student standing in front of health clinic

Course snapshot

Domestic snapshot

  • Start Date

    March

  • Duration

    4 years full-time; 8 years part-time

  • Location

    Gold Coast, Online

  • Placement

    Yes  Learn more

  • Course abbreviation

    BPsychSc, BBus

  • Course code

    3207655

  • Credit points

    384

  • Equivalent units

    32

  • 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

  • Duration

    4 years full-time

  • Location

  • Placement

    Yes  Learn more

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

Overview

Interested in business and psychology and a career that might include both? This double degree combines two dynamic and fascinating areas of study, developing a diverse skill set with career flexibility.

In addition to completing studies in psychological science and human behaviour, students choose to study either core Business units or a specialisation in Accounting.

Core business units develop knowledge in business analytics, economics, financial literacy, business law, marketing, digital marketing strategies, sustainable business management and entrepreneurship and innovation. This study pathway includes a professional work experience placement.

Career opportunities exist as business specialists with a profound understanding of psychological science, or in roles that require a thorough understanding of human psychology and how it relates to business such as organisational development, change management, marketing or entrepreneurship.

The Bachelor of Psychological Science is the first step on a pathway to becoming a registered psychologist and graduates may also choose to further their studies in this direction with the knowledge they are well-equipped to run a business or manage a workplace.

Clinical Exercise Physiology student Vincent Manze at the Exercise lab on Gold Coast campus

“My experience at Southern Cross has been really good. There has been a vast array of opportunities for me. I've seen the whole spectrum of what I'm capable of doing."

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.

Learn more

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

Critically evaluate and apply practical and responsible business and enterprise solutions from a range of related disciplines to both inform and justify critical decisions.

Comprehend and apply a broad and coherent body of knowledge of psychological principles, theories, and concepts using a scientific, evidence-based approach.

GA2: Creativity

Apply knowledge and skills creatively in devising innovative, effective and responsible solutions to challenges related to a business or enterprise.

Demonstrate independence and integrity in scholarly inquiry and creative problem-solving in psychology.

GA3: Ethical practice

Develop and apply recognised ethical frameworks to influence responsible business behaviours within an organisational context.

Demonstrate the capacity to evaluate evidence, tolerate ambiguity, recognise biases, and apply values and ethics necessary for professional conduct in psychology.

GA4: Knowledge of a discipline

Demonstrate and apply in-depth and responsible discipline-specific knowledge and skills within a local, regional and global perspective.

Apply appropriate research and assessment methods in psychology.

GA5: Lifelong learning

Demonstrate autonomy, responsibility and accountability for ongoing learning in business and enterprise settings.

Apply knowledge and skills of psychology to meet personal, professional, and societal needs.

GA6: Communication and social skills

Prepare and deliver, individually and/or in a team, well developed and justified discipline-specific advice through both written and oral communication.

Investigate and identify a broad range of responsible leadership practices in the management of people and self.

Analyse and evaluate information, theory, and research in the discipline of psychology and apply academic literacy skills to communicate these in a variety of written and oral forms.

Employ interpersonal and communication skills conducive to effective collaboration.

GA7: Cultural competence

Demonstrate responsible cultural competence in local, national, and international settings as applied in business and social situations.

Demonstrate a reflexive manner appropriate to a range of socially and culturally diverse people, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

The Psychological Science and Business core units course progression includes professional work experience in a business organisation.

Students will choose to study Business core units or a specialisation in Accounting.

Business core units: develops an understanding of business practice and impact, business analytics, economics for decision-making, financial literacy for business, business law, marketing, digital marketing strategies, sustainable business management and entrepreneurship and innovation. Includes a 240-hour professional experience placement.

Accounting specialisation: develops knowledge and skills in taxation regulation, financial reporting, auditing and portfolio management as well as business finance. This accredited specialisation academically prepares students to become a Certified Practising Accountant (CPA), Chartered Accountant (CA), or Tax Practitioner.

Location Teaching period
Gold CoastTerm  1
OnlineTerm  1

Career Outcomes

Graduates will be equipped to work in careers requiring an understanding of human psychological factors such as health, social and disability services, human resources, youth services, corrective services, armed services, research agencies, ‘big data’ or education.

Graduates will also gain the professional, critical thinking and communication skills to run their own business or to pursue careers in a broad range of sectors, including marketing, public relations, product management, international business, government agencies and industry associations, data analytics, tourism and events and more.

The Bachelor of Psychological Science is the first step on a pathway to becoming a registered psychologist and graduates may also choose to further their studies in this direction.

The Accounting specialisation academically prepares students to become a Certified Practising Accountant (CPA), Chartered Accountant (CA), or Tax Practitioner.

The Bachelor of Psychological Science is conditionally accredited with the Australian Psychology Accreditation Council.

The Accounting specialisation is CPA Australia, Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand, and Tax Practitioner’s Board (TPB) accredited.

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

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

Course requirements

To be eligible to receive the Bachelor of Psychological Science, Bachelor of Business, students must complete the equivalent of 32 units (384 credit points) comprising:

  • 16 Psychological Science core units (192 credit points); AND
  • 15 Business core units (192 credit points), OR
  • Accounting Specialisation (192 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.

Learn more

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.

Learn more

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.

Learn more


Course structure

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.

Current Students should select their units by checking the Handbook for the year of their enrolment as these may be different.

View Student Handbook

Unit CodeUnit TitleAvailableCredit pointsNotes

First Year

HLTH1004 - The Reflective Learner and Health Science Scholar
ACCT1001 - Financial Literacy for Business
PSYC1002 - Psychology Foundations: Self and Situation
ECON1001 - Economics for Decision Making
PSYC1001 - Psychology Foundations: Brain and Cognition
ACCT1002 - Financial Accounting
PSYC1010 - Positive Psychology
PSYC1009 - Introducing Health Psychology

Second Year

STAT2002 - Quantitative Methods in Psychology
LEGL1003 - Introduction to Business Law
PSYC2005 - Psychological Investigation I
STAT1001 - Introduction to Business Analytics
PSYC2004 - Lifespan Psychology
ACCT2001 - Taxation
PSYC2002 - Understanding Psychological Diagnoses
ISYS2005 - Information Systems for Accounting

Third Year

PSYC3004 - Biological Psychology
ACCT2007 - Finance for Business
PSYC2001 - Psychological Assessment
ACCT2002 - Financial Reporting
PSYC3003 - Learning and Memory
ACCT2003 - Management Accounting
PSYC3005 - Culture and Psychology
LEGL2003 - Company Law

Fourth Year

ACCT3004 - Auditing
PSYC3001 - Social Psychology
ACCT3001 - Advanced Taxation
STAT3001 - Advanced Quantitative Methods in Psychology
LEGL2001 - Introduction to Land Law
PSYC3002 - Psychological Investigation II
ACCT3002 - Advanced Management Accounting
FINC3001 - Investments and Portfolio Management

Unit CodeUnit TitleAvailableCredit pointsNotes

First Year

HLTH1004 - The Reflective Learner and Health Science Scholar
COMM1004 - A Culture of Enquiry
PSYC1002 - Psychology Foundations: Self and Situation
COMM1005 - A Culture of Dialogue
PSYC1001 - Psychology Foundations: Brain and Cognition
LEGL1003 - Introduction to Business Law
PSYC1010 - Positive Psychology
PSYC1009 - Introducing Health Psychology

Second Year

STAT2002 - Quantitative Methods in Psychology
MRKT1002Marketing and Sales
Dual Term2
Term1,3,5
12
LocationDomesticInternational
China - TUSTN/A
Dual Term2
Gold Coast
Term1,3,5
Term1,3,5
MelbourneN/A
Term1,3,5
Online
Term1,3,5
N/A
Papua New Guinea - IBSU Port MoresbyN/A
Term1
PerthN/A
Term1,3,5
SydneyN/A
Term1,3,5
PSYC2005 - Psychological Investigation I
BUSN1008 - Business Practice and Impact
PSYC2004 - Lifespan Psychology
ACCT1001 - Financial Literacy for Business
PSYC2002 - Understanding Psychological Diagnoses
ECON1001 - Economics for Decision Making

Third Year

PSYC3004 - Biological Psychology
COMP1005Applied Artificial Intelligence
Term1,4
12
LocationDomesticInternational
China - Guangxi USTN/A
Term1,4
Gold Coast
Term1,4
Term1,4
MelbourneN/A
Term1,4
Online
Term1,4
N/A
Papua New Guinea - IBSU Port MoresbyN/A
Term1,4
PerthN/A
Term1,4
SydneyN/A
Term1,4
PSYC2001 - Psychological Assessment
BUSN2001 - Professional Development for the Workplace
PSYC3003 - Learning and Memory
MRKT2007 - Digital Marketing Strategies
PSYC3005 - Culture and Psychology
STAT1001 - Introduction to Business Analytics

Fourth Year

BUSN3001Competitive Strategy
Dual Term4
Term1,3
12
LocationDomesticInternational
China - TUSTN/A
Dual Term4
Gold Coast
Term1,3
Term1,3
MelbourneN/A
Term1,3
Online
Term1,3
Term1,3
Papua New Guinea - IBSU Port MoresbyN/A
Term1
PerthN/A
Term1,3
SydneyN/A
Term1,3
BUSN3003Entrepreneurship and Innovation
Dual Term4
Term1,3,5
12
LocationDomesticInternational
China - Guangxi USTN/A
Term5
China - TUSTN/A
Dual Term4
Gold Coast
Term1,3,5
Term1,3,5
MelbourneN/A
Term1,3,5
Online
Term1,3,5
Term1,3,5
Papua New Guinea - IBSU Port MoresbyN/A
Term1,3
PerthN/A
Term1,3,5
SydneyN/A
Term1,3,5
PSYC3001Social Psychology
Term2
12
LocationDomesticInternational
Coffs Harbour
Term2
Term2
Gold Coast
Term2
Term2
Online
Term2
Term2
Pre-requisitesPSYC1002 - Psychology Foundations: Self and Situation
STAT3001Advanced Quantitative Methods in Psychology
Term3
12
LocationDomesticInternational
Coffs Harbour
Term3
Term3
Gold Coast
Term3
Term3
Online
Term3
Term3
Pre-requisitesSTAT2002 - Quantitative Methods in Psychology
BUSN3002Sustainable Business Management
Dual Term4
Term1,3,5
12
LocationDomesticInternational
China - TUSTN/A
Dual Term4
Gold Coast
Term1,3,5
Term1,3,5
MelbourneN/A
Term1,3
Online
Term1,3,5
N/A
Papua New Guinea - IBSU Port MoresbyN/A
Term1,3
PerthN/A
Term1,3
SydneyN/A
Term1,3
PSYC3002Psychological Investigation II
Term4
12
LocationDomesticInternational
Coffs Harbour
Term4
Term4
Gold Coast
Term4
Term4
Online
Term4
Term4
Pre-requisitesPSYC2005 - Psychological Investigation I
BUSN3012Professional Work Experience
Term2,3,4,5
24 Note 1
LocationDomesticInternational
Gold Coast
Term2,3,4,5
Term2,3,4,5
Online
Term2,3,4,5
Term2,3,4,5
Pre-requisitesBUSN2001 - Professional Development for the Workplace AND 180 (equivalent of 15 units) towards your degree.
Enrolment informationInternship Option: Placement must align with your degree/specialisation and be approved by the Unit Assessor. Requires a minimum of 200 hours plus associated study. An Internship Placement Form must be submitted and approved PRIOR to commencing the placement. Industry Project Option: Relevant projects will be assigned at the start of the term. Enquiries: Contact the Professional Experience Coordinator at wil@scu.edu.au.


Note 1:

Double-weighted unit

Unit CodeUnit TitleNotes

Psychological Science Core Units

HLTH1004The Reflective Learner and Health Science Scholar
PSYC1002Psychology Foundations: Self and Situation
PSYC1009Introducing Health Psychology
PSYC1001Psychology Foundations: Brain and Cognition
PSYC1010Positive Psychology
STAT2002Quantitative Methods in Psychology
PSYC2005Psychological Investigation I
PSYC2004Lifespan Psychology
PSYC2002Understanding Psychological Diagnoses
PSYC3004Biological Psychology
PSYC2001Psychological Assessment
PSYC3003Learning and Memory
PSYC3005Culture and Psychology
PSYC3001Social Psychology
STAT3001Advanced Quantitative Methods in Psychology
PSYC3002Psychological Investigation II
Complete the above Psychological Science Core units AND either the Core Business Units OR the Accounting Specialisation

Unit CodeUnit TitleNotes
COMM1004A Culture of Enquiry
COMM1005A Culture of Dialogue
COMP1005Applied Artificial Intelligence
BUSN1008Business Practice and Impact
STAT1001Introduction to Business Analytics
ECON1001Economics for Decision Making
ACCT1001Financial Literacy for Business
LEGL1003Introduction to Business Law
BUSN2001Professional Development for the Workplace
MRKT1002Marketing and Sales
MRKT2007Digital Marketing Strategies
BUSN3001Competitive Strategy
BUSN3002Sustainable Business Management
BUSN3003Entrepreneurship and Innovation
BUSN3012Professional Work Experience
OR

Unit CodeUnit TitleNotes
ACCT1001Financial Literacy for Business
STAT1001Introduction to Business Analytics
ECON1001Economics for Decision Making
ACCT1002Financial Accounting
LEGL1003Introduction to Business Law
LEGL2001Introduction to Land Law
ACCT2002Financial Reporting
ACCT2003Management Accounting
ISYS2005Information Systems for Accounting
ACCT2001Taxation
LEGL2003Company Law
ACCT2007Finance for Business
ACCT3001Advanced Taxation
FINC3001Investments and Portfolio Management
ACCT3004Auditing
ACCT3002Advanced Management Accounting

Why Health at SCU

One of the best clinical lab facilities in Australia

Health Clinics on-campus provide safe and supervised environments for practicums

5-star health ratings

We are 5-star rated in psychology, nursing and health services and support

(GUG 2023)

Graduates in very high demand

Health graduates in very high demand as Health Care and Social Assistance is Australia's largest and fastest growing industry

Fees 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.

More about scholarships

Further fee information

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 Access25, a new initiative for 2025 to deliver a quality education combined with a straightforward tuition model, ensuring every international student has equal access.

More about scholarships

Further fee information

Apply now

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  3. Choose where and when from the available options

Click the Apply button to start your application in our Application Portal.

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Gold Coast

Online

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.

See key dates

Credit Transfer

Get a head start on your degree. Find out if you’re eligible for credit from previous studies.

Go to credit assessor

Entry Pathway

We believe in equal access to further education, so we offer a range of pathways to university.

Find a pathway