Why Study Psychology?

Are you feeling drawn to studying psychology? Let's unpack reasons why you may benefit from enrolling in a psychology course.

Reasons to Study Psychology

1. Understand People and Yourself

Psychology offers unique insights into how people think, feel, and behave. By studying psychology, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of others. You may be able to handle social interactions better because of having improved theories of the mind.

Additionally, the knowledge you acquire about human behaviour also promotes self-awareness. You may better understand your own motivations, emotions, and thought processes. This dual perspective is invaluable in personal and professional settings.

2. Help People Lead Better Lives

One of the most compelling reasons to study psychology is the opportunity to make a real difference in people's lives. As a psychologist, counsellor, or therapist, you can directly impact the mental health and wellbeing of individuals.

The work you do will have meaningful, lasting effects. For example, you could aid someone through a tough time, promote mental health awareness, or work within organisations to improve employee wellbeing.

3. Challenge Your Mind

If you enjoy intellectual challenges, psychology is a field that will keep you engaged. The discipline is ever-evolving, requiring continuous learning and adaptation to new theories, research, and technologies.

Psychologists often tackle complex problems, making the field stimulating and rewarding. The work can range from understanding mental health disorders to improving organisational dynamics.

Related: Is Psychology a Hard Major?

4. Become a Psychologist

For those interested in becoming a psychologist, studying psychology is the essential first step. In Australia, you’ll need to complete an undergraduate degree in psychology followed by postgraduate studies to meet registration requirements.

Advanced studies and hands-on experience allows you to specialise in areas such as clinical, education and development, or organisational psychology. The average salary for a clinical psychologist is over $120k in Australia.

5. Explore a Lifelong Interest

Many people are drawn to psychology because it aligns with their personal passions and interests. It is a rich field of study that can provide personal fulfilment. Students may be fascinated by the workings of the human mind, eager to help others, or curious about why people behave the way they do.

Studying a subject you love not only makes learning more enjoyable but also sets the stage for a career that resonates with your core values and interests.

Student Motivation

Psychology students are driven by a variety of motivations that reflect their personal experiences, aspirations, and values. We identified common motivations when Lerna Courses ran an essay competition. Students were asked to explain why they chose psychology courses and what motivates them in their studies.

Many students are motivated by their own or their loved ones' experiences with mental health issues. These personal connections often inspire a desire to help others who are going through similar challenges, making the study of psychology deeply meaningful.

A strong motivation for many psychology students is the wish to make a positive impact on their communities. Whether it's through clinical practice, research, or advocacy, these students are driven by the goal of creating healthy, supportive environments.

Some students have a clear vision of their future careers in psychology, whether that means becoming a clinical psychologist, working in organisational settings, or specialising in a particular practice area. This long-term goal provides a steady source of motivation.