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Bachelor of Psychological Science

Bachelors Degree

Course snapshot

Domestic snapshot

  • Course abbreviation

    BPsychSc

  • Course code

    3007244

  • Credit points

    288

  • Equivalent units

    24

  • Indicative Fee

    Commonwealth supported

Overview

The Bachelor of Psychological Science provides the first three years (full-time or part-time equivalent) of study and training required to prepare graduates for employment as psychologists in professional practice and in research careers. The course focuses on providing a thorough knowledge of the theoretical basis of psychological science and prepares students to conduct an independent research project.

Upon completion of the degree, eligible students may undertake a fourth year of study by enrolling in the accredited Bachelor of Psychological Science with Honours. Applicants with a completed bachelor degree in an area other than psychology can complete an accelerated, two year pathway. This is recommended to students wishing to gain entry into the Bachelor of Psychological Science with Honours. Refer to course structure. 

The course strikes a balance between research, theory and application to provide relevant skills which are highly sought after by employers in the public and private sectors. Relevant Indigenous material is integrated into the curriculum to ensure graduates have a strong capacity for action in a regional and rural context.

Graduate AttributeCourse Learning Outcome
Intellectual rigour

Apply knowledge of the scientific method in thinking about problems related to behaviour and mental processes

Question claims that arise from myth, stereotype, pseudoscience or untested assumptions and recognise and defend against the major fallacies of human thinking

Use reasoning and evidence to recognise, develop, defend, and criticise arguments and persuasive appeals

Creativity

Demonstrate practical skills in laboratory-based and other psychological research

Demonstrate an attitude of critical thinking that includes persistence, open-mindedness, and intellectual engagement

Apply psychological concepts, theories, and research findings to solve problems in everyday life and in society

Ethical practice

Use information in an ethical manner (e.g., acknowledge and respect work and intellectual property rights of others through appropriate citations in oral and written communication)

Exhibit a scientific attitude in critically thinking about, and learning about, human behaviour, and in creative and pragmatic problem solving

Promote evidence-based approaches to understanding and changing human behaviour

Knowledge of a discipline

Acquire an understanding of core topics in the discipline

Describe the basic characteristics of the science of psychology

Explain the major themes (e.g., interaction of genetics and environment) and perspectives (e.g., behavioural, evolutionary, sociocultural) of psychology

Lifelong learning

Demonstrate a capacity for independent learning to sustain personal and professional development in the changing world of the science and practice of psychology

Apply psychological principles to promote personal development through self-regulation in setting and achieving career and personal goals; self-assess performance accurately; incorporate feedback for improved performance; and purposefully evaluate the quality of one’s thinking (metacognition)

Communication and social skills

Write effectively in a variety of other formats (e.g., essays, research proposals, reports) and for a variety of purposes (e.g., informing, arguing)

Demonstrate effective oral communication skills in various formats (e.g., debate, group discussion, presentation) and for various purposes

Write a standard research report using American Psychological Association (APA) structure and formatting conventions

Cultural competence

Recognise and respect social, cultural, linguistic, spiritual, and gender diversity

Recognise how privilege, power, and oppression may affect prejudice, discrimination, and inequity

Reflect on one’s experiences and learn from them in order to identify and articulate one’s personal, sociocultural, and professional values; demonstrate insightful awareness of one’s feelings, motives, and attitudes based on psychological principles

The course aims to equip students with deep analysis skills regarding human, organisational and community-wide problems; competency in the design of research and interpretation of research findings; and a comprehensive understanding of statistical methods. The structure moves from basic theory to application, with a strong emphasis on the Scientist Practitioner model.

Some second and third year units involve applied skills (e.g. assessment techniques, behaviour change) or an introduction to applied topics (e.g. health psychology and human factors) while others emphasise areas in experimental psychology, statistics and research methods.

Location Teaching period UAC code QTAC code
Coffs Harbour Session 1, Session 2 335152 055351
Online Session 1, Session 2 345191 055491

Career Outcomes

The course has Australian Psychology Accreditation Council (APAC) accreditation for entrance into postgraduate training.

Completion of this degree plus completion of an accredited fourth year of study in Psychology (such as SCU’s Bachelor of Psychological Science with Honours) is the minimal educational qualification for provisional registration as a Psychologist in Australia.

Requirements

We encourage you to apply for the courses you most want to study. If you are not eligible to enter your chosen course right now, our team will work with you to find the best pathway option.

Before applying, make sure you double check all entry requirements, gather required documentation and review the University’s Rules Relating to Awards, noting any specifics listed below.

Course requirements

To be eligible for the award of Bachelor of Psychological Science a candidate shall successfully complete the prescribed number of units as follows:

  1. Applicants admitted under Rule 2 Section 2 of the Rules Relating to Awards, will be required to complete not less than twenty-four (24) units comprising:
    1. all units listed in Part A; and
    2. any eight (8) elective units that may include the unit in Part B
  2. Applicants admitted with a completed Bachelors degree will be required to complete not less than sixteen (16) units (192 credit points) comprising:
    1. all units listed in Part A

Course structure

Your course progression is in the recommended order you should complete your course in. It is important that you follow this to ensure you meet the course requirements. For further assistance see How to Enrol in Units using My Enrolment.

Students should use course progression information to select units specific to their course and enrol in these units using My Enrolment.

Unit Code Unit Title Available Credit points Level of learning Notes
Complete one or two electives over Session 3 and then follow the Course Progression for Session 1 Commencement less the completed elective unit/s.

Unit Code Unit Title Level of learning Notes

Part A
BHS11001 Introduction to Psychology I Introductory
SCI11005 Laboratory Program in Psychology I Introductory
BHS11004 Fundamentals of Career Success in Psychology Introductory
BHS11002 Introduction to Psychology II Introductory
SCI11006 Laboratory Program in Psychology II Introductory
BHS11003 Introduction to Psychological Investigation Introductory
BHS20001 Psychological Assessment Intermediate
BHS20006 Social Psychology Advanced
BHS20007 Learning and Memory Intermediate
BHS20008 Quantitative Methods in Psychology Intermediate
BHS30001 Advanced Quantitative Methods in Psychology Advanced
BHS30002 Abnormal Psychology Intermediate
BHS30003 Development across the Lifespan Intermediate
BHS30004 Biological Psychology Advanced
BHS30005 Cross Cultural and Indigenous Issues in Psychology Advanced
BHS30006 Behaviour Change Introductory

Part B

Unit Code Unit Title Level of learning Notes
BHS30008 Environmental Psychology Introductory