Psychology

Psychology is about how and why humans and other animals think and behave the way they (we!) do.

With respect to human psychology, this involves learning about the mental functions underlying individual human behaviour – and also applying in social or group settings.

Psychology is also about the physiological and biological processes in the brain.

This includes brain functioning, intelligence, emotions, personality and psychological disorders.

Wikipedia on Psychology

NZ university majors related to this area

Though in the same subject area, they may be very different.

Victoria University of Wellington

Auckland University of Technology

University of Waikato

Massey University

Examples of career opportunities

Most entail additional learning (lifelong learning!).

Private-practice psychologist
Hospital psychologist
Clinical psychologist
Industrial psychologist
Psychometrist
Counsellor
Marriage guidance counsellor
Family therapist
Trauma counsellor
Youth worker
Social worker
Mental health worker
Coach
Personnel manager
Academic

Income and employment prospects

Income

146% of national
median earnings

Employment

60%	Employed
2%	Unemployed
29%	Further study
9%	Other or unknown

Figures based on young domestic graduates 5 years after graduation. Source: Ministry of Education.

« back to subject areas