Bachelor of Psychology

We often make assumptions about people and about the way they behave. Psychology provides us with the scientific basis to challenge those assumptions. It is a diverse discipline that investigates everything from the structure and function of brain cells through to the behaviour of people in social groups.

Our undergraduate program is relatively unique in Australia in providing a strong foundation in the scientific basis of psychology, and also offering undergraduates the chance to acquire competence in a range of professional skills.

The Bachelor of Psychology program provides professional psychological training and practical skills, based on a strong theoretical and empirical foundation.

While entry to the fourth year of the Bachelor of Psychology requires a minimum academic grade, students who have successfully completed the first three years but who do not achieve this grade, or do not wish to continue, will graduate with the Bachelor of Psychological Science.

If you are eligible and choose to continue in the fourth year you will have the opportunity to specialise in a specific area of psychology by designing and conducting a research project, and undertaking advanced Honours level coursework, including theoretical and applied special interest topics.

Psychology graduates find work in a variety of areas including human resource management, organisational psychology, training , vocational guidance, child protection, counselling, clinical and neuropsychological assessment, and research. These roles can be in community and government organisations, schools and other educational institutions, commercial organisations and private practices.

The Careers Service offers a wide array of information on career opportunities in the clinical and research fields, as well as for students graduating with the Bachelor of Psychological Science. More information can be found at: http://www.newcastle.edu.au/students/degrees-to-careers/degree/psychology.html

Admission to this program is available to Australian students, residents and international students. Please visit http://www.newcastle.edu.au/what-can-i-study/undergraduate-programs/how-to-get-in/ for information on how to gain entry.

You may also be eligible to receive bonus points if you will be receiving an Australian Tertiary Admission Rank (ATAR). Please visit

http://www.newcastle.edu.au/what-can-i-study/undergraduate-programs/how-to-get-in/domestic-students/options-for-entry/bonus-points.html to see if you may be eligible.

Mathematics (2 unit) or equivalent.

Biology.

Note: This program includes studies in statistics for which a background in mathematics would be a strong advantage. If you have no previous knowledge of mathematics, or have not studied mathematics recently, you are strongly advised to enrol in a bridging course offered by the English Language and Foundation Centre in January and February. For more information, see: http://www.newcastle.edu.au/students/foundation-studies/bridging-courses/

If you wish to apply for credit for studies completed at another institution, or if you are changing programs within the University and wish to transfer your credit to your new program, go to http://www.newcastle.edu.au/service/credit-transfer/ and click on How to apply for credit.

The degree shall be conferred as an Ordinary Degree except that, where the performance of a candidate has reached a standard determined by the Faculty to be of sufficient merit, the degree shall be conferred with Honours.

Entry into the Bachelor of Psychology Honours stream at 4th year requires the completion of the 240 units of compulsory and elective courses in the first 3 years of the BPsych program and a minimum GPA of 5.5 calculated on all courses contributing to the BPsych program up to completion of 3rd year and including the grade associated with courses granted as credit.

There shall be three classes of Honours, namely Class I, Class II and Class III.

Class I shall have one division (First Class Honours).

Class II shall have two divisions (Class II division I, Class II division II).

Class III shall have one division (Third Class Honours).

The Ordinary Degree shall be conferred with Distinction where the performance of a candidate has reached a standard determined by the Faculty.

Students who complete the four year program requirements are currently eligible to apply for provisional registration with the Psychologists Board of Australia. By completing the accredited sequence of courses over four years in Psychology, students will also meet the current requirements for Associate Membership of the Australian Psychological Society Ltd (APS).

Students who complete the first three years and graduate with a Bachelor of Psychological Science will have completed a three year accredited sequence. Please note that an accredited 4th year is required for Bachelor of Psychological Science graduates who might consider seeking provisional registration with the Psychologists Board of Australia.

International students must comply with the University of Newcastle's English language proficiency requirements. All International Students enrolled in the program will be provided with an orientation to familiarise them with the rules, expectations, facilities and services offered by the University. Please visit http://www.newcastle.edu.au/students/international/student-support/ to find out more about the support services available to international students.

Please be aware that the current standard English language competency for registration as a practitioner in your chosen health discipline in most states of Australia is IELTS 7.0.

Students with disabilities who require reasonable adjustments to undertake their program should contact the Disability Support Service before semester or early in the semester. Some adjustments need up to 4 weeks lead time to organise, so it is imperative that early contact is made. The Disability Support Service and relevant Faculty and School officers will work together to ensure reasonably adjustments are provided in a timely manner.

Please note: All students must fulfil the inherent requirements of the programs and courses they are undertaking. While reasonable adjustments can be made, these adjustments cannot compromise academic integrity. It is the student's responsibility to check all the requirements of courses, and consider the effects of any medical condition or disability on their ability to complete course requirements. Please visit http://www.newcastle.edu.au/service/disability/ for more information.

Calculation of Honours Awards:

Class I: GPA of 6.0 or more in the 3000/4000/5000 level courses undertaken and an average mark of 85 or over for the 40 unit Research Project.

Class II Division I (either option 1 or 2):

• Option 1. GPA of 6.0 or more in the 3000/4000/5000 level courses undertaken and an average mark of 75 or over for the 40 unit Research Project.
• Option 2. GPA of 5.5 or more in the 3000/4000/5000 level courses undertaken and an average mark of 85 or over for the 40 unit Research Project.

Class II Division II: GPA of 5.5 or more in the 3000/4000/5000 level courses undertaken and an average mark of 65 or over for the 40 unit Research Project. Class III: a GPA of at least 4.0 calculated on all graded 3000/4000/5000 courses, an average mark of 50 or over in the Research Component and have passed all 3000/4000/5000 courses of their approved program on the first attempt.

All students can access additional learning development mechanisms provided by the Centre for Teaching and Learning at http://www.newcastle.edu.au/unit/ctl/lsp/

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students can draw on the assistance and support provided by the Indigenous Student Support and Development service through the Wollotuka Institute.