Curious about understanding human thoughts, emotions, and behaviours? Enjoy exploring the complexities of the mind? Want a career where you’re contributing to the wellbeing of others?
If so, why not study psychology? It could be the perfect fit for you.
Psychology is all about unravelling the science of the mind and behaviour, exploring how individuals think, feel, and act. It's a fulfilling and rewarding field that opens doors to a variety of career paths.
Excitingly, the future of psychology looks bright, with a projected 13.3% increase in job opportunities leading into 2026.
Still unsure about whether this field of study is right for you? Here are 7 compelling reasons to study psychology that may help you make up your mind.
1. Explore diverse career paths
Choosing psychology as a career isn't a one-size-fits-all decision. The true strength of a psychology degree lies in its vast array of career paths.
Graduates have the flexibility to work in public, private or non-profit sectors, venturing into diverse areas such as project management, health services, human resources, professional training, consulting, community services, and more.
With postgraduate study, graduates often find success in popular fields like:
- clinical psychology
- counselling psychology
- sport and exercise psychology
- health psychology
- business psychology
- organisational psychology.
2. Understand people better (including yourself!)
Psychology is a gateway to understanding people on a whole new level, yourself included.
A deep understanding of why people may act, feel, and think the way they do can be a very valuable skill in many different careers, ranging from marketing to education, healthcare, and even politics.
Highly transferable skills like effective communication, sound decision making, and building meaningful interpersonal connections are highly regarded by many employers.
What’s more, the self-awareness derived from a deeper understanding of yourself can aid you in better navigating your own relationships, emotions, and decision making. So, the knowledge you gain from studying psychology isn't just a tool for your future career; it's a force for driving personal growth too!
Since beginning my psychology program at UQ, I've discovered the power of reflecting on my own thought patterns and emotional state, and using it to enhance my wellbeing and relationships. Studying psychology has also given me the skills to be an active and compassionate listener, along with the skill of assertive communication. The personal growth I've undergone not only benefits my personal relationships but also lays the groundwork for my professional journey.
3. Make a positive difference in people’s lives
Looking for a career that makes a positive impact? This goal is another great reason to study psychology.
Professions such as psychologists, counsellors, therapists and community workers dedicate their time and energy to making a difference in people’s lives. From aiding individuals with mental health conditions to fostering positive changes in organisations and promoting mental health awareness, these roles offer boundless opportunities for meaningful impact.
While the work may be emotionally demanding, it brings unparalleled fulfilment, providing a unique sense of purpose and satisfaction that is hard to find in other careers.
Whilst studying psychology at UQ, I've discovered I have amazing time management skills. Juggling responsibilities, including overseeing a household of 6, engaging in volunteer roles, and working part time, has been an insightful journey. I’ve also learnt that I can achieve great things by studying psychology, that not only affect me personally, but also make a positive impact in the community.
4. Prepare for postgraduate study
Starting with an undergraduate degree in psychology is an excellent foundation for advanced studies.
After completing your undergraduate degree, you may decide to pursue a postgraduate degree, either in psychology or another field.
If your goal is to become a psychologist in Australia, it's necessary to undertake postgraduate studies in psychology to obtain registration. This allows you to specialise in areas like clinical, counselling, sport, health, or organisational psychology.
You can achieve this by enrolling in one of these UQ programs:
- Master of Clinical Psychology
- Master of Business Psychology
- Master of Organisational Psychology
- Master of Psychology, with a specialisation in:
- Master of Clinical Neuropsychology and Clinical Psychology
An undergraduate degree in psychology can also lead to further study in areas such as business, law, education, medicine, and more.
5. Study a topic you love
Studying is always better (and a little easier) when you like the subject matter.
Do you often find yourself eagerly engaging in discussions on psychological topics? Does self-reflection and personal growth resonate with you? If you've nodded along to any of these questions, then it’s likely you'll enjoy studying psychology.
Opting for a field you love not only makes the learning experience enjoyable, but it also lays the foundation for a gratifying university journey filled with exploration and self-discovery.
I’m very passionate about people! The quest to understand people’s behaviour is what drove me into studying psychology, and the feeling of fulfilment that comes from working with others to improve their quality of life is what’s keeping me on this career path.
6. Enjoy a challenging, dynamic and rewarding field
If you're someone who loves pushing boundaries and solving problems, psychology might be the perfect fit for you.
In this ever-evolving field, psychologists play a crucial role in developing interventions for mental health disorders and enhancing organisational dynamics. The continuous quest to understand and help people drives psychologists to explore new ideas, theories and technologies, ensuring they stay at the forefront of the latest information.
The knowledge you’ll gain from studying psychology will empower you to navigate complex challenges, help others, and contribute to personal growth.
The journey won't just enrich your understanding of human behaviour; it will also equip you with valuable skills to make a positive impact in both science and everyday life.
7. Align your career with your passions and interests
Studying psychology offers a unique opportunity to explore specific areas that truly resonate with you.
Whether it’s clinical psychology, sports psychology, or organisational psychology, you can carve out a niche that aligns perfectly with your passions.
For instance, if you're passionate about sports and fitness, Sports Psychology could be an excellent match. On the other hand, if helping friends navigate life challenges fuels your interest, Counselling Psychology might be the path calling your name. And, for those fascinated by the intricate relationship between the brain and behaviour, Neuropsychology opens up a perfect avenue for exploration.
The diverse specialisations within psychology ensure there's a fitting niche for every passion, allowing you to shape a rewarding career aligned with both your professional and personal aspirations.
Ready to start your career in psychology?
