Bachelor of Psychological Science

Students who complete this course will gain a broad and coherent scientific understanding of the field of psychology.

The degree provides comprehensive training in the conceptualisation and measurement of the processes basic to human psychological functioning required for qualification as a professional psychologist.

These include biological and social bases of behaviour, cognition, learning, perception, social and organisational behaviour, personality, abnormality and research and assessment tools.Psychology can be usefully combined with a wide range of disciplines.

This degree offers students the freedom to choose complementary studies from Science, Social Science, Business and, Humanities and the Arts, so that they may create their own professional pathway in the diversity of fields where psychology is applied.

The first year of study allows students to engage in broad learning across the wide spectrum of topics relevant to psychology along with the basics of critical thinking, statistical analysis and professional writing.

The second year subjects are more focussed in important areas such as personality theory and changes through the lifespan, whilst the third year subjects focus in some detail around essential topics such as assessment, intervention, and sub-disciplines in basic experimental and applied psychology.

These subjects are taught by current subject matter experts engaged in up to date research in their respective fields.The logic that governs the way that this three year degree fits together is one of increasing scientific complexity as the student progresses through his or her studies.

This is illustrated in the way subjects are scaffolded and student expectations are extended across the three years.

Initially students are provided with an introduction to the theories and practical skills characteristic of scientific psychology in a multitude of areas, with particular emphasis on research methods and basic statistics.

The second year builds on this with an introduction to data analysis techniques for simple experimental designs and correlational studies which support further learning and extended assessment in other subjects specific to canonical areas of psychology that were introduced in first year.

Subjects in third year are more detailed and focused on specific aspects of applied and experimental psychology, building on students’ capacities to embrace greater complexity in the phenomena explored and the theoretical explanations of these phenomena.

In the third year Applied Psychology subject the three years of study are brought together though a real-world capstone experience.

The ability to take academic learning and apply these principles and approaches to problems that are psychological in nature and are located in a real-world setting is seen as essential in equipping graduates in this degree to successfully transition to next destination in their chosen career path.

As a result of successful completion students will have met the Australian Psychological Accreditation Council (APAC) requirement to pursue an accredited fourth year of study in the area of psychology or a related field.Students with an excellent academic record may apply to transfer to the four-year Bachelor of Psychology (Honours) degree, or apply for entry to the Bachelor of Psychological Science (Honours) at the end of Year 3.

The Bachelor of Psychological Science requires the successful completion of 144 credit points as specified in the table below, comprising:

1. 78 credit points of core Psychology subjects;

2. At least one of either:

• an additional 24 credit points of Psychology subjects for honours eligibility; or
• major from the approved list; or
• minor from the recommended list; or
• students enrolled in the Bachelor of Psychological Science (Pathway to Primary Education) (Course instance code Q364) must complete the Foundations in Teaching minor;

3. Remaining elective credit points from the General Schedule;

4. No more than 60 credit points will be at 100-level.

Students enrolled in the Bachelor of Psychological Science (Pathway to Primary Education) (Course instance code Q364) are required to maintain a weighted average mark (WAM) of 65 in each year of enrolment to qualify for admission to the Master of Teaching (Primary).

Year 1

Plus 24 credit points of subjects that contribute to either a second major, a minor, and/or elective credit.

Year 2

Plus 18 credit points of subjects that contribute to either a second major, a minor, Honours eligibility, and/or elective credit.

Year 3

Select THREE from the following, including at least ONE of PSYC327, PSYC328 or PSYC329 :

Plus a further 24 credit points of subjects that contribute to either a second major, a minor, Honours eligibility, and/or elective credit.

For information regarding timetables, tutorials, and classes please the visit the Timetables and Classes page.

Course Learning Outcomes are statements of learning achievement that are expressed in terms of what the learner is expected to know, understand and be able to do upon completion of a course. Students graduating from this course will be able to:

CLO Description 1 Demonstrate a broad and coherent knowledge of core topics in the discipline of psychology, their applications, and ethical behaviour in research and professional contexts. 2 Demonstrate a basic knowledge of research methods, including an evaluation of the characteristics of the science of psychology/scientific method. 3 Demonstrate an ability to apply research methods to address psychological questions related to behaviour and mental processes. 4 Write standard research reports and orally present information in various formats. 5 Exhibit a capacity for independent learning to sustain personal and professional development in the changing world of the science and practice of psychology. 6 Apply critical thinking skills and knowledge of the scientific method to evaluate claims regarding psychological phenomena. 7 Use the information in an ethical manner and apply knowledge of ethical and legislative requirements to determine appropriate ethical conduct in a range of contexts.