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Psychology is another jewel in USC’s crown
The University of the Sunshine Coast’s introduction of a suite of psychology programs in 2008 will be another milestone for the institution as it grows in prestige and diversifies its educational offerings.
Next year will see the inclusion of a Bachelor of Social Science (Psychology), a Bachelor of Social Science (Psychology Honours) and a Master of Psychology (Clinical) at USC.
The move has been applauded by psychology professionals in the region, including Sunshine Coast Branch of the Australian Psychological Society (APS) chairperson Brad Levingston, a senior psychologist at Child and Youth Mental Health Services.
“The undergraduate and postgraduate psychology degrees are an essential step in the coming of age of the Sunshine Coast community and the University is to be congratulated on this decision,” Mr Levingston said.
“Students interested in this field require patience, tolerance and imagination . . . an ability to see the big picture of society and then see how we, as individuals react to our world.”
The programs will be developed under the leadership of one of Australia’s most qualified psychology professors, Professor Mary Katsikitis, previously the Manager of Science, Academia and Research with the APS, who will also head up a new psychology clinic on campus.
“We will be developing three new courses which graduates can consider as a pathway to a vocation in psychology and we are encouraging Coast businesses to join the University in conducting research projects,” Professor Katsikitis said.
“This could include health-related research for general medicine and allied health practices, as well as assisting businesses in managing workplace change.”
In the new programs, students will learn skills such as critical thinking, communication, report writing and behaviour analysis and can also expect to acquire a broad understanding of core topics in psychology including cognitive, developmental, abnormal and social psychology and research methods.
Electives will allow students to link to other areas of study such as Counselling, Human Services, Exercise Science and Human Resource Management.
The new programs will be profiled at the University’s Courses for Careers Day on Sunday 19 August where students will have the opportunity to find out more about the degrees and what career opportunities they offer.