Bachelor of Psychological Science

Rank thresholdATAR: 62 SR: 62
Duration3 years full-time, 6 years part-time
Location
Online and
Next start termTerm 3, 2024
Study modeOn Campus, Online
Course codeCC43
First-year fee
$12,632 (Indicative) (CSP)
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Overview

Explore your interest in human thought and behaviour and gain the knowledge and skills to enhance the health and wellbeing of others with the 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. Tailor your studies in complementary disciplines to extend your professional knowledge to suit your interests and career goals.

The Bachelor of Psychological Science provides you with a comprehensive overview of the theoretical, scientific and technical knowledge of the discipline of psychology. You'll be prepared for a career in fields that require an understanding of human behaviour and development, behaviour change and research methodology alongside strong verbal and written communication skills.  

In this course, you will not only develop knowledge of the range of core scientific and research areas that make up psychology, but also gain an understanding of the methodologies and statistical techniques used by researchers for information gathering and analysis. Moreover, you will have numerous opportunities to apply your knowledge in real-world settings, explore the professional uses of psychology, and collaborate in teams to solve industry-based problems. 
 
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). If you seek a career as a registered psychologist, you'll need to complete further studies, such as our Bachelor of Psychological Science (Honours) degree and an accredited postgraduate study in psychology.  

Already hold a degree and are interested in a psychology degree? Explore our Bachelor of Science (Psychology).

Study experience

Career Opportunities

Not everyone with a psychology degree goes on to work as a psychologist and people with a psychology degree are employed in a wide and diverse range of areas including management, industry, clinical work, counselling, neuropsychology, child development, education, forensic, health and coaching, In order to use the title Psychologist, you must first take an honours level course, such as our one year Bachelor of Psychological Science (Honours) and then either seek work based training or apply for admission onto a specialised higher degree.

Structure & Availability

Course structure

You must complete 24 units comprising 16 core psychology units and either one eight-unit or two four-unit minor. 

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

IntakeLocations
Term 1, 2025Adelaide, Bundaberg, Cairns, Rockhampton
Term 2, 2025Adelaide, Bundaberg, Cairns, Rockhampton

Online Availability

IntakeLocations
Term 3, 2024Available Online
Term 1, 2025Available Online
Term 2, 2025Available Online
Term 3, 2025Available 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 complete a supervised project to address a real-world issue as presented by a representative from an existing organisation. Students will draw upon their psychology and professional expertise to develop and present workable solutions to a professional client.

Requirements

To be eligible

For your application to be considered, you must meet the following entry requirements. 

Student and course profiles

View the student and course profiles for this course and learn about CQU's Undergraduate Profile for Term 1, 2024 via our Institute Profile. 

Institute Profile

During your study

While not needed to apply, you'll need to meet the following requirements throughout your studies. 

Fees & Scholarships

Indicative first-year fee

The Indicative First-Year Fee is the approximate cost of enrolling in this course for one full-time academic year (eight units over two terms) for a Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP) and should be used as a guide only. Your actual fees may vary, depending on the units you select to study and your study load. Check the cost-per-unit spreadsheet available on our fees webpage for the approved unit fees. Fees are reviewed each year and are subject to change. Understanding your fees.

Commonwealth Supported Places

This course has Commonwealth Supported Places (CSPs) available, and as a domestic student, you'll be offered a CSP, provided you meet CSP eligibility requirements. CSPs are subsidised by the Australian Government, meaning you are only required to pay the student contribution rather than full tuition fees.

HECS-HELP Loan

You may be eligible for a HECS-HELP government loan if you are offered a CSP. 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.

Part of your course costs will include Student Services and Amenities Fees (SSAF). SSAF is charged in addition to your student contribution or tuition fees and is used to help enhance your study experience. There may also be other costs as part of your studies, such as textbooks, technology expenses, travel expenses, professional certifications, uniforms, or vaccinations. Explore other study costs.

We believe a quality education can be for everyone – regardless of background, location, or life circumstances. That's why we offer a variety of scholarships and bursaries that can give you a helping hand with a range of expenses and enhance your employability.

Explore scholarships.

How to apply

How to apply

Check what you need to do to apply to study this course. 

Your application options

Extra admission information

Prior to applying, take a look at important application dates and learn about our admission considerations, such as information for domestic students with overseas qualifications, indigenous support, and elite athlete, coach and performer support. You should also check out the adjustment schemes that might be available to you and how to access them. You can also explore our offer information to learn more about what happens after you've submitted an application and how to respond to an offer to study with CQU.