Psychology
Bachelor of Psychological Science
- Domestic
- International
About Degree
Uncover our inner workings
Are you fascinated by the human mind? Do you wonder what motivates our behaviour?
Psychological science investigates the way people think, behave, feel and learn. It studies processes of the human mind— including personality, intelligence and memory—so that we can better understand ourselves. Study at South Australia's #1 university for Psychology*.
What will you do?
Our Bachelor of Psychological Science nurtures creativity, analysis and communication skills. You will:
- learn about human development and the biological bases of behaviour
- investigate the mechanics of perception and learning
- explore the nature of motivation and emotion
- gain experience with psychological tests
- develop skills for counselling
- choose between over 35 majors and electives from related disciplines
- design and undertake meaningful research projects.
Where could it take you?
You could become a social psychologist, doing large-scale research to change the way we go about our lives. You might work in community services with people of all ages and backgrounds, or in market research and advertising. Perhaps you’ll go on to further study in the field and become a qualified psychologist.
Graduate entry
A graduate entry pathway is available. Learn more.
Direct access to industry leaders and paid internship opportunities: The Academy by Deloitte
Students who as part of their studies take part in The Academy by Deloitte experience will have the benefit of undertaking a paid internship with Deloitte. This internship is designed to shape their business readiness through significant real-world client exposure, access to multiple networking opportunities and relevant professional training.
Entry Requirements
Choose your applicant type to view the relevant admissions information for this program.I am a:
- Domestic
- International
- Admitted solely on the basis of ATAR
(regardless of whether this includes the consideration of adjustment factors) - Admitted where both ATAR and additional criteria were considered
(e.g. portfolio, audition, extra test, early offer conditional on minimum ATAR) - Admitted on the basis of other criteria only and ATAR was not a factor
(e.g. special consideration, audition alone, schools recommendation scheme with no minimum ATAR requirement)
Domestic applicants
Admissions information
| SATAC Code | 394001, 3BG003 |
|---|---|
| 2022 CSP ATAR | 65.45 |
| 2022 CSP IB | 24 |
| Guaranteed Entry Score - ATAR | 80 |
| Guaranteed Entry Score - IB | 29 |
| Deferment | Yes - 2 year |
| Intake | February and July |
Selection Criteria
| Recent Secondary Education | Applicants with recent secondary education are those whose admission is primarily based on the completion of Year 12 within the last two years, however if you completed your secondary education more than two years ago, you may still be able to be considered on the basis of your secondary schooling. You must not have completed more than 2 years full time equivalent university study (48 units). You compete for a place with your Selection Rank (ATAR plus any applicable adjustment factors). Indigenous applicants may be eligible for entry through the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Access Pathway. See Wirltu Yarlu for further information. |
|---|---|
| Higher Education Study | You must have completed at least six months full time equivalent higher education study (the number of courses and units will vary depending on your prior institution however at the University of APSB, this equates to 4 courses / 12 units). A Grade Point Average (GPA) is calculated for each separate program you have undertaken (apart from some double degree programs where the GPA is combined). You compete on the basis of your best GPA. Indigenous applicants may be eligible for entry through the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Access Pathway. See Wirltu Yarlu for further information. Graduate entry pathway - A completed AQF Level 7 Bachelors degree or equivalent (or higher) that does not include psychology or does not include psychology beyond Level I with the exception of a completed degree that includes the Australian Psychology Accreditation Council (APAC) accredited Psychology sequence that was awarded 10 or more years ago. Pre-requisite: Psychology 1A and Psychology 1B or equivalent (minimum pass grade). Applicants who do not have the prerequisite psychology studies or whose level 1 psychology was completed more than ten years ago must attend an intensive bridging course, Introductory Psychology. Applicants who require the Introductory Psychology course should apply for either Summer Semester or Trimester 2 depending on their preferred start in either Semester 1 or 2. |
| Vocational Education and Training (VET) study | You must have completed an AQF Certificate IV or above from a Registered Training Organisation. Your application will be ranked according to the level of the award. Indigenous applicants may be eligible for entry through the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Access Pathway. See Wirltu Yarlu for further information. |
| Work and life experience | To be eligible to sit the Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT) as as pathway for entry, you must be 18 years or over before 1 February 2023. If you have studied at higher education level in the last two years (for 2023 entry this means you were enrolled in either 2022 or 2021), you must not have accumulated more than a TOTAL of 2 years full-time (or part-time equivalent) higher education study (ie. including any study prior to 2021). If you meet this criteria, you will be ranked according to your result in the Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT). Your STAT result is not weighted between verbal and quantitative components. Indigenous applicants may be eligible for entry through the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Access Pathway. See Wirltu Yarlu for further information. |
| Other Entry Pathways | |
2022 Admissions Data for school leavers
| ATAR (raw ATAR, excluding any applicable adjustment factors) | Lowest ATAR to receive an offer | 55.65 |
|---|---|---|
| Median ATAR to receive an offer | 83.2 | |
| Highest ATAR to receive an offer | 97.5 | |
| Selection Rank (ATAR plus any adjustment factors) | Lowest Selection Rank to receive an offer | 65.45 |
| Median Selection Rank to receive an offer | 87.65 | |
| Highest Selection Rank to receive an offer | 99.95 | |
| Minimum eligibility score | 65 | |
| Additional criteria considered | Selection rank only | |
Student Profile
| Applicant background | Semester one/Full year intake 2022 | |
|---|---|---|
| Number of students | Percentage of all students | |
| (A) Higher Education study (includes a bridging or enabling course) | 58 | 24.5% |
| (B) Vocational education and training (VET) study | 8 | 3.4% |
| (C) Work and life experience (admitted on the basis of previous achievement not in the other three categories) | 9 | 3.8% |
| (D) Recent secondary education: | ||
| 142 | 59.9% | |
| N/A | N/A | |
| 11 | 4.6% | |
| International students | 9 | 3.8% |
| All students | 237 | 100.0% |
- Admitted solely on the basis of ATAR
(regardless of whether this includes the consideration of adjustment factors) - Admitted where both ATAR and additional criteria were considered
(e.g. portfolio, audition, extra test, early offer conditional on minimum ATAR) - Admitted on the basis of other criteria only and ATAR was not a factor
(e.g. special consideration, audition alone, schools recommendation scheme with no minimum ATAR requirement)
International applicants
| CRICOS | 060177M |
|---|---|
| Intake | February and July |
Selection Criteria
English Language Requirements
| Australian Year 12 | Successful completion of an Australian year 12 qualification with a minimum pass in an accepted English language subject | ||||||||||||
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| English Tests accepted by the University of APSB |
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| Qualifications that meet minimum English requirements | A range of alternative qualifications may meet the University’s minimum English requirements | ||||||||||||
Academic Entry Requirements
Detailed information on international qualifications assessment
| Secondary School Qualifications | Australia – Selection Rank (International) | 75 |
|---|---|---|
| International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma | 26 | |
| Canada – OSSD Ontario Secondary School Diploma | 70% | |
| Canada – British Columbia Certificate of Graduation | 70% | |
| Canada – Alberta High School Diploma | 78% | |
| China – Gaokao | 65% | |
| Germany – Abitur | 3.40 | |
| GCE A Levels | 8 | |
| Hong Kong – HKDSE | 18 | |
| India – ISC & CBSE | 70% | |
| India - Indian State Board Examinations | 80% | |
| Indonesia – SMA3 | 80% | |
| Kenya – Certificate of Secondary Education | B+ | |
| Kuwait – General School Secondary Certificate | 74% | |
| Malaysia – STPM or Matrikulasi | 2.78 | |
| Malaysia – UEC | 20 | |
| South Korea – CSAT and High School Diploma | 320 | |
| Sri Lanka – GCE A Levels | 9 | |
| Taiwan – GSAT and High School Diploma | 68% | |
| Thailand – Certificate of Secondary Education | 3.4 | |
| USA – SAT | 1130 | |
| USA – Advanced Placement (AP) | 7 | |
| Vietnam – Upper Secondary School | 8.00 | |
| The University of APSB College Foundation Program | 74% | |
| Eynesbury Foundation Program | 360 | |
| ANU College Foundation Studies | 66% | |
| Monash College Foundation Year MUFY | 70% | |
| Trinity College Foundation Studies Program (The University of Melbourne) | 72% | |
| UNSW Foundation Year | 7.00 | |
| UQ College Foundation Studies Program | 4.20 | |
| Taylors College – The University of Sydney Foundation Program (USFP) | 6.70 | |
| UWA College Foundation Program (WAUFP) | 57% | |
| Non–Go8 Foundation Score | 74% | |
| Other Qualifications | Students who don't meet the academic requirements or who have other qualifications from the South Pacific Islands, Japan, Korea, Philippines or Taiwan may be eligible to apply for a Pre-University Pathway to prepare for or gain entry into the University's undergraduate academic programs. For additional information see Pathway Programs | |
| Tertiary Qualifications | Graduate entry pathway A completed AQF Level 7 Bachelors degree or equivalent (or higher) with the exception of a completed degree that includes the Australian Psychology Accreditation Council (APAC) accredited Psychology sequence that was awarded 10 or less years ago. *Please note: Psychology 1A/1B or equivalent are course (subject) pre-requisites for the Psychology sequence courses. Unless credit is granted for prior study, we recommend prospective students apply for summer or trimester 2 and once admitted enrol into PSYCHOL 1100 Introductory Psychology. | |
How to Apply
Student Profile
| Applicant background | Semester one/Full year intake 2022 | |
|---|---|---|
| Number of students | Percentage of all students | |
| (A) Higher Education study (includes a bridging or enabling course) | 58 | 24.5% |
| (B) Vocational education and training (VET) study | 8 | 3.4% |
| (C) Work and life experience (admitted on the basis of previous achievement not in the other three categories) | 9 | 3.8% |
| (D) Recent secondary education: | ||
| 142 | 59.9% | |
| N/A | N/A | |
| 11 | 4.6% | |
| International students | 9 | 3.8% |
| All students | 237 | 100.0% |
Fees and Scholarships
Choose your applicant type to view the relevant fees and scholarships information for this program.I am a:
- Domestic
- International
Domestic applicants
| Indicative annual tuition fees | Commonwealth-supported place: $8,980 |
Where the standard duration of the program is less than one year the full cost of the program is displayed.
More information on Student Contribution Amounts.
Scholarships
These scholarships, as well as many others funded by industry and non-profit organisations, are available to potential and currently enrolled students.
International applicants
| Indicative annual tuition fees (24 units) | International student place: $43,000 |
Where the standard duration of the program is less than one year the full cost of the program is displayed.
More information on International Student tuition fees.
Scholarships
These scholarships, as well as many others funded by industry and non-profit organisations, are available to potential and currently enrolled students.
Careers
Career Readiness
- human resource management
- advertising and marketing
- evaluation and applied research
- mental health services
- youth work
- family and social services
- public and private sector management
- juvenile justice and corrective services
- relationship counselling
- residential care worker
- private sector administration and management
- correctional services
Graduates from the Bachelor of Psychological Science work across a range of jobs and sectors, in addition to the option of engaging in further study to hold a career as a Psychologist. Graduates from this degree can look in areas such as research assistants, recruitment agencies, government agencies such as Centerlink, rehabilitation agencies, marketing companies, human resources or any type of area that can utilise skills in data analysis, critical thinking, report writing, time management, communication and presentation.
The Bachelor of Psychological Science leads to a variety of careers, some of which will require further study.
Direct access to industry leaders and paid internship opportunities: The Academy by Deloitte
Students who as part of their studies take part in The Academy by Deloitte experience will have the benefit of undertaking a paid internship with Deloitte. This internship is designed to shape their business readiness through significant real-world client exposure, access to multiple networking opportunities and relevant professional training.
The University of APSB Careers Service prepares, inspires and empowers students to achieve successful career transitions and connect with industry.
Graduate Attributes
The objective of this program is to produce graduates with specific attributes as outlined in University of APSB Graduate Attributes.
- Deep discipline knowledge and intellectual breadth
- Creative and critical thinking, and problem solving
- Teamwork and communication skills
- Professionalism and leadership readiness
- Intercultural and ethical competency
- Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultural competency
- Digital capabilities
- Self-awareness and emotional intelligence
Professional Accreditation
This program has been accredited by the Australian Psychology Accreditation Council. Graduates who have completed this program will be eligible to apply for an honours year, followed by a two-year postgraduate qualification. This sequence of study will lead to professional registration as a psychologist.
Potential careers
Mental Health Worker, Animal Behaviourist, Ministerial Adviser, Parliamentary Member, Development Officer, Project Officer, Welfare Officer, Marketer / Marketing Manager, Human Resource Manager, Psychologist, Psychotherapist, Clinical Psychologist, Community Psychologist, Organisational Psychologist, Counselling Psychologist, Educational & Developmental Psychologist, Forensic Psychologist, Sports & Exercise Psychologist, Health Psychologist, Medical Research, Careers Counsellor, Political Adviser, ...
Degree Structure
In the first year, students are able to choose four elective courses from areas such as arts, health and medical sciences, sciences, computer science and commerce, alongside the four core psychology courses.
At the beginning of second year, students either select a second major or continue to choose from a wide variety of electives alongside five core psychology courses.
In the third year, students complete four core psychology courses, including a compulsory research methodology course. The other four courses can be selected from psychology courses or electives. For students who chose to undertake a second major, the electives in third year will consist of second major courses.
The main objective of the degree is to provide students with a thorough education in the scientific discipline of psychology, while also introducing students to the application of the discipline. Since psychology is an evidence-based discipline, students will also have an opportunity to find out about the range of methodologies employed to collect and analyse data.
The Bachelor of Psychological Science enables students to graduate with a psychology specialty and a second specialty chosen from more than 35 available topics.
On completion of this degree, students are eligible to apply for an honours year in psychology at the University of APSB as well as other universities around the country that offer honours programs accredited by the Australian Psychology Accreditation Council. It should be noted that an honours year in psychology is required to gain provisional registration with the Psychology Board of Australia.
To become a registered psychologist, students need to complete a 2-year Masters program. At the University of APSB we offer three areas of specialisation; Master of Psychology (Clinical), Master of Psychology (Health) and Master of Psychology (Organisational and Human Factors).
Academic Program Rules
The Calendar is a comprehensive handbook of the University's academic program rules.
Areas of Specialisation
- Addiction Science
- Anthropology
- Art History
- Australian Studies
- Classics
- Computer Science
- Creative Writing
- Criminology
- Cultural Studies
- Digital Humanities
- English
- French Studies
- Gender Studies
- Genetics
- Geography, Environment and Population
- German Studies
- History
- Human Neuroscience
- Indigenous Knowledges and Society
- International Development
- Italian Studies
- Japanese Studies
- Linguistics
- Management
- Marketing
- Media
- Music
- Philosophy
- Politics and International Relations
- Population Health
- Spanish Studies
Example Study Plan
A second major, as specified in the Bachelor of Psychological Science Academic Program Rules, is optional and not a compulsory requirement for this degree. Students choosing a second major must also complete electives to the value of 15 units, with a combined total of not less than 72 units.
Students choosing not to complete a second major must complete electives up to the value of 39 units with a combined total of not less than 72 units. Students have the option of completing all six Level 3 core psychology cores.
| Year 1 | S1 | PSYCHOL 1000 Psychology IA | PSYCHOL 1005 Research Methods in Psychology (BPsychSc) | Open Elective Level I | Open Elective Level I |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| S2 | PSYCHOL 1001 Psychology IB | PSYCHOL 1006 Psychology Skills & Applications | Open Elective Level I | Open Elective Level I | |
| Year 2 | S1 | PSYCHOL 2004 Doing Research in Psychology | PSYCHOL 2006 Foundations of Perception & Cognition | **PSYCHOL 2008 Big Picture Psychology: Global Challenges, Psychological Perspectives | Open Elective Level II |
| S2 | PSYCHOL 2007 Psychology in Society | PSYCHOL 2005 Foundations of Health & Lifespan | Open Elective Level II | Open Elective Level II | |
| Year 3 | S1 | Two from the following three PSYCHOL 3022 Individual Differences, Personality & Assess PSYCHOL 3027 Psychology, Science & Society PSYCHOL 3026 Learning & Behaviour | Open Elective Level III | Open Elective Level III | |
| S2 | PSYCHOL 3020 Doing Research in Psych: Advanced (compulsory) One from the following two PSYCHOL 3021 Health & Lifespan Developmental Psych PSYCHOL 3023 Perception & Cognition | Open Elective Level III | Open Elective Level III | ||
** This course can be done in either semester 1 or 2
