Leading academics from Australia and around the world have expressed strong opposition to the University of Newcastle’s proposal to downgrade its School of Psychological Sciences. This decision comes at a time when mental health issues are on the rise, creating a pressing need for more qualified practitioners in the Hunter region. Critics argue that this move could exacerbate the existing shortage of mental health professionals.
The university’s plan is part of broader cost-cutting measures aimed at saving approximately $21.2 million in the current financial year. Specifically, the proposal would demote the School of Psychological Sciences to a discipline within a larger School of Science. This change raises concerns about the potential loss of program accreditation and the possible decline in student interest in psychology courses at the university.
Alex Zelinsky, Vice Chancellor of the University of Newcastle, stated that while the institution values psychology and its importance in addressing mental health challenges, the changes are designed to reduce administrative overheads. He also mentioned the growing popularity of psychology courses, suggesting that the restructuring would foster stronger connections with related fields such as neuroscience and behavioural biology.
In a letter directed to Zelinsky, current and former academics have urged reconsideration of the plan. These scholars, who include Miles Bore and Simon Dennis, emphasize that the School of Psychological Sciences has maintained an “enviable reputation” for over six decades. They describe the proposed downgrade as “ludicrous” and warn that it could jeopardize the university’s standing and ultimately lead to fewer trained mental health professionals in the region.
The Australian Psychological Society has also weighed in on the issue, highlighting the severe shortage of psychologists across the country, particularly in regional areas. CEO Zena Burgess noted that only 35 percent of the required workforce exists in Australia, with only 20 percent of psychologists practicing in regional locations. This geographic disparity, she argues, is partly due to the lack of training opportunities in those areas.
Burgess pointed out that nearly half of all Australians will experience mental health issues during their lives. She stressed the importance of training psychologists in their home regions to ensure they remain and practice in those communities. “It is crucial for universities to provide training that meets the needs of all Australians, especially those in regional areas,” she said.
A group of four former heads of the university’s School of Psychology, including Andrew Heathcote and Patricia Michie, conveyed serious concerns regarding the potential impact of the proposed changes. They argued that demoting psychology would adversely affect the training and supply of mental health professionals and could tarnish the university’s reputation. In their letter, they stated, “We see no advantages, and many serious disadvantages, in changing the structure of the College this way.”
Concerns about the downgrade extend to the practical implications for students and the community. The School of Psychological Sciences currently employs 37 academics and 10 professional staff, serving about 2,000 students each year. This includes the largest honours program at the university. Critics fear that the changes could lead to increased student-to-staff ratios and diminish the quality of education provided.
While acknowledging the university’s need for financial sustainability, faculty members argue that the financial impact of relegating psychology to a discipline would be minimal. They contend that psychology remains one of Newcastle’s globally recognized teaching areas, with enrollments steadily increasing since 2019.
The controversy surrounding these proposed changes comes amid a broader trend in the higher education sector, where universities are cutting jobs and programs to address financial challenges. The National Tertiary Education Union has reported that the University of Newcastle plans to eliminate approximately 115 jobs this year.
As the university moves forward with its restructuring plans, faculty and students are calling for a rally at the Callaghan campus to voice their concerns and advocate for the preservation of the School of Psychological Sciences. The outcome of this conflict could have lasting implications for mental health training and services in the Hunter region.
