Mature students
The School of Applied Psychology welcomes applications from mature students for places on the BA Applied Psychology. Application is made through the CAO and candidates take a written assessment, the Mature Student Pathway (MSAP). This will consist of a two hour paper designed to determine the candidate's verbal reasoning; candidates will also be required to complete two short essays. The MSAP is independently administered by ACER (Australian Council for Educational Research). Selection for interview by the School is made on the basis of results from these these assessments. Full information on making application as a mature student, as well as on resources, supports and deadlines can be founf on the Mature Student Office site.
We are often asked to recommend reading materials and courses by candidates. Reading is always useful, but although there are many part-time courses on offer through universities, institutes of technology and VEC colleges, we do not make judgements about the suitability of any of these as preparation for studying psychology on our degree programme. Please note that no amount of reading or attendance at any particular preparatory course will guarantee you a place. If you are looking at courses, we recommend you choose one in which your teachers will give you feedback on something you write about psychology. The exercise of writing about psychology is likely to deepen your understanding of topics, and enable you to express yourself in a more informed way at interview.
Mature students bring real world experience into our classes and tutorials and if you are a mature student, the chances are that you have made (or are considering to make) a conscious career decision to specialise in psychology. You may find being a student (again) is challenging. The concentration required of sitting down with books and or writing essays and reports may not be an aspect of life that you are used to. But it does come, and you will have adult habits of self-discipline and organisation that you will be able to bring to bear on your studies.
A question frequently asked by intending mature students is: how much psychology am I expected to know already? The answer is that psychology is what we hope you will study with us! What we require from you at this stage is evidence of your ability to organise your thoughts and express yourself clearly in writing.
From a practical point of view, please be aware that you are going to be doing a full-time academic course. Although students often take on part-time work to get through their university career, please remember that your primary focus should be on your academic studies. That means not just attending lectures and tutorials but also all the home work, reading, and writing that goes with the course. As a prospective mature student you are strongly recommended to ensure that you have both time (i.e., time when nobody else has demands on you) and space (i.e., somewhere you can put your books and papers and work undisturbed.)
Your presence in the School of Applied Psychology as a mature student will be rewarding not just for you, but also for your younger peers, and for the academic staff - some of whom may be your age of even younger than you!
Last updated 20/08/10
