Are you fascinated by psychology and how the human mind works? Or what about how we behave in certain ways? Consider taking this interest to the next level by studying psychology. Many people get their degree and believe they must be stuck in that career for the rest of their lives, but this couldn’t be further from the truth. To study psychology after you’ve completed another degree, all you need to do is a bridging course, and in this article, we’ll show you how to make the switch.
What are psychological studies?
If you’re thinking about switching careers and studying psychology, it’s helpful to have a full picture of psychology first. Consider this: what field of psychology do you want to pursue: clinical psychology, sports psychology, or counseling psychology? These are important questions to ask.
At its core, psychology is the study of the human mind and behavior. But just like the human mind is complex and diverse, so is the psychological subject. So, you’d need to consider what aspect of psychology you want to study. Here are several fields in the subject that you may want to consider pursuing:
- Counselling psychology
- Forensic psychology
- Social psychology
- Industrial and Organisational Psychology
- Educational psychology
- Developmental psychology
- Clinical psychology
- Cognitive psychology
- Experimental psychology
- Neuropsychology
- School psychology
- Comparative psychology
These are only a few of the fields in psychology, so be sure to do your research before making your final decision.
How to switch to psychology later in life
Now, the solution to our having to study again is the dilemma. It’s understandable why many people wouldn’t change careers because of the need to study a full undergrad degree again. Considering that would mean needing the finances and the time to do so.
But, taking a graduate diploma in psychology is a great way of bridging psychology with the degree you’ve already done. It’s between a one to two-year course and will cover the fundamentals of of psychology. If you’re looking for a seamless career swift that doesn’t require a full undergrad, then this is the way.
How is your previous degree counted?
So, how exactly can you get your diploma and change your career? You have studied a degree that has aspects of psychology in it. For instance, education or PR would have psychology modules linked to them because of the line of work they prepare you for – working with people.
A graduate diploma in psychology will take into account the psychological experience you already have and fill in what you’ve missed. This means that any credits built up with psychology modules would add to your experience, fast-tracking your journey to becoming a psychology major and cutting two whole years off your degree.
How do you manage the extra load while working?
This is another common issue that stops people from studying further. They fear that they won’t be able to cope with the demands of a full-time job and their studies. This is a pretty realistic concern. You don’t want to bite off more than you can chew, but this is where the benefit of doing a course online comes in.
A bridging course in psychology can be done online. This will allow you the freedom to study and do assessments on your own time; however, keep in mind that you’ll still need to adhere to deadlines.
What happens when you qualify?
To become a qualified psychologist in Australia, you’ll need at least six years of undergrad and post-grad experience. So you have your first degree, which is most likely three of four years, then you’re two years in psychology, and you’re now ready to study your 4th year of psychology.
After you qualify, you might want to pursue a specific niche or specialize. This will require you to study those niches further. Whether you aim for a doctorate or your honors, it’s completely up to you.
What are the benefits of bridging psychology?
It’s always good to weigh up the benefits of a course before you dive headfirst into studying. Here’s why doing a bridging course in psychology is a good idea:
- It’ll give you a holistic understanding of the fundamentals of psychology
- Your understanding of the different fields of psychology will improve, potentially benefiting the current industry you’re in
- Your ability to research effectively will improve
- The approach you take when dealing with people will be different because you’ll have the necessary skills to deal with them more effectively
- Your problem-solving skills and critical-thinking skills will also improve drastically because of the content you study
- You’ll develop a broader set of skills that’ll benefit you in many different environments, making you a valuable asset to have for employers
Frequently Asked Questions
What are some essential skills you’d need as a psychologist?
Depending on the field of psychology you pursue, the chances are that you’ll still be working with people on a daily basis, whether in a hospital or private practice. Because this career is orientated around people, you’ll need to have empathy, good communication, critical thinking, patience, good problem-solving skills, a good listener, and lastly, you’ll need to be ethical and professional.
How can I transition smoothly into a psychology career?
Planning is the key to a smooth transition. Do your research and get expert advice to help you decide when the appropriate time is to make the switch. Timing might rely on your financial health or your ability to take on a bigger load. Either way, you want to plan effectively when changing to psychology.
