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The Bachelor of Psychological Science provides the first three years (full-time or part-time equivalent) of study and training required to prepare graduates for employment as psychologists in professional practice and in research careers. The course focuses on providing a thorough knowledge of the theoretical basis of psychological science and prepares students to conduct an independent research project.
Upon completion of the degree, eligible students may undertake a fourth year of study by enrolling in the accredited Bachelor of Psychological Science with Honours. Completion of this fourth year of study is the minimal educational qualification for conditional registration as a psychologist in Australia.
The course strikes a balance between research, theory and application to provide relevant skills which are highly sought after by employers in the public and private sectors. Relevant Indigenous material is integrated into the curriculum to ensure graduates have a strong capacity for action in a regional and rural context.
Graduates of this course are highly suitable for employment within various government departments, particularly those connected with health, social and disability services, youth services, corrective services, the armed services, research agencies such as the CSIRO, and in education. Private industry is also a large employer of psychologists in management, human resources and specialised consultancy services.
The course has Australian Psychology Accreditation Council (APAC) accreditation for entrance into postgraduate training.
Completion of this degree plus completion of an accredited fourth year of study in Psychology (such as SCU’s Bachelor of Psychological Science with Honours) is the minimal educational qualification for provisional registration as a Psychologist in Australia.
Students may complete a workplace-based experiential learning unit in the third year of the course.
The course aims to equip students with deep analysis skills regarding human, organisational and community-wide problems; competency in the design of research and interpretation of research findings; and a comprehensive understanding of statistical methods. The structure moves from basic theory to application, with a strong emphasis on the Scientist Practitioner model.
Some second and third year units involve applied skills (e.g. assessment techniques, behaviour change) or an introduction to applied topics (e.g. health psychology and human factors) while others emphasise areas in experimental psychology, statistics and research methods.
To qualify for the Bachelor of Psychological Science a total of 288 credit points (usually 24 units) must be completed.
Please note that some majors and units may not be available at each location. Unit availabilities are published for each study period and vary from year to year. Please contact the School for further information.
For course rules and a full list of units, please refer to the Specific Award Rules below.
| Locations | ||
| Distance Education | Unavailable | |
| Lismore | Unavailable | |
| Coffs Harbour | Session 1 Session 2 |
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| Gold Coast Southern Cross Drive, Bilinga |
Unavailable | |
| Tweed Heads - SCU Lakeside Caloola Drive, Tweed Heads |
Unavailable | |
| Tweed Heads - SCU Riverside Brett Street, Tweed Heads |
Unavailable | |
| Course Duration | 3 years full-time; 6 years part-time May be completed in a shorter duration subject to unit availabilities. |
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| Fees and Charges | • Domestic fees • International fees • Additional fee information |
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| School | School of Health & Human Sciences | |
| Admission, Enrolment and General Enquiries | scu.edu.au/enquiries | |
| Further Information | Domestic applicants: Ph: 1800 626 481 International applicants: Ph: +61 2 6620 3876; E: intoff@scu.edu.au |
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| Total Units: | Award Abbreviation: | 2013 ATAR equivalent/OP: |
| 24 | BPsychSc | 68/16 |
| UAC Course Code | QTAC Course Code | CRICOS Course Code |
| Coffs Harbour: 335152 | Coffs Harbour: 055351 | Coffs Harbour NSW: 071464B |
On-campus students experience a variety of teaching approaches including lectures, tutorials, workshops, research laboratory work, independent research, online activities and video-linked or podcast virtual classes. All of the core units are taught in converged delivery mode, and are available to distance education students.
MySCU is a student’s point of entry to a range of online services and resources that support study and student life. The portal includes unit learning sites and information sites where students can access resources, communication tools and useful links that are integral to their studies.
The web-based program Blackboard Collaborate delivers advanced on-line learning environments for students and lecturers to communicate and collaborate through virtual meeting spaces and classrooms. They can share files, presentations, and applications. If the session is recorded, students can view it afterwards.
Learning materials include the provision of unit information guides, study guides and books of readings. Students may need to purchase or access prescribed text books.
The SCU library provides a wide range of services including librarian assistance, print and electronic resources, a document delivery service, catalogues, databases, ebooks, ereadings, and full-text journal literature.
The Academic Skills Development team supports student learning by offering online and on-campus academic skills workshops, email, phone, and one-on-one support.
The assessment methods used in this course vary from unit to unit and may include written assignments, oral presentations, research papers, video or audio presentations, and written examinations.
Southern Cross University provides students with modern well-equipped teaching spaces such as lecture theatres, classrooms, and studios or laboratories tailored to meet the needs of specific study disciplines. Contemporary audio-visual equipment is standard in most teaching venues, and students have access to computer labs for individual study purposes.
Psychology students are fully engaged in learning facilities which include research laboratories, psychology computer laboratory, and a library of psychological tests.
Pre-requisite Year 12 subjects
There are no pre-requisite subjects required for this course.
On-campus Undergraduate applications
To apply to study an undergraduate degree at a SCU campus, apply online through the NSW Universities Admissions Centre (UAC) or Queensland Tertiary Admissions Centre (QTAC). For more information please visit either the UAC or QTAC websites: www.uac.edu.au or www.qtac.edu.au. A late fee applies for UAC and QTAC applications received after the 30th of September.
International Applicants
Please refer to the International Office website.
Recognition of Previous Study
Advanced standing may be granted to a student for tertiary studies successfully completed within the last ten years at this university or at another approved post secondary institution including TAFE, private providers or other universities.
We recommend that you apply for advance standing at the same time as you apply for admission into this course, because the amount and type of credit awarded will determine your study plan.
For more details and how to apply please visit the Advanced Standing website.
Bachelor of Psychological Science with Honours
Graduate Diploma of Psychology
Postgraduate Diploma of Psychology
Bachelor of Clinical Sciences
Bachelor of Social Science
Bachelor of Trauma and Healing
Important - Please contact the University for confirmation of the course structure prior to acting on this information. The University accepts no liability for any loss suffered by reason of reliance on this information.
See the University’s Rules Relating to Awards, in conjunction with the Specific Award Rules listed below.
4.1 Requirements for an AwardTo be eligible for the award of Bachelor of Psychological Science a candidate shall successfully complete not less than twenty-four (24) units comprising:
A candidate will not normally be granted advanced standing of greater than 50% of the core psychology units or 50% of the total 24 units.
May include Psychology Electives:
BHS30007 - Health Psychology