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Course snapshot
Domestic snapshot
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Start Date
March, July
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Duration
3 years full-time; 6 years part-time
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Location
Coffs Harbour, Gold Coast, Online
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Placement
No
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ATAR
70
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Inherent Requirements
Yes Learn more
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Language Requirements
IELTS Overall Score 6.0
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Entry Requirements
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Course abbreviation
BPsychSc
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Course code
3007244
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Credit points
288
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Equivalent units
24
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Scholarships
-
Indicative fee
Please note, some locations may not have all intake periods available. See the full availability details for further information.
International snapshot
-
Start Date
March, June
-
Duration
3 years full-time; 6 years part-time
-
Location
Coffs Harbour, Gold Coast, Online
-
Placement
No
-
ATAR
70
-
Inherent Requirements
Yes Learn more
-
Language Requirements
IELTS Overall Score 6.0
-
Entry Requirements
-
Course abbreviation
BPsychSc
-
Course code
3007244
-
Credit points
288
-
Equivalent units
24
-
Scholarships
-
Indicative fee
-
CRICOS
Please note, some locations may not have all intake periods available. See the full availability details for further information.
Overview
Psychology is the scientific study of human behaviour, cognition, and emotion. The Bachelor of Psychological Science introduces you to how psychologists investigate behaviour using evidence, and how this knowledge can be applied across individual, social, and cultural contexts.
This course is designed to develop your understanding of core psychological theories and the skills needed to evaluate and apply them. You will explore a wide range of areas within psychology while building the ability to think critically about behaviour and interpret evidence.
You will undergo training in research methods and statistics, which are essential tools for understanding psychological evidence. These skills are taught in a structured and supportive way, enabling students from a wide range of backgrounds to develop confidence.
You will be taught by academic staff who are active researchers, ensuring that teaching is informed by current evidence and practice.
Graduates develop strong analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills that are applicable across a range of professional contexts, and which form the foundation for further study in psychology.
Pathway option: Diploma of Health and Human Sciences (Psychological Sciences specialisation).
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“My degree has been really valuable in helping me in my youth work. All of the things I have learnt have really equipped me when I’m working with a child that is escalating.”
The Southern Cross Model is a game-changer in higher education study.
Our students now engage in shorter, six-week unit structures designed around immersive and interactive learning experiences. The shorter unit structure gives students a greater sense of momentum as they achieve milestones quickly, resulting in increased student success rates, and course and teacher satisfaction. Lectures are a thing of the past - students will be engaged in active, interactive and discussion-based learning.
On-campus students experience a variety of teaching approaches including lectures, tutorials, online activities and video-linked or podcast virtual classes.
Our online study option is highly interactive and may include a combination of podcast or video-linked lectures, electronic study materials, workshops, online discussion forums and virtual classes.
The method of teaching and assessment may vary from unit to unit.
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 (GA).
| Course Learning Outcome |
|---|
GA1: Intellectual rigour Apply psychological principles, theories, and concepts using a scientific, evidence-based approach across the core domains of psychology. |
GA2: Creativity Demonstrate independence and integrity in the pursuit of scholarly inquiry and creative problem-solving in psychology. |
GA3: Ethical practice Evaluate evidence and tolerate ambiguity, while critically reflecting on biases, values, and ethics to support inclusive, reflexive and safety-focused professional conduct in psychology. |
GA4: Knowledge of a discipline Evaluate and apply evidence-based research and assessment methods according to ethical principles, including the responsible use of technology in psychology. |
GA5: Lifelong learning Apply psychological knowledge and skills to personal, professional, and societal contexts, incorporating strategies for self-care, resilience, and management of psychosocial risks. |
GA6: Communication and social skills Critically analyse and evaluate psychological theory and research, and communicate findings effectively in written and oral forms. Demonstrate interpersonal and collaboration skills by working respectfully with others and maintaining safe and professional relationships. |
GA7: Cultural competence Demonstrate appropriate reflexive and responsive practice when working with socially and culturally diverse people, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. |
This course covers core areas of psychology, including the biological bases of behaviour, cognition, learning and memory, social psychology, and cross-cultural psychology. These areas provide a broad understanding of how behaviour is shaped by biological, psychological, and social factors.
You will examine topics such as perception, emotion, development, personality, and mental health, and explore how these influence behaviour across different contexts. The course emphasises applying psychological concepts to real-world issues, including wellbeing, relationships, and behaviour change.
Alongside this, you will develop an understanding of how psychological knowledge is generated and evaluated. Research methods and statistical concepts are introduced progressively to support your ability to interpret evidence and make informed conclusions.
Learning progresses from foundational concepts to more advanced application. Some units focus on theoretical understanding, while others develop applied skills such as psychological assessment, behaviour change, and research practice.
The degree also includes flexibility through elective units, allowing you to combine psychology with other areas of interest across the University.
| Location | Teaching period |
|---|---|
| Coffs Harbour | Term 1, Term 3 |
| Gold Coast | Term 1, Term 3 |
| Online | Term 1, Term 3 |
| Location | Teaching period | Annual Fees | CRICOS |
|---|---|---|---|
| Coffs Harbour | Term 1 | $27,000 ($3,375 per unit) | 071464B |
| Gold Coast | Term 1, Term 3 | $27,000 ($3,375 per unit) | 071464B |
| Online | Term 1, Term 3 | $27,000 ($3,375 per unit) | N/A |
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. | |||
Career Outcomes
Graduates of the Bachelor of Psychological Science develop skills that are applicable across a range of fields. Common areas of employment include:
- Human resources, recruitment, and organisational development
- Health, mental health, and community services
- Youth work and social services
- Research support and data analysis roles
- Government and policy-related roles
- Education and training.
This degree is also a pathway to further study in psychology. Eligible graduates may apply for the Bachelor of Psychological Science with Honours. Completion of an APAC-accredited fourth year is the minimum requirement to apply for provisional registration as a psychologist in Australia, followed by approved postgraduate training.
The Bachelor of Psychological Science is conditionally accredited with the Australian Psychology Accreditation Council (APAC) for entry into postgraduate training in psychology.
Requirements
We encourage you to apply for the courses you most want to study. If you are not eligible to enter your chosen course right now, our team will work with you to find the best pathway option.
Before applying, make sure you double check all entry requirements, gather required documentation and review the University’s Rules Relating to Awards, noting any specifics listed below.
Entry requirements
Applicants will not be considered for admission on the basis of having fully or partially completed a Certificate III (AQF Level 3) or a Certificate IV (AQF Level 4).
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. Don’t meet the English language requirements? View our English language programs.
| Category | Score |
|---|---|
| Overall | 6.0 |
| Listening | minimum 5.5 |
| Reading | minimum 5.5 |
| Speaking | minimum 5.5 |
| Writing | minimum 5.5 |
Credit for prior learning
Students admitted with a completed Bachelors degree will be required to complete all core units.
Course requirements
To be eligible to receive the Bachelor of Psychological Science, students must complete the equivalent of 24 units (288 credit points), comprising:
- 16 core units (192 credit points); and
- The Psychology Extension Major OR 1 shared major OR 8 elective units (96 credit points).
Inherent Requirements
Inherent Requirements apply to this course as defined on the Student Equity and 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 Equity and Inclusion website for further information and contact details.
Other things to consider
As part of our commitment to admissions transparency, the University provides a snapshot of how students were admitted to their courses and the profile of students studying with us.
There are different pathways into an undergraduate degree.
Whether you are returning to study after some time or you have just finished school and you need some extra academic preparation before embarking on a degree, Southern Cross University offers two excellent, fee-free academic preparation programs that develop the skills you need to be successful at university.
SCU College also offers a range of one-year Diplomas that provide extra academic support as you commence university. Diplomas are a great pathway to a degree and may also prepare you for diverse paraprofessional roles.
Credit for Prior Learning, also referred to as ‘Advanced Standing’ or Recognition for Prior Learning (RPL), is the process of looking at your prior study and/or experience to assess if you can be awarded academic credit or gain entry to a course on the basis of your existing knowledge and skills.
The Early Offer program allows Year 12 students to secure a place in a Southern Cross University undergraduate degree before Year 12 results are released. It’s designed to remove some of the pressure from Year 12 and provide a pathway directly into university study that is not based solely on Year 12 results.
Course structure
Why study Psychology at Southern Cross University
No.1 in Australia
We're rated no.1 in Australia for undergraduate student support in Psychology
Good Universities Guide 20265-star ratings in Psychology
We're rated 5 stars for undergraduate Learning Resources and Student Support
Good Universities Guide 2026Top 400 worldwide
We're rated in the global top 400 universities for Psychology
Times Higher Education World University Rankings by Subject 2026Fees and Scholarships
Domestic students
You are a domestic student if you are an Australian citizen or permanent resident, New Zealand citizen, or Australian humanitarian visa holder. Your course will either be a Commonwealth Supported Place or a full fee-paying place. This is noted in the course snapshot.
Commonwealth Supported Places:
In a Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP), the Government pays some of your fees and you pay the rest as the Student Contribution Amount (SCA).
SCA is calculated per unit, not per course. Eligible students can defer the SCA through a HECS-HELP loan.
Full Fee-Paying Places:
A full fee-paying place is where you pay the full (unsubsidised) tuition fee for your course. Eligible students can defer the payment of their tuition fees through the FEE-HELP scheme (including employer-reserved places for The Hotel School courses).
Also known as SSAF, the Student Services and Amenities Fee is a compulsory fee for most students used to provide important services and amenities to students both on and off campus. It’s charged per unit, based on the unit’s credit point value. Eligible domestic students have the option of deferring this fee through the SA-HELP loan scheme. More about SSAF
Depending on your course, your costs could also include computer equipment and software, books, stationery, field trips, uniforms or other course-specific expenses such as art materials, musical equipment or travel for practicums, internships, vaccinations or industry experience.
Scholarships vary in amount, from a few hundred to several thousand dollars each year. Eligibility isn't limited to top-performing students or those facing financial challenges; there are opportunities for individuals from diverse backgrounds and with different accomplishments. This ensures that education remains accessible to all, changing lives and helping individuals achieve their goals for a brighter future.
Fees and Scholarships
International Students
If you're an international student, you can find the annual course cost in Australian dollars (AUD$) on our International Courses and Fees page or on the web page for your course under fees.
Also known as SSAF, the Student Services and Amenities Fee is a compulsory fee for most students used to provide important services and amenities to students both on and off campus. It’s charged per unit, based on the unit’s credit point value. Eligible domestic students have the option of deferring this fee through the SA-HELP loan scheme. More about SSAF
Depending on your course, your costs could also include computer equipment and software, books, stationery, field trips, uniforms or other course-specific expenses such as art materials, musical equipment or travel for practicums, internships, vaccinations or industry experience.
Southern Cross University offers a range of scholarships designed to support you while you study, available for a variety of backgrounds and achievements. Scholarships range from a few hundred dollars a year to several thousand dollars a year. Southern Cross has also introduced Access, an initiative created to deliver a quality education combined with a straightforward tuition model, ensuring every international student has equal access.
Apply now
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- Get supporting documents ready
- Choose where and when from the available options
Click the Apply button to start your application in our Application Portal.
Early offer
If you're a current year 12 student you can register for our Early Offer program. You may be eligible to receive an early offer based on your School Principal's recommendation.
Apply now for your early offerChoose where you want to study
Coffs Harbour
Gold Coast
Online
Choose where you want to study
International students studying in Australia
Coffs Harbour
Gold Coast
Dates for the diary
Our shorter, more focused six-week unit structure gives students a greater sense of momentum and motivation as they achieve milestones quickly. Application dates per Term are shown on each course page however refer to our key dates and teaching calendar for detail on when enrolment opens, studies commence and when grades are published. There are also Dual Term and Tri Term calendars for those who have specific subjects.
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Credit Transfer
Get a head start on your degree. Find out if you’re eligible for credit from previous studies.
Go to credit assessorEntry Pathway
We believe in equal access to further education, so we offer a range of pathways to university.
Find a pathway