Bachelor of Psychological Science

2022 course information for Domestic Students
2022 course information for International Students

updated 6:02 AM on Thu, 9 March

Domestic snapshot

International snapshot

IELTS
View full English language requirements
ATAR
70
Duration
3 years full-time; 6 years part-time

3.5 years minimum for students commencing in Session 3

3 years full-time
Location
Coffs Harbour, Gold Coast, Online
Coffs Harbour, Gold Coast
Start date
March, July
February, June
Course code
3007244
Course abbreviation
BPsychSc
Credit points
288
Equivalent units
24
CRICOS
View in availability and fee details
Fees
Commonwealth supported
Fees
View in availability and fee details

Please note, some locations may not have all intake periods available. See the full availability details for further information.

Course overview

How do we think and learn? How do we control our movements and behaviour? What makes us tick? Exploration of the human mind and behaviour is a fascinating field and this degree is an equally fascinating educational journey into behaviour, cognition, and psychological principles and theory.

We have designed our Bachelor of Psychological Science to be a rich, flexible, and highly engaging learning experience. It will shed light on how humans work, individually and in sociocultural groups, and will take you inside your own head –to develop a deep and real understanding of your own thoughts, emotions, and behaviour. It will take you across many different fields of psychological practice –many you will never have considered. You will be working with an academic team comprising active researchers publishing their work in international journals.

This degree will help you develop strong analytical and problem-solving skills, as well as proficiency in research and statistics, all of which will inform your ability to apply scientific approaches in professional settings as well as enhancing your understanding of yourself and of the world.

How do we think and learn? How do we control our movements and behaviour? What makes us tick? Exploration of the human mind and behaviour is a fascinating field and this degree is an equally fascinating educational journey into behaviour, cognition, and psychological principles and theory.

We have designed our Bachelor of Psychological Science to be a rich, flexible, and highly engaging learning experience. It will shed light on how humans work, individually and in sociocultural groups, and will take you inside your own head –to develop a deep and real understanding of your own thoughts, emotions, and behaviour. It will take you across many different fields of psychological practice –many you will never have considered. You will be working with an academic team comprising active researchers publishing their work in international journals.

This degree will help you develop strong analytical and problem-solving skills, as well as proficiency in research and statistics, all of which will inform your ability to apply scientific approaches in professional settings as well as enhancing your understanding of yourself and of the world.

Current Southern Cross students – to access your official course details for the year you started your degree, please visit the handbook.

Entry requirements

See the University’s Rules Relating to Awards, in conjunction with the Specific Award Rules listed below.

Credit for prior learning

Students admitted with a completed Bachelors degree will be required to complete all core units.

CountryScore
Austria AMC3.4
Bangladesh HSC3.6
Brazil SSLC8.2
Canada High School OSSD50
Chile PSU6.4, overall 600-649
China Gao Kao449
Colombia CB (NAT)81, overall 300-349
Denmark USSLE6.2
France FB11
German Abitur3
Hong Kong HKDSE14
India CBSE (best 4)8.5 in external exam
India CISCE71
India Higher Secondary School Certificate (best 4)78 academic subjects
Indonesia SMA8.2
International Baccalaureate24
Japan USSLC4
Korea, Republic of, CSAT298
Malaysia ICSSUEC71
Malaysia STPM5 (3 A levels)
Nepal Higher Secondary Education Certificate73
Nepal Proficiency Certificate82
Norway GPA1.5
Pakistan HSSC Humanities and Science streams77
Pakistan HSSC Pre-Eng and Pre-Med streams31
Papua New Guinea HSC (best 5)2.5 pass Eng & Math
Peru OCSE17
Phillipines NSAT89
Russia FCCSE4.3
Saudi Arabia MESSLC83
Singapore SCGCE15.5
Spain SSSD8.2
Spain STBPU7.5
Sri Lanka GCE4.5
Sweden SSLC13
Taiwan GSAT54
Taiwan Senior High School Certificate87
Thailand CSE(Matayom 6) 1.9
Turkey HSD4
UK Board GCE A Levels13
USA SAT & ACTSAT 1410, ACT 20
Vietnam (in 4 subjects)7.5 Average

Language requirements

English language requirements apply to International applicants and other applicants whose previous study was undertaken in a language other than English. The minimum English language requirements for such applicants for entry to this course are as follows

CategoryScore
Overall6.0
Listeningminimum 5.5
Readingminimum 5.5
Speakingminimum 5.5
Writingminimum 5.5

About the course

The course covers analytical skills in solving individual, interpersonal, and community-wide problems. Core topics include the biological bases of behaviour, social psychology, learning and memory, cross-cultural psychology, abnormal psychology, as well as research design, interpretation of research findings, and statistical methods.

The structure encompasses basic theory to application, with a strong emphasis on acquisition of an understanding of the scientific principles leading to effective professional practice. Some units involve applied skills (e.g., personal reflection, demonstration of testing methods and other assessment techniques, and methods for facilitating behaviour change) while others emphasise areas in experimental psychology, statistics, and research methods.

This degree also has flexibility that allows you to combine subjects from diverse disciplines across the University. You can choose elective units or a group of units in a shared major as part of your Bachelor of Psychological Science.

Domestic students

LocationTeaching period
Coffs HarbourSession  1, Session  2
Gold CoastSession  1, Session  2
OnlineSession  1, Session  2

International students

LocationTeaching periodAnnual FeesCRICOS
Coffs HarbourSession  1, Session  2$28,800 ($3,600 per unit)071464B
Gold CoastSession  1, Session  2$28,800 ($3,600 per unit)071464B
 Notice

Tuition fees are in Australian dollars, and are subject to change, including annual increases over the duration of a course. Annual tuition fee is based on completing 8 units per year. In addition students are required to pay OSHC for the duration of their visa in advance. Non-tuition fee covers textbooks, stationery and excursions.

How to apply

Where and when do you want to study?

Applications for this course are made directly to Southern Cross University via our online application service.

Australian/Domestic students

Coffs Harbour
Gold Coast
Online

International students studying in Australia

Coffs Harbour
Gold Coast
View domestic application details View international application details

Course requirements

To be eligible to receive the Bachelor of Psychological Science, students must complete the equivalent of 24 units (288 credit points), comprising:

Inherent Requirements

Inherent Requirements apply to this course as defined on the Student Access & Inclusion website. Students who have a disability or health condition which may impact on their ability to meet these requirements are encouraged to visit the Student Access & Inclusion website for further information and contact details.


Course structure


Schedule of units

Unit CodeUnit TitleNotes
Core Units
PSYC1001Introduction to Psychology I
PSYC1005Fundamentals of Career Success in Psychology
PSYC1002Introduction to Psychology II
PSYC1004Introduction to Psychological Investigation
PSYC2001Psychological Assessment
PSYC2005Advanced Psychological Investigation
PSYC3001Social Psychology
PSYC3003Learning and Memory
STAT2002Quantitative Methods in Psychology
STAT3001Advanced Quantitative Methods in Psychology
PSYC2002Abnormal Psychology
PSYC2004Development across the Lifespan
PSYC3004Biological Psychology
PSYC3005Cross Cultural and Indigenous Issues in Psychology
PSYC3002Applied Psychological Investigation
Students can select either one university shared major (96 credit points) and one elective (12 credit points) OR nine elective units (108 credit points) from university wide offerings.


Course progressions

Your course progression is in the recommended order you should complete your course in. It is important that you follow this to ensure you meet the course requirements. For further assistance see How to Enrol in Units using My Enrolment.

Students should use course progression information to select units specific to their course and enrol in these units using My Enrolment

Browse uni-wide elective units by selecting Uni-wide elective in the advanced filter of the Unit search.

Browse shared majors and their units at Shared majors

Unit CodeUnit TitleAvailableNotes
Year 1, Session 1
PSYC1001Introduction to Psychology I
Session1
LocationDomesticInternational
Coffs Harbour
Session1
Session1
Gold Coast
Session1
Session1
Online
Session1
Session1
PSYC1005Fundamentals of Career Success in Psychology
Session1
LocationDomesticInternational
Coffs Harbour
Session1
Session1
Gold Coast
Session1
Session1
Online
Session1
Session1
Elective or Major
Elective or Major
Year 1, Session 2
PSYC1002Introduction to Psychology II
Session2
LocationDomesticInternational
Coffs Harbour
Session2
Session2
Gold Coast
Session2
Session2
Online
Session2
Session2
PSYC1004Introduction to Psychological Investigation

Not currently available

STAT2002Quantitative Methods in Psychology
Session2
LocationDomesticInternational
Coffs Harbour
Session2
Session2
Gold Coast
Session2
Session2
Online
Session2
Session2
Enrolment informationStudents should have basic mathematical skills equivalent to Year 10 Maths. Students should have basic computer literacy and familiarity with a spreadsheet program, such as Excel. Notification regarding prescribed textbook: Please be advised the prescribed text listed on the SCU website and in the unit outline for Term 1 2023 is incorrect. Students DO NOT need to purchase a textbook for this unit. Students DO need to purchase, or have access to, the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS). If purchasing SPSS, the "Base Grad Pack" is sufficient for this unit. This pack retails for approximately $50 for a 6-monthy license, and can be downloaded for free before license purchase.
Elective or Major
Year 2, Session 1
PSYC2001Psychological Assessment
Session1
LocationDomesticInternational
Coffs Harbour
Session1
Session1
Gold Coast
Session1
Session1
Online
Session1
Session1
Pre-requisitesPSYC1001 - Introduction to Psychology I
PSYC2005Advanced Psychological Investigation
Session1
LocationDomesticInternational
Online
Session1
Session1
PSYC2004Development across the Lifespan
Session1
LocationDomesticInternational
Coffs Harbour
Session1
Session1
Gold Coast
Session1
Session1
Online
Session1
Session1
Elective or Major
Year 2, Session 2
PSYC2002Abnormal Psychology
Session2
LocationDomesticInternational
Coffs Harbour
Session2
Session2
Gold Coast
Session2
Session2
Online
Session2
Session2
Pre-requisitesPSYC1001 - Introduction to Psychology I
PSYC3002Applied Psychological Investigation
Session2
LocationDomesticInternational
Coffs Harbour
Session2
Session2
Gold Coast
Session2
Session2
Online
Session2
N/A
Pre-requisitesPSYC2005 - Advanced Psychological Investigation
Elective or Major
Elective or Major
Year 3, Session 1
STAT3001Advanced Quantitative Methods in Psychology
Session1
LocationDomesticInternational
Coffs Harbour
Session1
Session1
Gold Coast
Session1
Session1
Online
Session1
Session1
Pre-requisitesSTAT2002 - Quantitative Methods in Psychology
PSYC3003Learning and Memory
Session1
LocationDomesticInternational
Coffs Harbour
Session1
Session1
Gold Coast
Session1
Session1
Online
Session1
Session1
Pre-requisitesPSYC1001 - Introduction to Psychology I AND STAT2002 - Quantitative Methods in Psychology
PSYC3005Cross Cultural and Indigenous Issues in Psychology
Session1
LocationDomesticInternational
Coffs Harbour
Session1
Session1
Gold Coast
Session1
Session1
Online
Session1
Session1
Pre-requisitesPSYC1001 - Introduction to Psychology I
Elective or Major
Year 3, Session 2
PSYC3001Social Psychology
Session2
LocationDomesticInternational
Coffs Harbour
Session2
Session2
Gold Coast
Session2
Session2
Online
Session2
Session2
Pre-requisitesSTAT2002 - Quantitative Methods in Psychology
PSYC3004Biological Psychology
Session2
LocationDomesticInternational
Coffs Harbour
Session2
Session2
Gold Coast
Session2
Session2
Online
Session2
N/A
Pre-requisitesPSYC1001 - Introduction to Psychology I AND must have completed or be currently enrolled in STAT2002 - Quantitative Methods in Psychology
Elective or Major
Elective or Major

Unit CodeUnit TitleAvailableNotes
Year 1, Session 1
PSYC1001Introduction to Psychology I
Session1
LocationDomesticInternational
Coffs Harbour
Session1
Session1
Gold Coast
Session1
Session1
Online
Session1
Session1
PSYC2001Psychological Assessment
Session1
LocationDomesticInternational
Coffs Harbour
Session1
Session1
Gold Coast
Session1
Session1
Online
Session1
Session1
Pre-requisitesPSYC1001 - Introduction to Psychology I
PSYC1005Fundamentals of Career Success in Psychology
Session1
LocationDomesticInternational
Coffs Harbour
Session1
Session1
Gold Coast
Session1
Session1
Online
Session1
Session1
PSYC2004Development across the Lifespan
Session1
LocationDomesticInternational
Coffs Harbour
Session1
Session1
Gold Coast
Session1
Session1
Online
Session1
Session1
Year 1, Session 2
PSYC1002Introduction to Psychology II
Session2
LocationDomesticInternational
Coffs Harbour
Session2
Session2
Gold Coast
Session2
Session2
Online
Session2
Session2
STAT2002Quantitative Methods in Psychology
Session2
LocationDomesticInternational
Coffs Harbour
Session2
Session2
Gold Coast
Session2
Session2
Online
Session2
Session2
Enrolment informationStudents should have basic mathematical skills equivalent to Year 10 Maths. Students should have basic computer literacy and familiarity with a spreadsheet program, such as Excel. Notification regarding prescribed textbook: Please be advised the prescribed text listed on the SCU website and in the unit outline for Term 1 2023 is incorrect. Students DO NOT need to purchase a textbook for this unit. Students DO need to purchase, or have access to, the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS). If purchasing SPSS, the "Base Grad Pack" is sufficient for this unit. This pack retails for approximately $50 for a 6-monthy license, and can be downloaded for free before license purchase.
PSYC1004Introduction to Psychological Investigation

Not currently available

Year 2, Session 1
PSYC3003Learning and Memory
Session1
LocationDomesticInternational
Coffs Harbour
Session1
Session1
Gold Coast
Session1
Session1
Online
Session1
Session1
Pre-requisitesPSYC1001 - Introduction to Psychology I AND STAT2002 - Quantitative Methods in Psychology
PSYC2005Advanced Psychological Investigation
Session1
LocationDomesticInternational
Online
Session1
Session1
PSYC3005Cross Cultural and Indigenous Issues in Psychology
Session1
LocationDomesticInternational
Coffs Harbour
Session1
Session1
Gold Coast
Session1
Session1
Online
Session1
Session1
Pre-requisitesPSYC1001 - Introduction to Psychology I
STAT3001Advanced Quantitative Methods in Psychology
Session1
LocationDomesticInternational
Coffs Harbour
Session1
Session1
Gold Coast
Session1
Session1
Online
Session1
Session1
Pre-requisitesSTAT2002 - Quantitative Methods in Psychology
Year 2, Session 2
PSYC3001Social Psychology
Session2
LocationDomesticInternational
Coffs Harbour
Session2
Session2
Gold Coast
Session2
Session2
Online
Session2
Session2
Pre-requisitesSTAT2002 - Quantitative Methods in Psychology
PSYC3004Biological Psychology
Session2
LocationDomesticInternational
Coffs Harbour
Session2
Session2
Gold Coast
Session2
Session2
Online
Session2
N/A
Pre-requisitesPSYC1001 - Introduction to Psychology I AND must have completed or be currently enrolled in STAT2002 - Quantitative Methods in Psychology
PSYC2002Abnormal Psychology
Session2
LocationDomesticInternational
Coffs Harbour
Session2
Session2
Gold Coast
Session2
Session2
Online
Session2
Session2
Pre-requisitesPSYC1001 - Introduction to Psychology I
PSYC3002Applied Psychological Investigation
Session2
LocationDomesticInternational
Coffs Harbour
Session2
Session2
Gold Coast
Session2
Session2
Online
Session2
N/A
Pre-requisitesPSYC2005 - Advanced Psychological Investigation

Unit CodeUnit TitleAvailableNotes
Year 1, Session 2
PSYC1002Introduction to Psychology II
Session2
LocationDomesticInternational
Coffs Harbour
Session2
Session2
Gold Coast
Session2
Session2
Online
Session2
Session2
PSYC1004Introduction to Psychological Investigation

Not currently available

Elective or Major
Elective or Major
Year 2, Session 1
PSYC1001Introduction to Psychology I
Session1
LocationDomesticInternational
Coffs Harbour
Session1
Session1
Gold Coast
Session1
Session1
Online
Session1
Session1
PSYC1005Fundamentals of Career Success in Psychology
Session1
LocationDomesticInternational
Coffs Harbour
Session1
Session1
Gold Coast
Session1
Session1
Online
Session1
Session1
PSYC2004Development across the Lifespan
Session1
LocationDomesticInternational
Coffs Harbour
Session1
Session1
Gold Coast
Session1
Session1
Online
Session1
Session1
Elective or Major
Year 2, Session 2
PSYC2002Abnormal Psychology
Session2
LocationDomesticInternational
Coffs Harbour
Session2
Session2
Gold Coast
Session2
Session2
Online
Session2
Session2
Pre-requisitesPSYC1001 - Introduction to Psychology I
STAT2002Quantitative Methods in Psychology
Session2
LocationDomesticInternational
Coffs Harbour
Session2
Session2
Gold Coast
Session2
Session2
Online
Session2
Session2
Enrolment informationStudents should have basic mathematical skills equivalent to Year 10 Maths. Students should have basic computer literacy and familiarity with a spreadsheet program, such as Excel. Notification regarding prescribed textbook: Please be advised the prescribed text listed on the SCU website and in the unit outline for Term 1 2023 is incorrect. Students DO NOT need to purchase a textbook for this unit. Students DO need to purchase, or have access to, the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS). If purchasing SPSS, the "Base Grad Pack" is sufficient for this unit. This pack retails for approximately $50 for a 6-monthy license, and can be downloaded for free before license purchase.
Elective or Major
Elective or Major
Year 3, Session 1
PSYC2001Psychological Assessment
Session1
LocationDomesticInternational
Coffs Harbour
Session1
Session1
Gold Coast
Session1
Session1
Online
Session1
Session1
Pre-requisitesPSYC1001 - Introduction to Psychology I
PSYC2005Advanced Psychological Investigation
Session1
LocationDomesticInternational
Online
Session1
Session1
Elective or Major
Elective or Major
Year 3, Session 2
PSYC3004Biological Psychology
Session2
LocationDomesticInternational
Coffs Harbour
Session2
Session2
Gold Coast
Session2
Session2
Online
Session2
N/A
Pre-requisitesPSYC1001 - Introduction to Psychology I AND must have completed or be currently enrolled in STAT2002 - Quantitative Methods in Psychology
PSYC3001Social Psychology
Session2
LocationDomesticInternational
Coffs Harbour
Session2
Session2
Gold Coast
Session2
Session2
Online
Session2
Session2
Pre-requisitesSTAT2002 - Quantitative Methods in Psychology
PSYC3002Applied Psychological Investigation
Session2
LocationDomesticInternational
Coffs Harbour
Session2
Session2
Gold Coast
Session2
Session2
Online
Session2
N/A
Pre-requisitesPSYC2005 - Advanced Psychological Investigation
Elective or Major
Year 4, Session 1
STAT3001Advanced Quantitative Methods in Psychology
Session1
LocationDomesticInternational
Coffs Harbour
Session1
Session1
Gold Coast
Session1
Session1
Online
Session1
Session1
Pre-requisitesSTAT2002 - Quantitative Methods in Psychology
PSYC3005Cross Cultural and Indigenous Issues in Psychology
Session1
LocationDomesticInternational
Coffs Harbour
Session1
Session1
Gold Coast
Session1
Session1
Online
Session1
Session1
Pre-requisitesPSYC1001 - Introduction to Psychology I
PSYC3003Learning and Memory
Session1
LocationDomesticInternational
Coffs Harbour
Session1
Session1
Gold Coast
Session1
Session1
Online
Session1
Session1
Pre-requisitesPSYC1001 - Introduction to Psychology I AND STAT2002 - Quantitative Methods in Psychology
Elective or Major

Unit CodeUnit TitleAvailableNotes
Complete an elective/s over Session 3 and then follow the Course Progression for Session 1 Commencement excluding the completed unit/s.



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5-Star Student Support across undergraduate and postgraduate studies

Good Universities Guide 2021

Learning outcomes

Course Learning Outcomes express learning achievement in terms of what a student should know, understand and be able to do on completion of a course. These outcomes are aligned with the graduate attributes.

Course Learning Outcome

Apply knowledge of the scientific method in thinking about problems related to behaviour and mental processes

Question claims that arise from myth, stereotype, pseudoscience or untested assumptions and recognise and defend against the major fallacies of human thinking

Use reasoning and evidence to recognise, develop, defend, and criticise arguments and persuasive appeals

Demonstrate practical skills in laboratory-based and other psychological research

Demonstrate an attitude of critical thinking that includes persistence, open-mindedness, and intellectual engagement

Apply psychological concepts, theories, and research findings to solve problems in everyday life and in society

Use information in an ethical manner (e.g., acknowledge and respect work and intellectual property rights of others through appropriate citations in oral and written communication)

Exhibit a scientific attitude in critically thinking about, and learning about, human behaviour, and in creative and pragmatic problem solving

Promote evidence-based approaches to understanding and changing human behaviour

Acquire an understanding of core topics in the discipline

Describe the basic characteristics of the science of psychology

Explain the major themes (e.g., interaction of genetics and environment) and perspectives (e.g., behavioural, evolutionary, sociocultural) of psychology

Demonstrate a capacity for independent learning to sustain personal and professional development in the changing world of the science and practice of psychology

Apply psychological principles to promote personal development through self-regulation in setting and achieving career and personal goals; self-assess performance accurately; incorporate feedback for improved performance; and purposefully evaluate the quality of one’s thinking (metacognition)

Write effectively in a variety of other formats (e.g., essays, research proposals, reports) and for a variety of purposes (e.g., informing, arguing)

Demonstrate effective oral communication skills in various formats (e.g., debate, group discussion, presentation) and for various purposes

Write a standard research report using American Psychological Association (APA) structure and formatting conventions

Recognise and respect social, cultural, linguistic, spiritual, and gender diversity

Recognise how privilege, power, and oppression may affect prejudice, discrimination, and inequity

Reflect on one’s experiences and learn from them in order to identify and articulate one’s personal, sociocultural, and professional values; demonstrate insightful awareness of one’s feelings, motives, and attitudes based on psychological principles


Assessment methods

The assessment methods used in this course vary from unit to unit and may include written assignments, oral presentations, blog or journaling assignments, research reports, video or audio presentations, and written examinations.

 

Teaching methods

All units in the Bachelor of Psychological Science are offered online and most on campus. All students have access to online lectures and a variety of teaching approaches including tutorials or labs, online activities, and live online or podcast virtual classes. On-campus students may take part in small-group tutorials, labs, or workshops. The method of teaching varies from unit to unit.

Career opportunities

Graduates of the Bachelor of Psychological Science can seek employment in health, social and disability services, human resources, youth services, corrective services, armed services, research agencies, in ‘big data’, education, and in a range of careers that require critical thinking and an understanding of human psychological factors.

This degree is also a pathway to the Honours year. Eligible graduates may apply a fourth year of study in the APAC accredited Bachelor of Psychological Science with Honours. Completion of that fourth year of study is the minimal educational qualification to apply for provisional registration as a psychologist in Australia (conditional on undertaking an approved practice pathway).

Psychologists can undertake private practice and/or can gain employment in health, social, and disability services, youth services, corrective services, the armed services, research agencies as the CSIRO, in education, and in many other areas.

Professional placement

There are no compulsory placements in this course.

Professional recognition

The course has Australian Psychology Accreditation Council (APAC) accreditation for entrance into postgraduate training.

Ask a question

Domestic future
students

Call 1800 626 481 during business hours.

International future
students

Call +61 2 6620 3876 during business hours.

Current
students

Email: enquiry@scu.edu.au
Call 1800 005 687 during business hours.

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