Bachelor of Psychological Science

Duration3 years full-time, 6 years part-time
Location
Online and Rockhampton
Next start termTerm 3, 2023
Study modeOn Campus, Online
Course codeCC43
CRICOS084516K
Positive Psychology students sitting in a circle with their tutor

Overview

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

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 band diverse range of areas including:

  • management
  • industry
  • child safety officer
  • clinical work
  • counselling
  • neuropsychology
  • child development
  • education
  • forensic
  • health
  • coaching
  • school guidance officer

In order to use the title Psychologist, you must first take a 4 year honours level course, such as our 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 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 a study relevant to the course you have enrolled in, you may be eligible for credit transfer.

On-Campus Availability

IntakeLocations
Term 1, 2024Rockhampton
Term 2, 2024Rockhampton

Online Availability

IntakeLocations
Term 3, 2023Available Online
Term 1, 2024Available Online
Term 2, 2024Available Online
Term 3, 2024Available 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.

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

Recommended study

None

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.

None.
None.
You will have to meet this course's inherent requirements by demonstrating essential skills and attributes.

Fees & Scholarships

2023 Indicative Fees

Fee TypeFees
International Indicative First Term FeeA$15,840
International Indicative First Year FeeA$31,680

Please note the following important information:

  • Fees are in Australian dollars (A$).
  • Fees are indicative only and do not cover additional costs such as textbooks, accommodation, visa applications, OSHC, general living etc.
  • Fees are based on a full-time study load and the final fee payable will be determined by your selection of units and if any credit was awarded for recognition of prior learning.
  • The University reserves the right to amend fees at any time during the course. Fees are reviewed yearly and may increase in the following year to enable CQUniversity to continue to provide quality services and facilities to students.
  • Courses are subject to change at the discretion of the University.
  • It is your responsibility to make yourself aware of the entry requirements and prerequisites of the courses you wish to undertake.
  • The typical annual fee shown provides an estimate of the tuition fees for the first year of the course in the same academic year. This estimate assumes a full-time study load of 4 units per term (based on two terms).
  • Students not on an Australian student visa can only undertake courses online from an overseas location.
  • Courses undertaken online may be studied on a full-time or part-time mode.
  • International students studying on-campus in Australia may take no more than 33 per cent of their entire course by online education, and this option cannot be taken in its entirety during a compulsory term (Term 1 and Term 2).

Please refer to our international course fees page.

We offer a range of scholarships to support international students and encourage you to apply for one that's right for you.

How to apply

Our easy to use online application system for international students will guide you through the process of applying for a course at CQUniversity Australia.