Psychology and Psychological Science
Psychology and Psychological Science offers several practical experience opportunities through labs and research projects. There are also career-ready placement options within research spaces, community clinics, and external professional agencies.
Students who commenced their Bachelor program prior to 2023 are encouraged to complete the career-ready placement elective course. Students commencing in 2023 must complete the compulsory career-ready placement course, PSYC3002 Career-ready placement in Psychology.
The Master of Clinical Psychology, the Master of Professional Psychology and PhD in Psychology include compulsory placements embedded in the program in order to offer you opportunities to gain practical knowledge and develop skills relevant to the role of a registered or clinical psychologist.
Please refer to the College of Engineering, Science and Environment Professional Experience website for more information regarding the placement requirements of your degree.
What you need to do
Bachelor of Psychological Science
You are encouraged to source your own placement with guidance from your course coordinator regarding appropriate subject matter and setting.
Postgraduate Programs
Placements are compulsory for accreditation purposes within the Master of Clinical Psychology, Master of Professional Psychology and PhD in Psychology. As such, placements will be sourced by the University.
Student Manuals and Policy Information
You must also read the Student Professional Experience Policy, Student Conduct Rule and Code of Conduct to understand your responsibilities while completing your placement.
It is important to note that some placement host organisations (particularly those in clinical settings) may require additional checks before you are able to begin your placement. Appropriate time should be allocated to complete those checks to prevent delays in your placement commencement.
SONIA
SONIA is The University of Newcastle’s placement management system. The software supports you in managing your placement quickly and easily. For any enquiries related to SONIA, contact the Professional Experience Unit for the College of Engineering, Science and Environment (CESE-PEU@newcastle.edu.au).
Log into SONIA online here
Insurance
If you are undertaking approved, unpaid Industrial Experience, you are under the University of Newcastle Student Insurance coverage. For further clarification, please contact the University’s Insurance Team (insurance@newcastle.edu.au).
Support and resources
While the University will ultimately assist with sourcing your practicum, a key component of your practicum will require you to write a Resume/CV and a Cover Letter as part of your assessment task. The Careers Service is available to provide guidance. Some of the services that they provide include:
- Access to CareerHub, an online portal with discipline-related work and work experience opportunities
- Information about job and placement searching strategies
- Assistance aligning your studies and interests with industry opportunities
- Drop-in and appointment-based resume and application checking, plus an interview preparation service
Explore job vacancies in CareerHub
Read more
Access job application and interview resources
Read more
Professional Bodies
It is also recommended that you join the relevant professional bodies of your degree with the added benefit of retaining connections within your industry:
Contact us
If you are unable to obtain, or finding it difficult to source an industrial experience opportunity, you are encouraged to seek advice from your Placement Coordinator.
For all other enquiries, including SONIA enquiries, please contact:
Professional Experience Unit - College of Engineering, Science and Environment
Email: CESE-PEU@newcastle.edu.au
Phone: (02) 4921 7302
Location: W357, Callaghan Campus (interactive campus map)
If you would like to meet one of our team face-to-face, please email CESE-PEU@newcastle.edu.au to arrange your appointment. Appointments are available at both Callaghan and Ourimbah campuses.
Need extra help?
The Careers Service offers free support to all current and past students of the University of Newcastle. Visit Careers to learn more and to get in touch.
The University of Newcastle acknowledges the traditional custodians of the lands within our footprint areas: Awabakal, Darkinjung, Biripai, Worimi, Wonnarua, and Eora Nations. We also pay respect to the wisdom of our Elders past and present.