Bachelor of Psychological Sciences

Double degree options

You can also study Psychological Sciences in a double degree with Arts, Applied Innovation, Criminal Justice and Criminology.

Learning outcomes

Upon successful completion of the Bachelor of Psychological Sciences, graduates will be able to:

• systematically review and critically evaluate research from a variety of sources to inform their knowledge and conceptual understandings in social and behavioural sciences, and psychology 
• formulate arguments that are fit for purpose and demonstrate an understanding of the relevant theories and evidence in behavioural studies and psychology 
  
• critically analyse information to generate creative solutions to solve complex problems in the area of social and behavioural sciences and psychology 
  
• define and integrate theoretical principles and apply these in their disciplinary areas of expertise 
  
• apply knowledge and skills with responsibility and accountability for their own learning and practice, individually and in collaboration with others 
  
• interpret and communicate ideas, problems and arguments in modes suitable to a range of audiences using a range of media 
  
• coherently articulate a line of reasoning demonstrating cultural sensitivity and apply a framework to analyse and offer solutions to ethical dilemmas in local and international context. 
  

Career opportunities

Future career options may include social welfare consultant, medical researcher, child safety officer, clinical worker, health officer and child development officer.

Graduates who intend to pursue psychology as a career must follow a sequence of education and training in psychology as required by the Psychology Board of Australia.

Following completion of an accredited bachelor degree, graduates should apply for the Bachelor of Psychological Sciences (Honours) (or an equivalent APAC-accredited fourth-year program) and, on completion, register as provisional psychologists. Those seeking general registration as practicing psychologists in Australia must subsequently successfully graduate from an accredited postgraduate program such as the Master of Psychology (Clinical Psychology), Doctor of Philosophy (Clinical Psychology) or Doctor of Psychology (Clinical and Forensic Psychology), or undergo a two-year supervised internship program.

For more detailed information on Australian requirements for registration as a psychologist, visit the Australian Psychological Society website.

Professional recognition

The three-year undergraduate major in psychology is professionally accredited by the Australian Psychology Accreditation Council.

Course rules

To qualify for the award of Bachelor of Psychological Sciences, students must complete 300 credit points comprising of:

• four [4] core units of study (50 credit points) 
• one [1] online core unit of study (12.5 credit points)* 
  
• eight [8] Psychology discipline major units of study (100 credit points) 
  
• twelve [12] or 11 units of study* (137.5 to 150 credit points) comprising a second major, co-major, advanced minor, minor/s and/or electives
  
  

* Only for students completing this course online through OUA.

Students may not complete more than 150 credit points (normally 12 units) at Introductory Level. A unit of study can only be counted once, where units are shared between majors and/or minors, students must choose an approved alternate. Students also have an opportunity to undertake a Work Integrated Learning (WIL) Professional Placement.

Professional placements

Professional Placements are subject to a competitive selection process. International students may be eligible for a Professional Placement where a relevant Professional degree exists.

 International students who successfully gain a placement through the selection process will be required to change courses to the relevant Professional degree, in order to complete a placement and should consider any visa and extended study duration implications prior to applying. Placements are not available to OUA, Sarawak and other partner students.

 Students who undertake a 12-month professional placement are subject to the following course rules and must complete 375 credit points comprising:

• four [4] Core Units of Study (50 credit points) 
• eight [8] units of study from the Psychological Sciences discipline major (100 credit points) 
  
• four [4] units of study from the Professional Placement Co-Major (100 credit points) 
  
• ten [10] units of study comprising an Advanced Minor, and/or Minor and/or or electives (125 credit points)
  
  

Students who elect to undertake a 6-month professional placement are subject to the following course rules and must complete 337.5 credit points comprising:

• four [4] Core Units of Study (50 credit points) 
• eight [8] units of study from the Psychological Sciences discipline major (100 credit points) 
  
• two [2] units of study from the Professional Placement Minor (50 credit points) 
  
• eleven [11] units of study comprising an Advanced Minor, and/or Minor and/or electives (137.5 credit points)

Maximum Academic Credit

The maximum level of credit that can be granted for the Bachelor of Psychological Sciences is 200 credit points (normally 16 units)

B. Applicants with higher education study

Educational history

An applicant's entire academic history, including results from previous higher education study will be considered for entry into this course. If previous higher education qualifications are incomplete, results must have been obtained in the last seven years.

Meeting course prerequisites

As for Year 12 or equivalent.

STAT/Bridging courses 

Results from the STAT Multiple Choice will be considered for applicants without an ATAR and whose post-secondary studies do not meet the minimum requirements. Applicants who do not meet the English prerequisites can sit STAT Written English. STAT results are valid for two years.

C. Applicants with vocational education and training (VET) study

Educational history

An applicant's entire academic history from the past seven years, including complete and/or incomplete post-secondary VET studies, will be considered for entry into this course. Only graded results will be considered.

Meeting course prerequisites

As for Year 12 or equivalent.

STAT/Bridging courses 

Results from the STAT Multiple Choice will be considered for applicants without an ATAR and whose post-secondary studies do not meet the minimum requirements. Applicants who do not meet the English prerequisites can sit STAT Written English. STAT results are valid for two years.

D. Applicants with work and life experience

Educational history

This course uses an applicant's entire academic record as part of its selection considerations, including an applicant's ATAR results from the last seven years can be considered for entry into this course.

Meeting course prerequisites

As for Year 12 or equivalent.

STAT/Bridging courses 

Results from the STAT Multiple Choice will be considered for applicants without an ATAR and whose post-secondary studies do not meet the minimum requirements. Applicants who do not meet the English prerequisites can sit STAT Written English. STAT results are valid for two years.