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Course snapshot
Domestic snapshot
-
Start Date
-
Duration
3 years full-time; 6 years part-time
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Location
-
Placements
No
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ATAR
70
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Inherent Requirements
Yes
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Language Requirements
IELTS Overall Score 6.0
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Entry Requirements
-
Course abbreviation
BPsychSc
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Course code
3007244
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Credit points
288
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Equivalent units
24
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Indicative Fee
Overview
Psychology is the scientific study of human behaviour, cognition, and emotion. The Bachelor of Psychological Science introduces you to how psychologists investigate behaviour using evidence, and how this knowledge can be applied across individual, social, and cultural contexts.
This course is designed to develop your understanding of core psychological theories and the skills needed to evaluate and apply them. You will explore a wide range of areas within psychology while building the ability to think critically about behaviour and interpret evidence.
You will undergo training in research methods and statistics, which are essential tools for understanding psychological evidence. These skills are taught in a structured and supportive way, enabling students from a wide range of backgrounds to develop confidence.
You will be taught by academic staff who are active researchers, ensuring that teaching is informed by current evidence and practice.
Graduates develop strong analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills that are applicable across a range of professional contexts, and which form the foundation for further study in psychology.
Pathway option: Diploma of Health and Human Sciences (Psychological Sciences specialisation).
| Course Learning Outcome |
|---|
GA1: Intellectual rigour Apply psychological principles, theories, and concepts using a scientific, evidence-based approach across the core domains of psychology. |
GA2: Creativity Demonstrate independence and integrity in the pursuit of scholarly inquiry and creative problem-solving in psychology. |
GA3: Ethical practice Evaluate evidence and tolerate ambiguity, while critically reflecting on biases, values, and ethics to support inclusive, reflexive and safety-focused professional conduct in psychology. |
GA4: Knowledge of a discipline Evaluate and apply evidence-based research and assessment methods according to ethical principles, including the responsible use of technology in psychology. |
GA5: Lifelong learning Apply psychological knowledge and skills to personal, professional, and societal contexts, incorporating strategies for self-care, resilience, and management of psychosocial risks. |
GA6: Communication and social skills Critically analyse and evaluate psychological theory and research, and communicate findings effectively in written and oral forms. Demonstrate interpersonal and collaboration skills by working respectfully with others and maintaining safe and professional relationships. |
GA7: Cultural competence Demonstrate appropriate reflexive and responsive practice when working with socially and culturally diverse people, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. |
This course covers core areas of psychology, including the biological bases of behaviour, cognition, learning and memory, social psychology, and cross-cultural psychology. These areas provide a broad understanding of how behaviour is shaped by biological, psychological, and social factors.
You will examine topics such as perception, emotion, development, personality, and mental health, and explore how these influence behaviour across different contexts. The course emphasises applying psychological concepts to real-world issues, including wellbeing, relationships, and behaviour change.
Alongside this, you will develop an understanding of how psychological knowledge is generated and evaluated. Research methods and statistical concepts are introduced progressively to support your ability to interpret evidence and make informed conclusions.
Learning progresses from foundational concepts to more advanced application. Some units focus on theoretical understanding, while others develop applied skills such as psychological assessment, behaviour change, and research practice.
The degree also includes flexibility through elective units, allowing you to combine psychology with other areas of interest across the University.
| Location | Teaching period | UAC code | QTAC code |
|---|---|---|---|
| Coffs Harbour | Term 1, Term 3 | N/A | N/A |
| Gold Coast | Term 1, Term 3 | N/A | N/A |
| Online | Term 1, Term 3 | N/A | N/A |
Career Outcomes
The Bachelor of Psychological Science is conditionally accredited with the Australian Psychology Accreditation Council (APAC) for entry into postgraduate training in psychology.
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.
Entry requirements
Applicants will not be considered for admission on the basis of having fully or partially completed a Certificate III (AQF Level 3) or a Certificate IV (AQF Level 4).
Language requirements
English language requirements apply to International applicants and other applicants whose previous study was undertaken in a language other than English. The minimum English language requirements for such applicants for entry to this course are as follows
| Category | Score |
|---|---|
| Overall | 6.0 |
| Listening | minimum 5.5 |
| Reading | minimum 5.5 |
| Speaking | minimum 5.5 |
| Writing | minimum 5.5 |
Credit for prior learning
Students admitted with a completed Bachelors degree will be required to complete all core units.
Course requirements
To be eligible to receive the Bachelor of Psychological Science, students must complete the equivalent of 24 units (288 credit points), comprising:
- 16 core units (192 credit points); and
- The Psychology Extension Major OR 1 shared major OR 8 elective units (96 credit points).
Inherent Requirements
Inherent Requirements apply to this course as defined on the Student Equity and Inclusion website. Students who have a disability or health condition which may impact on their ability to meet these requirements are encouraged to visit the Student Equity and Inclusion website for further information and contact details.
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 | Notes | ||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Complete units in the following order to satisfy the Requirements of the Award |
||||||||||||||||||||
First Year |
||||||||||||||||||||
| HLTH1004 | The Reflective Learner and Health Science Scholar |
Term1,3
|
12 | |||||||||||||||||
| ||||||||||||||||||||
| Elective OR Shared Major Unit | ||||||||||||||||||||
| PSYC1002 | Psychology Foundations: Self and Situation |
Term2,5
|
12 | |||||||||||||||||
| ||||||||||||||||||||
| PSYC1009 | Introducing Health Psychology |
Term2,3,4
|
12 | |||||||||||||||||
| ||||||||||||||||||||
| PSYC1001 | Psychology Foundations: Brain and Cognition |
Term3
|
12 | |||||||||||||||||
| ||||||||||||||||||||
| Elective OR Shared Major Unit | ||||||||||||||||||||
| PSYC1010 | Positive Psychology |
Term4
|
12 | |||||||||||||||||
| ||||||||||||||||||||
| Elective OR Shared Major Unit | ||||||||||||||||||||
Second Year |
||||||||||||||||||||
| STAT2002 | Quantitative Methods in Psychology |
Term1
|
12 | |||||||||||||||||
| ||||||||||||||||||||
| Elective OR Shared Major Unit | ||||||||||||||||||||
| PSYC2001 | Psychological Assessment |
Term2
|
12 | |||||||||||||||||
| ||||||||||||||||||||
| PSYC2005 | Psychological Investigation I |
Term2
|
12 | |||||||||||||||||
| ||||||||||||||||||||
| PSYC2004 | Lifespan Psychology |
Term3
|
12 | |||||||||||||||||
| ||||||||||||||||||||
| Elective OR Shared Major Unit | ||||||||||||||||||||
| PSYC2002 | Understanding Psychological Diagnoses |
Term4
|
12 | |||||||||||||||||
| ||||||||||||||||||||
| Elective OR Shared Major Unit | ||||||||||||||||||||
Third Year |
||||||||||||||||||||
| PSYC3004 | Biological Psychology |
Term1
|
12 | |||||||||||||||||
| ||||||||||||||||||||
| Elective OR Shared Major Unit | ||||||||||||||||||||
| PSYC3001 | Social Psychology |
Term2
|
12 | |||||||||||||||||
| ||||||||||||||||||||
| Elective OR Shared Major Unit | ||||||||||||||||||||
| PSYC3003 | Learning and Memory |
Term3
|
12 | |||||||||||||||||
| ||||||||||||||||||||
| STAT3001 | Advanced Quantitative Methods in Psychology |
Term3
|
12 | |||||||||||||||||
| ||||||||||||||||||||
| PSYC3005 | Culture and Psychology |
Term4
|
12 | |||||||||||||||||
| ||||||||||||||||||||
| PSYC3002 | Psychological Investigation II |
Term4
|
12 | |||||||||||||||||
| ||||||||||||||||||||
| Unit Code | Unit Title | Available | Credit points | Notes | ||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Complete units in the following order to satisfy the Requirements of the Award |
||||||||||||||||||||||
First Year |
||||||||||||||||||||||
| HLTH1004 | The Reflective Learner and Health Science Scholar |
Term1,3
|
12 | |||||||||||||||||||
| ||||||||||||||||||||||
| PSYC1005 | Fundamentals of Career Success in Psychology |
Term1
|
12 | |||||||||||||||||||
| ||||||||||||||||||||||
| PSYC1002 | Psychology Foundations: Self and Situation |
Term2,5
|
12 | |||||||||||||||||||
| ||||||||||||||||||||||
| PSYC1009 | Introducing Health Psychology |
Term2,3,4
|
12 | |||||||||||||||||||
| ||||||||||||||||||||||
| PSYC1001 | Psychology Foundations: Brain and Cognition |
Term3
|
12 | |||||||||||||||||||
| ||||||||||||||||||||||
| HLTH1005 | Understanding Wellbeing and Mental Health |
Term3,4
|
12 | |||||||||||||||||||
| ||||||||||||||||||||||
| PSYC1010 | Positive Psychology |
Term4
|
12 | |||||||||||||||||||
| ||||||||||||||||||||||
| WELF1003 | Counselling Theory and Practice |
Term4
|
12 | Note 1 | ||||||||||||||||||
| ||||||||||||||||||||||
Second Year |
||||||||||||||||||||||
| STAT2002 | Quantitative Methods in Psychology |
Term1
|
12 | |||||||||||||||||||
| ||||||||||||||||||||||
| PBHL1003 | Foundations of Health and Health Care Systems |
Term1,3,4
|
12 | |||||||||||||||||||
| ||||||||||||||||||||||
| PSYC2005 | Psychological Investigation I |
Term2
|
12 | |||||||||||||||||||
| ||||||||||||||||||||||
| PSYC2001 | Psychological Assessment |
Term2
|
12 | |||||||||||||||||||
| ||||||||||||||||||||||
| PSYC2004 | Lifespan Psychology |
Term3
|
12 | |||||||||||||||||||
| ||||||||||||||||||||||
| PSYC2003 | Exercise and Sport Psychology |
Term3
|
12 | |||||||||||||||||||
| ||||||||||||||||||||||
| PSYC2002 | Understanding Psychological Diagnoses |
Term4
|
12 | |||||||||||||||||||
| ||||||||||||||||||||||
| PSYC2007 | Behaviour Change |
Term2,4
|
12 | |||||||||||||||||||
| ||||||||||||||||||||||
Third Year |
||||||||||||||||||||||
| PSYC3004 | Biological Psychology |
Term1
|
12 | |||||||||||||||||||
| ||||||||||||||||||||||
| WELF2005 | Case Management and Care Planning |
Term1
|
12 | |||||||||||||||||||
| ||||||||||||||||||||||
| PSYC3001 | Social Psychology |
Term2
|
12 | |||||||||||||||||||
| ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Elective Unit | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| PSYC3003 | Learning and Memory |
Term3
|
12 | |||||||||||||||||||
| ||||||||||||||||||||||
| STAT3001 | Advanced Quantitative Methods in Psychology |
Term3
|
12 | |||||||||||||||||||
| ||||||||||||||||||||||
| PSYC3005 | Culture and Psychology |
Term4
|
12 | |||||||||||||||||||
| ||||||||||||||||||||||
| PSYC3002 | Psychological Investigation II |
Term4
|
12 | |||||||||||||||||||
| ||||||||||||||||||||||
Note 1:
Residential School
| Unit Code | Unit Title | Notes | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Core Units |
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| HLTH1004 | The Reflective Learner and Health Science Scholar | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| PSYC1001 | Psychology Foundations: Brain and Cognition | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| PSYC1009 | Introducing Health Psychology | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| PSYC1002 | Psychology Foundations: Self and Situation | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| PSYC1010 | Positive Psychology | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| PSYC2001 | Psychological Assessment | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| PSYC2005 | Psychological Investigation I | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| PSYC3001 | Social Psychology | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| PSYC3003 | Learning and Memory | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| STAT2002 | Quantitative Methods in Psychology | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| STAT3001 | Advanced Quantitative Methods in Psychology | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| PSYC2002 | Understanding Psychological Diagnoses | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| PSYC2004 | Lifespan Psychology | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| PSYC3004 | Biological Psychology | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| PSYC3005 | Culture and Psychology | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| PSYC3002 | Psychological Investigation II | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Students can select either the Psychology Extension Major OR one university shared major (excluding the Psychology shared major) OR 8 elective units from university wide offerings. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
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