Careers 

News June

Studying Psychology at University

Gain an understanding of the human mind and how it influences behaviour. You’ll develop analytical, research and communication skills while studying clinical and health psychology, developmental and social psychology, assessment, intervention and research.

La Trobe University is one of a few institutions that offer several degrees that allow students to study psychology. For example, their Bachelor of Arts offers a major in Psychological Sciences.

Students who are keen to enter a course with a greater focus on psychology, or to pursue a career as a psychologist might opt to enrol in one of two undergraduate degrees. Both the Bachelor of Psychological Science and Bachelor of Psychology (Honours) are accredited by the Australian Psychology Accreditation Council (APAC).**

** Professional registration with the Psychology Board of Australia will require an APAC-accredited fourth year and additional or ongoing requirements beyond the completion of the degree as well as an application to the professional body.

Bachelor of Psychological Science

This is a 3-year degree that prepares students for a career as a professional psychologist, or in a psychology-related field across industries from clinical psychology to human services and marketing. Graduates of this course planning to continue on in further psychology-related studies will need to apply for an Honours year, such as the 1-year Bachelor of Psychological Science with Honours. A WAM of 70 is required to be eligible for consideration.

Bachelor of Psychology (Honours)

This is a 4-year degree that prepares students to become a professional psychologist, build a career in a psychology-related field or pursue research. Automatic progression to fourth year in this course requires a minimum weighted average mark (WAM) of 70%.

Exercise and Sports Science/Nutrition Science at ACU

Physical activity and healthy eating are fundamental to good health and wellbeing for all human beings. Not only do they reduce the risk of disease, they improve or maintain overall quality of life through enhanced mental and social wellbeing.

This course is ideal for students who are passionate about fitness and creating a better life for others. The Bachelor of Exercise and Sports Science/Bachelor of Nutrition Science will uniquely equip graduates to become experts in professions related to both exercise/sport science and nutrition science. Graduates will capitalise on the synergies between the two fields of study to promote optimal health and nutrition through the lifespan.

VCE entry requirements are: Units 3 and 4 – a study score of at least 30 in English (EAL) or at least 25 in English other than EAL.

Subject bonuses are awarded to students who attain a study score of 40 in Biology, Chemistry, any English, Maths: Mathematical Methods, Maths: Specialist Mathematics or Physics equals 3 aggregate points per study. A study score of 45 in Biology, Chemistry, any English, Maths: Mathematical Methods, Maths: Specialist Mathematics or Physics equals 5 aggregate points per study.

Graduates of this double degree will be eligible to apply for further study in nutrition research or in dietetics to become an accredited practising dietitian. In addition, they will be eligible to apply for further study in exercise science/sports science research and clinical exercise physiology to become an accredited exercise physiologist, or further study in high performance sport.

Find out more at Exercise and Sports Science/Nutrition Science.

What is a Sports Physiotherapist?
The Health Times website indicates that sports physiotherapy is a specialised branch of physiotherapy, and sports physios provide advice on how to avoid sports injuries, treat injuries and help recovery for those playing recreational sport right through to elite sport.

A sports physio is a registered physiotherapist who has achieved further study after completing a physiotherapy degree - in which students achieve an understanding of the physical, structural and the physiological aspects of human form and movement.

To become a sports physio, one will first need to complete a four-year bachelor degree in physiotherapy. Alternatively, students can complete an associated bachelor degree, such as in exercise physiology, followed by a postgraduate qualification in physiotherapy.

Physiotherapists can later choose to practice in sports physiotherapy but are unable to refer to themselves as a sports physio until they have achieved titled membership of the Australian Physiotherapy Association (APA).

What does a Radiation Therapist do?

The Good Universities Guide states that Radiation Therapists design, and administer radiation treatment to cancer patients, and provide related care to patients in conjunction with radiation oncologists or other medical specialists. The Health Times website indicates that a Radiation Therapist is also responsible for collecting relevant patient information and using this information to plan a patient’s treatment. A radiation therapist will work under the guidance of a Radiation Oncologist, in a team of health professionals who care for and treat cancer patients.

Radiation therapists are responsible for supporting the patient throughout their treatment. They must have compassion and strong interpersonal skills. Part of their role is to listen to the emotional concerns and anxieties of the patient and refer them appropriately if needed. The radiation therapist will also assess the patient’s reaction to treatment, providing advice on the side effects of treatment and methods of alleviating these. Radiation therapists often develop close relationships with their patients, as they usually see them five days per week for between three and seven weeks.

To become a Radiation Therapist, students must study radiation therapy at university. Studies in Radiation Therapy in Victoria are offered by Monash University and RMIT University, and Radiation Science units are offered in the Medical Imaging degree offered by Deakin University.

What does a Neuroscientist do?
According to the Medical News Today website neuroscientists focus on the brain and its impact on behaviour and cognitive functions, or how people think. Neuroscience is an interdisciplinary science that works closely with other disciplines, such as mathematics, linguistics, engineering, computer science, chemistry, philosophy, psychology, and medicine. Neuroscientists carry out tests, using various types of technology to help them to diagnose conditions, and they usually specialise in specific areas. These include study of the way the nervous system grows and develops; the way the brain deals with thought, language, memory, and its ability to solve problems; or molecules that help with the way the nervous systems work.

To become a neuroscientist, students generally have to complete a science degree - such as a Bachelor of Science or Bachelor of Biomedicine with a major in Neuroscience at the University of Melbourne, for example. Completion of a postgraduate qualification is regarded as of great value - such as Graduate Diploma in Clinical Neuropsychology, Master of Science in Medicine (Clinical Neurophysiology) and Master of Neuroscience. The following link is very interesting to browse - Master Programs in Neuroscience.

What is Land Surveying?

Interested in Geography, Maths, Science, IT and/or the outdoors? Looking for a job that won’t tie you to a desk? Surveying is the measurement and mapping of our surrounding environment using mathematics and specialised technology. Land surveyors are involved with a diverse variety of projects from land subdivision to tunnel building and major construction. Importantly though, there is much more to surveying than taking measurements outdoors and then analysing them back in the office. Surveyors are often the first people on site during any construction process; they are the guardians of property law, and the creators of land titles. They are also the ones who can sign off on the position of new title boundaries. In all, surveyors are an integral part of the process in a wide variety of scenarios.
Note: Surveying courses are offered at Federation University, RMIT, and Victoria University.

Students who wish to find out what surveying is, what surveyors do, where to study, and what it takes, might like to browse A Life Without Limits.

What does a Data Scientist do?

The Good Careers Guide states that a Data Scientist investigates large datasets and interprets them to make insights and recommendations for clients or employers that is easy to understand and important for future practice.

Data Scientists can work in environments such as public services, private sectors, scientific and professional research, financial services and industry corporations, and most often in teams.
Good Careers Guide - Data Scientist

Coursera states that a data scientist uses data to understand and explain the phenomena around them, and help organizations make better decisions. Working as a data scientist can be intellectually challenging, analytically satisfying, and put you at the forefront of new technological advances.

Data Science is offered as specialised bachelor’s degrees at Deakin, Monash, RMIT, Swinburne, and VU, but is also offered as a major in Computer Science and Science degrees.

Students are encouraged to browse VTAC Home to learn more about the range of offerings in Victoria.

Bachelor of Artificial Intelligence
Gain the skills necessary to design, develop, and evolve software solutions that takes advantage of the latest advances in artificial intelligence.

Deakin’s Bachelor of Artificial Intelligenceequips students with the knowledge and skills to design, develop and evolve software solutions that harness the latest advances in artificial intelligence (AI). Students get hands-on experience developing AI-driven software solutions with the support of academics who are leaders in this emerging field. Deakin’s world-class research in AI feeds directly into its classrooms, ensuring what students learn is at the cutting edge of industry expectations and capabilities.

With a minimum of 100 hours of industry experience, students will develop in-demand skills working side-by-side with experienced AI specialists.

Australian Apprenticeships and Traineeships Information Service

The Australian Apprenticeships and Traineeships Information Service (AATIS) offers pathways information to students, job hunters, career advisers and employers. The website, app and resources are used by schools, parents, friends, and supporters providing career planning and direction. AATIS is free to use and is funded by the Australian Government Department of Education, Skills and Employment.

The Australian Apprenticeships Pathways website - AAPathways - is a hub providing in-depth information about Australian apprenticeships and traineeships, including information on in-demand occupations.

Students are encouraged to browse both the AAPathways website, as well as the AATIS website.

What does a career as a Firefighter look like?

Every workday has meaning. Every workday makes a difference. Firefighting is suited to people with a genuine desire to serve the community, and who thrive on working closely in a team. Firefighters need to -

• have appropriate all-round strength and fitness

• exhibit problem solving skills

• demonstrate high level interpersonal skills

• genuine desire to work with the community

• have appropriate physical and psychological capability

There is a diverse range of roles available to firefighters, with great opportunities for specialisation and career progression.

Emergency response activities may include:

• suppression of all types of fires

• search and rescue

• high angle rescue

• road accident rescue

• emergency medical response (EMR)

• marine response

• industrial accidents and hazardous material handling and storage incidents

• assisting other agencies in emergencies

• fire investigation analysis

Community resilience activities may include:

• educating the community about fire safety

• working with diverse community groups, across all age groups, to promote emergency prevention and preparedness activities through a variety of community resilience programs.

Find out more, including salary scales and work hours, by browsing Fire Rescue Victoria.