Hey Owlbird83,
Thanks for your reply, it's really reassuring to know that (since Maths isn't a huge favourite either). I guess then Further would be more suitable as it's more stats and all that. Actually, I'm really happy to see you share doing a Psych degree so, if you don't mind, how would you describe the competitiveness of a Psychology degree? Is it as hard as they say to get into honors? And do you think that going through the minimum 6 years pathway is achievable? Oh, and last question! Are you able to do work experience in Psychology centres during the early years of your degree?
Hey Happy Me! It's nice to see someone else on here wanting to do psych too!
I'm not super knowledgeable about honours stuff yet, but I know that for Monash bachelor of psych students you automatically get into honours with a WAM of 70+, but if trying to get in through science or arts, it's more competitive and WAM needs to be around high 70s. It doesn't feel competitive for me (in second year) *yet*, but from talking to higher year students the challenge of getting into masters sounds a bit tough. Apparently higher grades as well as experience from internships/volunteering are recommended/(necessary?) due to the competitiveness of getting into masters. (imo honours doesn't feel as competitive, but might differ between unis and courses).
For your question about whether the six year pathway is achievable, I'm also kind of wondering that too hahaha. It must be right?? From talking to older people, I've heard some say they will apply to many unis including interstate because of the lower number of spots for masters at unis. I've also spoken to people who've taken a break from uni to spend a year volunteering/working and planning to try get into masters a year later. I definitely don't think it's unachievable, i don't really think the competitive aspect would be that different to a lot of other jobs/courses (?).
In regards to your last question, I haven't heard of people being able to do work experience in psychology practices. Masters is the first time when you get to do real placements (which kind of feels like a long time to wait compared to other health degrees, but it guess it makes sense because undergrad for psych is mostly theory). However, the kind of work experience/internships/volunteering at psychology research labs or with mental health organisations is highly recommended. I think it's good to start this as early as possible (i haven't heard of anyone in first year doing these internships, however i think from second year is a good time to start). Aside from the fact that psych-related experience is highly recommended for people wanting to get into masters, i think it's a really valuable way to learn more about the field. Because practical skills aren't really the focus of undergrad, learning these through internships/volunteering feel like a good complement to uni learning and good way to build up valuable personal/professional skills. It's also very helpful that they give you opportunities to talk to people who are further up in their psych pathway than you. Depending on the university some may provide opportunities to apply for internships through them, and they will organise it, however many of these positions are able to be applied for directly.
Also, since i'm still second year i'm still trying to find out more information about the pathways, but I hope this has been a bit helpful! Feel free to ask me anything else if you have more questions and i'll try answer haha!