Bachelor of Psychological Science
| Rank threshold | ATAR: 62 SR: 62 |
| Duration | 3 years full-time, 6 years part-time |
| Location | Online and |
| Next start term | Term 3, 2023 |
| Study mode | On Campus, Online |
| Course code | CC43 |
Overview
Explore your interest in human thought and behaviour and gain the knowledge and skills to enhance the health and wellbeing of others with CQUni's Bachelor of Psychological Science. You will develop a comprehensive understanding of the underlying principles, theories and concepts of the psychology discipline and develop your knowledge of the range of core research areas that make up the discipline. Benefit from practically-oriented learning to gain work-ready skills through a capstone unit where you have the opportunity to complete a project or placement opportunity. Tailor your studies in complementary disciplines to extend your professional knowledge to suit your interest and career goals.
The aim of this course is to give you a comprehensive overview of the scientific discipline of psychology and its applications. The course is delivered in accordance with the foundational (level one) competencies for three-year undergraduate psychology programs as specified by the Australian Psychology Accreditation Council (APAC). You will acquire an understanding of the underlying principles, theories and concepts within the discipline. In addition, you will develop knowledge of the range of core research areas that make up the discipline, and an understanding of the methodologies and statistical techniques used by researchers for information gathering and analysis. There will be opportunities for you to explore applied and professional uses of psychology. In addition, you will be introduced to psychological theory, research, and applied and professional uses of psychology in an ethical and culturally responsive context.
Upon completion of this course, you will have a highly marketable qualification. This course is universally acknowledged as an indication of competence and achievement in understanding human thought and behaviour that can be applied in a variety of people-oriented vocations. Graduating with this qualification, however, will not allow you to call yourself a 'psychologist'. This requires further study involving an honours course (4th year of study) and then an accredited Psychology Board of Australia pathway.
Successful completion of an accredited three-year psychology sequence of study will mean you are eligible to apply for a competitive entry position in the Bachelor of Psychological Science (honours) (CC42) at CQUniversity. Honours level study will prepare you for either the coursework necessary for conditional registration as a psychologist in Australia and/or research higher degree studies in psychology.
If you have successfully completed the first year of the course, but do not wish to continue in the course you may request to exit the course with a Diploma in Behavioural Science.
Note: If you already have an existing Bachelor's degree and wish to obtain an accredited undergraduate psychology sequence, consider enrolling in CF59 Bachelor of Science (Psychology).
Study experience
- Accredited Qualification
- Authentic Learning Experiences
- Seamless Pathways
Career Opportunities
Structure & Availability
Course structure
You are required to complete 16 core psychology units and a total of eight elective units. Elective units may be chosen from eight-unit majors or two four-unit minors.Unit information
For information on the units, you could study as part of this course, visit the Handbook and select the "Course Structure" tab.
Credit transfer information
If you have already completed study relevant to the course you have enrolled in, you may be eligible for credit transfer.On-Campus Availability
| Intake | Locations |
|---|---|
| Term 1, 2024 | Adelaide, Bundaberg, Cairns, Rockhampton, Townsville |
| Term 2, 2024 | Adelaide, Bundaberg, Cairns, Rockhampton, Townsville |
Online Availability
| Intake | Locations |
|---|---|
| Term 3, 2023 | Available Online |
| Term 1, 2024 | Available Online |
| Term 2, 2024 | Available Online |
| Term 3, 2024 | Available Online |
Community and Public Health minor
Combine your psychology studies with the foundations of community and public health. You'll learn of the impact chronic diseases have on the Australian community and policy outcomes.
Community Justice minor
Innovation Gain introductory knowledge into the contemporary Australian justice arena. You'll discuss the intersection of justice systems and First Nations communities to develop cultural competency around reconciliation and social justice.
Criminology Fundamentals minor
This minor builds your knowledge of criminology theory, and analytical skills and tools to examine data, social behaviour and legislation within the criminla justice system.
Environmental Management minor
You will learn the big picture around why an organisation needs an environmental conscience. You'll explore Australian Government environmental legislation and develop essential skills such as impact assessment to help any organisation live up to its environmental license to operate.
First Nations Studies minor
In this minor, you will engage with colonialism taking you into the national context of First Nations Australians and perspectives in interface with non-Indigenous power and authority. You will develop skill sets to critically investigate, argue and interpret issues around identity, nationalism and power, and to question issues and approaches that purport to be about ‘reconciliation’.
Geography minor
You'll explore Australian geography and climate whilst forming practical skills with Geography Information Systems (GIS). This major also extends your knowledge into human geography, demographic analysis and sustainable environments.
Human Resource Management minor
In this minor, you will gain exposure to the core functions of talent recruitment and retention. You will also develop insight into conflict and negotiation as well as learn perspectives on change management within an organisation.
Literary Studies minor
Explore the complexities and delicacies of a variety of literary genres. Plus, you will develop analytical skills and new perspectives to enhance your own literary practices.
Marketing minor
Tailor your studies with this minor for insight into the value of marketing fundamentals. You'll explore consumer behaviour, product development and branding, marketing communication and digital marketing concepts.
Occupational Health and Safety minor
Combined with psychology, you will develop an introductory understanding of risk management, organisational safety systems, and legislation to prepare you for a variety of employment options.
Strategic Communication Minor
Strategic Communication is about using communication techniques with purpose. This minor shows you how to craft a message for a specific audience to ensure the message is received as intended and can be acted upon.
World History minor
This minor introduces you to some world histories, including ancient, medieval, modern and twentieth-century eras.
Writing Stories minor
Calling all storytellers, this minor helps you to develop and refine your skills in writing engaging works for different audiences and markets.
This course has no residential schools.
Psychology Capstone - PSYC13026
This unit provides students with the opportunity to reflect upon and apply their acquired discipline-specific knowledge in psychology to a range of professional contexts. There will be a focus on the transition into the workforce or further study. Students will have an option to complete a supervised project to address a real-world issue as presented by a representative from an existing organisation; or complete a 25-hour placement with an experienced researcher or with an appropriate external organisation. Students will draw upon their psychology and professional expertise to develop and present workable solutions to a professional client.
Requirements
Rank Threshold
A rank threshold is the minimum competitive rank that applications will be considered for entry to this course. The rank threshold for this course is: SR 62 | ATAR 62.0
Lowest Ranks
The lowest selection rank refers to the lowest rank to which an offer was made for an intake or term and includes adjustment factors applied to an applicant's ATAR such as the Regional Adjustment Scheme and Educational Access Scheme. An ATAR with adjustment factors applied is referred to as a selection rank.
The lowest selection ranks (includes adjustment factors) for Term 1, 2023 for the following locations are as follows:
Online: 62.55
Please note entry to courses is competitive and the lowest score (ATAR or selection rank) will vary from year to year and campus to campus and is provided as a historical guide of past performance.
Student profile
If you would like to know more about entry scores for applicants with recent secondary education and the student profile for this course view our Course and Entry Score Profile for Term 1, 2023.Institute profile
To find out about CQUniversity's Undergraduate Profile for Term 1, 2023 view our Institute Profile.Recommended study
Prerequisites
English (Units 3 & 4, C) or equivalent
English Language Proficiency Requirements:
If you were not born in Australia, Canada, New Zealand, United Kingdom, Ireland, South Africa or United States of America, you are required to meet the English Language Proficiency requirements set by the University.
Applicants are required to provide evidence of completion of:
- A secondary qualification (Year 11 and 12, or equivalent), or
- An Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) diploma level qualification, or
- Bachelor level qualification study for a period of at least 2 years fulltime with a minimum overall GPA 4.0
completed within Australia, Canada, New Zealand, United Kingdom, South Africa, Ireland, or United States of America, which will meet the English proficiency.
If you do not satisfy any of the above, you will need to undertake an English language proficiency test and achieve the following scores:
- An International English Language Testing System (IELTS Academic) overall band score of at least 6.0 with a minimum 5.5 in each subset; or
- Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) - Requires 550 or better overall and minimum TWE score of 4.5 (Paper Based Test), or 75 or better overall and no score less than 17 (Internet Based Test); or
- Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE Academic) - Requires an overall score of 54 with no sub-score less than 46; or
- An Occupational English Test with Grades A or B only in each of the four components.
English test results remain valid for no more than two years between final examination date and the date of commencement of study, and must appear on a single result certificate.
If you are an international student, visit our international student information for more details.
Each student will be assessed individually.
Fees & Scholarships
2023 Indicative Fees
| Fee Type | Fees |
|---|---|
| Commonwealth Supported Place – Indicative First Year Fee | $7,774 |
Indicative first-year fee
The fees listed are indicative only and based on enrolling in a full-time study load for one academic year (generally, this is eight units over two terms). Your fees may vary depending on the units you select and the number you study per term. Fees are reviewed annually and are subject to change. Understanding your fees.
Commonwealth support and government assistance loans
Commonwealth Supported Places (CSPs) are subsidised by the Australian Government, meaning you are only required to pay the student contribution rather than full tuition fees if you meet eligibility requirements. If offered a CSP, you may be eligible for a HECS-HELP government loan. HECS-HELP is an Australian Government loan scheme that assists you in paying your student contributions. Provided you meet the HECS-HELP eligibility criteria, you may use HECS-HELP to defer part or all of your student contribution fees. Learn more about paying for university.
Other study costs
Part of your course costs includes Student Services and Amenities Fees (SSAF). There may also be additional costs as part of your studies, such as textbooks, technology expenses, travel expenses, professional certifications, uniforms, or vaccinations. Explore other study costs.
At CQUniversity, we believe higher education should be for everyone. No matter your situation, we know that everyone needs a helping hand from time to time, and we are proud to offer a wide range of scholarships, bursaries and stipends.
Our scholarships could help you pay for things like relocation, living on campus, laptops and technology, childcare, study and living expenses, travel and more.
How to apply
| State | Admission Code |
|---|---|
| New South Wales | Online: 160531 |
| Queensland | Online: 850525; Townsville: 800521; Bundaberg: 810521; Rockhampton: 850521; Cairns: 820521 |
| Western Australia | Online: 150531 |
| Northern Territory | Online: 150531 |
| South Australia | Online: 150531 |
| Tasmania | Online: 150531 |
| Victoria | Online: 150531 |
If you have decided what you would like to study and are ready to apply, we’re here to help you along the way. Before you apply, you will need to have a Unique Student Identifier (USI). If you do not have a USI, creating one is quick and easy. Simply visit usi.gov.au to create one.
Want to know more about application dates and other admission information?
View our important dates information and read about other admission considerations such as information for domestic students with overseas qualifications, indigenous support, and elite athlete, coach and performer support.
What’s the best way to apply?
- Option 1: Ideal for most situations, whether you have completed high school recently or some time ago.
- Option 2: Ideal if you are studying with one of our partner study hubs.
- Option 3: Ideal if you have previously studied with CQUni.
Option 1: Ideal for most situations, apply via a tertiary admission centre
View the table below for the best application option based on where you live.
| If you live in | Tertiary Admissions Centre (TAC)* |
| Queensland | Apply via QTAC |
| New South Wales, Australian Capital Territory (ACT) | Apply via UAC |
| Victoria, Western Australia, Tasmania, Northern Territory, South Australia | Apply via ApplyCQUNI |
*Please note that you may be required to pay a fee when applying via a TAC.
Option 2: Want to study with one of our partner study hubs? Apply via ApplyCQUni.
Benefit from local support, space, technology and facilities offered by one of our delivery partners. Learn more about CQU Regional University Centre partners.
| If you are studying with: | Study Support |
| Geraldton Universities Centre | Supported online study which may include local tutorial support, and access to local study facilities. |
| Pilbara Kimberly Universities Centre | Supported online study which may include local tutorial support, and access to local study facilities. |
Option 3: If you have previously studied with CQU, apply direct.
As a past CQU student, you may be eligible to apply directly to CQU for this course. To apply directly, your prior study with CQU must be a completed or partially completed CQU course or unit, including:
- CQU’s Skills for Tertiary Entrance Preparatory Studies (STEPS), Tertiary Entrance Program (TEP), or Start Uni Now (SUN) units.
- A CQU certificate, diploma, advanced diploma, associate degree, bachelor degree, graduate certificate, graduate diploma, master or research higher degree, or a unit within these courses.
