Interested in studying a psychology course but don’t see yourself becoming a clinical psychologist? An in-depth understanding of the science behind human behaviour is the perfect basis for a people-oriented business career.
The Bachelor of Marketing (Psychology) and Bachelor of Human Resources Management (Psychology) are two degrees that allow you to pursue dual paths of interest, solidifying your employability while also keeping your prospects in psychology open. Plus, they give you the benefit of two specialisations without having to extend your undergraduate degree into a fourth year.
Study marketing and psychology in one degree
There is a huge demand for specialised skillsets in business disciplines, says Dr Jay Zenkić, Course Director for the Bachelor of Marketing (Psychology).
'Having the ability to understand human psychology can really shine a spotlight on you as a graduate when it comes to getting your first job in marketing. Not only will you have your specialised marketing skills (for jobs like market researcher, customer success manager, consumer experience designer, etc.), but you will also have a specialisation in the highly related and important field of psychology. For students excited about psychology but who want a career that is focused on practical, business-based applications of that knowledge, these degrees are an essential combination.'
The course has been specifically designed to provide complementary skills that meet the demands of businesses now and in the future. The uniquely tailored combination of units set graduates apart in a competitive career marketplace.
'The entire course map is designed for you so there’s no ambiguity about what to take,' Dr Zenkić explains. 'Every unit has been carefully selected to give you the most knowledge and best experience for when you graduate and commence your career in marketing. Or, if you choose to, you can go on to further study in psychology as well.'
A psychological focus on human resources
'In a rapidly changing workforce, where the needs of people in organisations are dynamic, there is and will continue to be a growing requirement for expertise in psychology among human resource (HR) professionals,' Dr Sarah Steen, Course Director of Deakin's Bachelor of Human Resource Management (Psychology), explains.
The course was designed to delve into the fundamentals of psychological science and human resource management (HRM) to explore the human mind in a business context. It aims to develop graduates who have a significant advantage when performing key functions in an HR role, from recruitment and workplace negotiations, to creating high-performance environments. It seeks to ensure students gain a more targeted knowledge base in psychology and take a scientific approach to the day-to-day functions of an HR professional. It will develop a deep understanding of human behaviour which is crucial for analysing employee performance, developing strong organisational cultures, and selecting the right person for the job.
The Bachelor of Human Resources Management (Psychology) course provides students with dual expertise in psychology and HRM, providing graduates with a competitive advantage as they enter employment.
‘It is the only single degree of its kind that meets both accreditations from the Australian HR Institute and the Australian Psychology Accreditation Council and finishes in three years. Typically to complete an accredited degree from both disciplines students would need to enrol in a four-year double degree such as a Bachelor of Commerce (Human Resource Management)/Bachelor of Arts (Psychology),' Dr Steen says.
Another benefit of combining human resources and psychology is the professional development embedded in the degree. 'Students will be completing a business work-integrated learning unit giving them practical experience,' Dr Steen says. 'They therefore enter the job market quicker and with more experience than competitors.'
Marketing with psychological insight
With the Bachelor of Marketing (Psychology), students are concurrently building their skills in both fields, gaining the expertise to make marketing decisions with a true insight into the science behind consumer psychology.
The course is a pathway to becoming a Certified Practicing Marketer and a registered psychologist, affording students the opportunity to keep their options open as they gain valuable experience.
According to Dr Zenkić, if you are looking to put yourself at the forefront of the interconnection between industry and academics, you can’t go past these courses.
'Degrees like this are innovative because they look at what the world of industry, business and practice actually need and what trends are emerging,' he explains. 'And they tailor the units and course offering to specifically endow skills and knowledge related to those emerging needs in the world of industry.'
They also provide a strong grounding in the theory that allows you to be flexible and adaptable as your career progresses.
Learn more about our Bachelor of Human Resources Management (Psychology)