Whassup everybody! Welcome to the "WTF Series" - What to Focus? In this series, you will learn about a particular field of work, its importance, the courses you must take to pursue a career in that particular field and its job scope in the future. Today, we're going to talk about PSYCHOLOGY. Start reading :D
1. What is psychology?
Psychology is a social science based on scientific methods and principles that studies the human mind and behaviour. It plays a crucial role in our lives as it explains why we act the way we do. The field of psychology studies biological influences, social pressures, environmental factors and various other issues that affect how people think, act and feel.
As a whole, the field of psychology is multidisciplinary. The various branches of psychology include abnormal psychology, biological psychology, clinical psychology, cognitive psychology, comparative psychology, developmental psychology, forensic psychology, industrial-organizational psychology and more.
2. Why are there BSc and BA in Psychology? Any differences?
- Bachelor of Psychology (Science) - More clinical/analytical/research-based.
- Bachelor of Psychology (Arts) - More arts driven such as social work/criminal justice.
3. Any recommendations where to study psychology?
Listed here are a few popular psychology courses from some of the best-ranking universities:
Psychology at University of South Australia (Australia)
The university has Cognitive Neuroscience Laboratory - a fully-functioning Psychology Clinic, and a live-in, time-isolated sleep and chronobiology laboratory. During your final year, you will have the opportunity to undertake an industry placement where you will complete 150 hours in a real workplace.
Psychology at University of Otago (New Zealand)
Since 2013, the Department of Psychology at Otago has been ranked in the top 40 internationally (QS World University Rankings by Subject). For those looking to work in health-related services, the university offers training in Clinical Psychology.
Psychology at University of Plymouth (UK)
As one of the largest and best-resourced psychology schools in the UK, the University of Plymouth covers all areas of psychology. Students can benefit from the Psychology Placement Year scheme, where students can opt for a voluntary placement year. After graduating, the students will receive a Certificate of Professional and Industrial Experience including their psychology degree.
4. What are the job prospects in the field of psychology?
At present, a career in psychology is considered the eighth most popular form of employment (Prospects, UK). According to the U.S, Bureau of Labor Statistics, the employment rate of psychologists is expected to increase by 3 percent between 2019 and 2029. This rate is as fast as the average for all occupations. Within this field, professionals with a doctoral degree have better career prospects in psychology. As people are growing more aware of the importance of mental health, the job prospects for psychologists are only expected to increase drastically.
5. What is the status of the field of psychology in Malaysia?
Most government hospitals in Malaysia have a functioning psychiatric unit with a minimum of one psychiatrist. Currently, mental health services are offered by 66 government hospitals, 1,126 health clinics and 28 community mental health centers across Malaysia.
However, many hospitals in Malaysia are still extremely short of clinical psychologists, who complement the services of psychiatrists. According to a news article published in The Star, there is more help needed in the psychology sector in Malaysia at present. This additional support is essential especially to cope with the effects the Covid-19 pandemic has had on people's mental health.
