School of Psychological Science
Answering questions around how and why we behave the way we do
Our School centres on the teaching and research of mental processes. We are proud to consistently rate in the top 100 psychology departments in the world, and have a strong record of turning out first-rate practitioners who are widely educated in the theory, practice and research of this discipline. Our students leave as critical thinkers, innovators and future leaders.
The School has received the top ranking (five out of five) in all three Commonwealth Excellence in Research for Australia rankings since 2010, meaning our research is classified as ‘well above world standard’. We’re one of only two schools in Australia to have achieved this.
We offer undergraduate and postgraduate programs that are fully accredited by the Australian Psychology Accreditation Council (APAC), as well as flexible, non-accredited options to get job-ready, upskill or complement other studies.
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98% employment among graduates
One of two psychology schools in Australia to have its research rated as ‘well above world standard’ (ERA)
UWA is ranked in the world’s top 50 institutions for psychology (QS 2019)
Welcome to the School of Psychological Science at UWA! Our researchers study critical aspects of psychological functioning such as how we learn and remember, acquire language, become vulnerable to mental health problems, or combat fake news. We also apply that knowledge to important topics such as how to design submarine control systems to optimise their use by human operators, how to treat anxiety, or how to select the best staff for your organisation. We are passionate about sharing Psychological Science with both undergraduate, honours and graduate students: whether you are looking to dip your toe into a broadening unit, or to take a full sequence, accredited by the Australian Psychology Accreditation Council.
Professor Romola Bucks
Head of School, School of Psychological Science
The School of Psychological Science at The University of Western Australia acknowledges that it is situated on Noongar land, and that Noongar people remain the spiritual and cultural custodians of their land, and continue to practise their values, languages, beliefs and knowledge.
We pay our respects to their Elders both past and present.
Research
Our research is at the forefront of global developments in contemporary psychology. We have particular strength in the following areas:
Biological psychology and cognitive neuroscience
Our research combines the modern tools of neuroscience (brain imaging, brain stimulation, and recording of brain electrical and haemodynamic activity) with subtle psychological tools to analyse behaviour.
Clinical psychology and clinical neuropsychology
The clinical psychology and clinical neuropsychology research group is focused on improving the quality of life for those impacted by brain and mental disorders.
Cognitive science
The cognitive science group works on investigating the how and why behind our thoughts and emotions.
Developmental psychology
The developmental psychology group analyses the various stages, skills and abilities in an individual’s life progression.
Industrial/organisational psychology and human factors
This research examines the human element of work, aiming to improve safety, wellbeing and performance.
Perception
At UWA, we study the ability to detect, attend to and recognise features in the environment, and seek to understand the underlying processes that serve those abilities.
Centres
The School is home to three collaborative research centres.
Courses
Our students leave as critical thinkers, innovators and future leaders.
Our staff
To view a full list of our staff visit the Contact Directory
Community program
Our School has a strong community outreach program.
- We offer psychological assessment and treatments through the School’s Robin Winkler Clinic.
- We invite members of the community to participate in our research and run many studies that require voluntary, community assistance. For example you can do a Face Memory Test here.
- We maintain collaborative links with a wide range of health and industry partners. Come work with us.
- We welcome enquiries by the media.
- We run a series of community events including the annual Robin Winkler Lecture and the annual Psychology Film Night.
Community Research Participation Pool
We run many research studies that require volunteer assistance. These studies are quite diverse, interesting to take part in and serve to advance understanding of the ways we think, feel and behave across a variety of contexts. This pool is made up of those willing to consider taking part in some of this work.
Members of the pool are informed of studies and can freely choose whether or not to take part. In most cases, participation involves one visit to UWA, lasting about an hour, though sometimes a study may require more than one visit, or can be completed online without coming to campus. We provide a small token of appreciation to offset cost and inconvenience.
Robin Winkler Clinic
The Robin Winkler Clinic is a clinical psychology unit linked to the School of Psychological Science. Under the expert supervision of experienced clinical psychologists, provisionally registered postgraduate clinical psychology trainees carry out individual and group therapy treatment.