas such as:
• Clinical Psychology
• Clinical Neuropsychology
• Counselling
• Sport and Exercise Psychology
• Forensic Psychology
• Education
• Developmental Psychology
4.2
Above average job satisfaction
WHY STUDY PSYCHOLOGY?
Read what two senior academics in the ACAP University College Psychological Sciences department have to say about studying psychology. John and Fiona have a combined 20 years’ experience at ACAP and are a wealth of knowledge in a broad range of specialities in the psychology field.
Associate Professor Fiona Ann Papps
Fiona has extensive experience in post-secondary teaching, both in Australia and abroad, providing her expertise at ACAP for more than 10 years. She presents her research locally and abroad on the topics of body image and embodiment, gender and sexuality, madness, and death.
What personal attributes do you think people need to study psychology?
The three personal attributes that support students in their study of psychology include openness, receptivity, and curiosity. Being open encourages us to be receptive to the experiences of others, and to grasp that there are multiple lenses through which we can view others, ourselves, and the world around us. Being curious encourages us in exploration. These attributes not only serve us well throughout out our degrees, but into our careers and as human beings.
Why do you believe psychology is an important field?
What makes us the way we are has long been of fascination – even before psychology as a discipline existed. Given the increase in reported challenges to mental health in the contemporary space, becoming an expert in human behaviour and supporting people to thrive becomes particularly important.
What potential careers could students pursue with a psychology degree?
Psychology degrees have a wide range of applications, including for roles such as behavioural health experts, disability and ageing support workers, social policy researchers, psychologists, child protection, case workers and substance abuse experts. People can also apply a psychology lens to roles in various fields such as marketing, teaching, intelligence – the list is endless.
If you have to pick one, what would be your favourite unit to teach students and why?
My favourite unit to teach students is – bizarrely – research methods and statistics. Students often come into psychology with a fear of this unit and it’s a great experience being able to de-mystify numbers and their purpose. It’s exciting for me, too, to inspire a joy for investigation. Showing students how research can be used to build knowledge that can empower minorities also inspires me and speaks to the social justice perspective that I believe is core to education at ACAP.
John boasts 30 years of experience as an academic, with 10 years at ACAP. He has received numerous teaching awards at the institutional and national level. John’s area of special teaching expertise is in the area of research design, methodology and quantitative data analysis.
What are some topics in psychology that you find particularly fascinating?
I was attracted to psychology because of an interest in human behaviour and mental activity. Two areas that I think will have the most impact on our future understanding include brain scanning and research methodology. Dramatic improvements in brain scanning brought about through technologies such as fMRI have allowed us to take a direct look into the working brain when people are engaging in a range of tasks. As this technology becomes more accessible, our understanding of the biological basis of human mental activity will expand. I am also very excited by some of the changes that are taking place in research methodology. It’s easy to see this area as static because some of the techniques are hundreds of years old, but there have been changes in how we investigate psychology, and collect and analyse data that are going to have an enormous impact on our understanding.
What advice would you give students who are considering studying psychology?
An undergraduate degree with a major in psychology is a science degree. The application as a mode of professional service comes with postgraduate study. Also, even more important, view your psychology degree as more than just pathway to a career in psychology. A psychology degree provides you with a range of attributes and competencies that can be used in a wide range of work and study pathways beyond psychology. See it as a generalist degree that can take you in many directions.
If you have to pick one, what would be your favourite unit to teach students and why?
I have taught first-year research methods to commencing students throughout my academic career and will continue to do so for as long as possible. It is much more than teaching people how to do research, although that’s certainly important. It’s also about learning how to consume the research of others, which involves understanding that work, critiquing it, and being able to apply it. Importantly this unit enables students to think like a researcher, so that students see the world through a research-informed lens.
Professor John Reece
WHY ACAP UNIVERSITY COLLEGE?
One focus, unlimited pathways.
ACAP has delivered specialist courses in human behaviour since 1983.
We’re more than just a college. We are a supportive community with deep experience that will support you on every step of your fascinating journey into the world of counselling.
We offer:
• Flexible learning options to suit you.
• Smaller class sizes - personalised learning.
• Work integrated learning - real life work experience before graduation.
We’re proud of our deep knowledge in counselling and our passionate academic team, empowering you to make real change in the world when you graduate.
Psychology is insightful
We believe that by digging deep into the workings of human behaviour, we have the insight to better understand our world to make the positive changes it needs and deserves. No matter what field you choose to work in, an understanding of the human mind and how it works, will take you further. To see more, understand more and achieve more.
Supportive learning
Our understanding of human behaviour is reflected in the way you study with us. Smaller, interactive classes to help you excel. Where we know you by name and you’re not shy to speak up and discuss your ideas, role-play and support each other. Where your passion for learning is mirrored equally by our passion for experiential teaching.
Real world ready
We’re outcomes focused, meaning it’s not just about what you learn when you’re with us, but what you’re capable of when you graduate. ACAP’s strong industry connections and placement component (for applicable courses) means that you will graduate equipped for your career.
WHEN YOU STUDY AT ACAP UNIVERSITY COLLEGE, YOU ARE NOT ALONE
Along your study journey you’ll have ACAP’s community of educators, support services and fellow students with you for encouragement and guidance. We come from many backgrounds and experiences, but we all share the belief that counselling is the key to a better world.
Kareem Bachelor of Psychological Science (Honours)
“At ACAP I have benefited from so many valuable experiences. I feel that there is a genuine involvement with student learning which has helped me on my way to achieve my goal of a Clinical Psychology Masters.”
“With small class sizes, ACAP is more like a family environment - a community. You won’t be forgotten and the teachers pay attention to what you’re doing. They give you the time and space you need to learn and succeed.”
“Experience is key to learning especially in a field like psychology. Exposure through ACAP placements has been the most important part of my learning process and motivation for further study.”
STUDENT SUPPORT SERVICES
Aranya Graduate Diploma of Professional Psychology
Jazz
Graduate Diploma of Psychological Science
ADVICE FROM OUR GRADUATES
Some
FEES AND PAYMENTS
Don’t let funding get in the way of your study dreams.
There’s a wealth of funding assistance that may be available to you, including government assistance such as FEE-HELP.
QUALITY AND ACCREDITATION
ACAP University College is an Institute of Higher Education with self-accrediting authority under the Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency (TEQSA).
To ensure we deliver the most up-to-date material, we regularly undertake the accreditation process with relevant governing industry bodies.
This process allows for quality checks and assurances and provides certainty to students that our courses are industryrelevant and meet training standards.
Most of ACAP’s psychology courses are accredited by the Australian Psychology Accreditation Council (APAC).
Inherent requirements
Inherent requirements are the essential components of a course that demonstrate the abilities, knowledge and skills to achieve the core learning outcomes.
STUDY PSYCHOLOGY
Are you passionate about the welfare of others, and ready to make a genuine difference in your community?
With ACAP’s psychology courses you could consider a role in psychosocial recovery or in a private practice. You could help those in need in a role in disability and ageing, or you could find yourself in the corporate world or even in intelligence services and research.
Click on the courses below to find which course best suits you and the placement opportunities you will experience (where applicable).
YOUR FUTURE CAREER AWAITS
ACAP University College Pty Ltd. TEQSA Provider Category: University College, TEQSA Provider ID: PRV12009, National CRICOS Provider Code: 01328A, RTO: 0500, ACN: 057 495 299.
The information contained in this guide is correct at the time of publication, however, ACAP University College reserves the right to alter, amend or delete details at any time without notice. Prospective students should refer to ACAP’s website for current information before applying. This guide is provided free of charge. 241025-1731 - 11/24.
Adelaide
Brisbane
15-19 Franklin Street, Adelaide, SA, 5000 Ground Floor, 410 Ann Street, Brisbane, QLD, 4000
Byron Bay
373-391 Ewingsdale Road, Byron Bay, NSW, 2481
Melbourne
Level 3, Kmart Centre, 222 Bourke Street, Melbourne, VIC, 3000
Perth
116-120 Roe Street, Northbridge, Perth, WA, 6003
Sydney
Level 11, 255 Elizabeth Street, Sydney, NSW, 2000