For more information about studying the Bachelor of Psychological Science / Bachelor of Media and Communication

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Program handbook

Description

Psychological science is a fascinating area which examines the cause of human behaviour. This understanding is then used to solve practical problems that will positively impact the lives of others. Students who choose the Bachelor of Psychological Science/Bachelor of Media and Communication could research the influence of social media on human behaviour, while developing cutting-edge skills needed to produce ground breaking, thought-provoking and engaging work across diverse media industries. With a range of course options, you’ll learn to push your individual creative boundaries, while examining the changing nature of today’s complex social landscapes.

Please note that registration as a psychologist requires completion of an accredited 4th year such as the Bachelor of Psychological Science (Honours) plus postgraduate training in psychology.

The program is accredited by the Australian Psychology Accreditation Council (APAC)


Program learning outcomes

On successful completion of the program students will have:

  • Comprehended and applied a broad and coherent body of knowledge of psychology, with depth of understanding of underlying principles, theories and concepts in the discipline, using a scientific approach, including the following topics: the history and philosophy underpinning the science of psychology and the social, cultural, historical and professional influences on the practice of psychology, individual differences in capacity, behaviour and personality, psychological health and well-being, psychological disorders and evidence-based interventions, learning and memory, cognition, language and perception, motivation and emotion, neuroscience and the biological bases of behaviour, lifespan developmental psychology, social psychology, culturally appropriate psychological assessment and measurement, and research methods and statistics.
  • Developed work-ready skills showing appropriate levels of independent initiative, team work and judgement in professional communication environments.
  • Critically engaged with social, cultural, political, ethical and legal issues through the understanding of practice in local, national and international communication and media industries.
  • A critical understanding of methodologies and theories relevant to communication practice, research and creative endeavour.
  • Demonstrated capacity to communicate effectively through text, vision, sound and interactive media forms.
  • Demonstrated self-directed pursuit of scholarly inquiry in psychology.
  • Demonstrated interpersonal skills and teamwork.
  • Demonstrated an understanding of appropriate values and ethics in psychology.
  • Analysed and critique theory and research in the discipline of psychology and communicate these in written and oral formats.
  • Applied knowledge and skills of psychology in a manner that is reflexive, culturally appropriate and sensitive to the diversity of individuals.

Details

Information correct as atMar 29, 2024 5:50 pm
Program code50007
AQF level

Level 7 Bachelor Degree

Locations and UAC codes
Mode of delivery
  • Face to Face
Duration
  • Australian students - 4 years full-time or part-time equivalent.
  • International students - 4 years full-time.
Selection Rank
LocationSelection Rank
Callaghan Campus65.00-

This program is new for 2022, there is currently no commencing student profile available.

Find out more about Selection Ranks

Recommended studiesHSC Biology or equivalent
Term typeSemesters
Fees
Relevant University rules and policies
CRICOS Code113056M

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Admission information

Admission requirements

Eligibility for admission to this program is based on applicants meeting the minimum selection rank, or satisfying the requirements for an approved admission scheme.

The University of Newcastle accepts a range of qualifications to determine eligibility for admission. These include, but are not limited to, Australian or overseas senior secondary qualifications (such as the HSC), prior tertiary studies, prior TAFE/VET studies, and completed enabling programs.

For further information on the pathways that are available to you, please refer to:

English Language Requirements

All Applicants must demonstrate that they meet the University’s English proficiency requirement. Further information regarding English language proficiency requirements can be found at the English Language Proficiency for Admission Policy here.

  • IELTS Overall Minimum: 7
  • IELTS Sub Test Minimum: 7

Credit transfer

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 the new program, visit the University's credit website for more information on applying for credit.


Academic requirements for program completion

Total units required

320 units

Program duration

4 years full-time or part-time equivalent up to 10 years maximum.

International students studying this program on campus are required to enrol full time to comply with their student visa requirements and complete their study in the standard minimum program duration. International students requiring enrolment advice should review the program plan corresponding to the semester and year of commencement and can contact their Program Advisor at ProgramAdvice@newcastle.edu.au

Program requirements

Students are required to complete a total of, but no more than, 320 units, comprised of the following:

• 220 units of core courses;• 10 units of courses from the Psychology course list;• 10 units of Career-ready Placement; and• One 80 unit Media and Communication major.

Notes

1) Students who wish to exit the combined program and qualify for one award only will need to ensure that they meet the requirements of the single program by checking the appropriate single program handbook and contacting their Program Advisor at: programadvice@newcastle.edu.au.

2) Students must only complete courses that form part of their program. 


Program planner

Current students program planner

Current students can plan their program using Program Planner.

Program Planner

Prospective student degree planner

If you're a prospective student considering studying this degree take a look at My Degree Planner to see what your study journey will look like.

Additional documents


Program structure

Students can plan their program using Program Planner. It is recommended students review the program handbook in conjunction with using Program Planner.

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Core Courses

Complete the following core courses to fulfil the requirements of this program.

CodeTitleTerm / Location Units
CIND1004Creative Collaborations
  • Semester 1 - 2024 (Newcastle City Precinct)
  • Trimester 2 - 2024 (Singapore) (Singapore)
  • Trimester 3 - 2024 (Singapore) (Singapore)
10 units
CMNS1100Foundations of Media Production
  • Trimester 2 - 2024 (Singapore) (Singapore)
  • Trimester 3 - 2024 (Singapore) (Singapore)
  • Semester 2 - 2024 (Newcastle City Precinct)
10 units
CMNS1234Media and Communication Concepts
  • Trimester 1 - 2024 (Singapore) (Singapore)
  • Semester 1 - 2024 (Newcastle City Precinct)
10 units
PSYC1000Introductory Research Methods in Psychology
  • Semester 2 - 2024 (Callaghan)
  • Semester 2 - 2024 (Central Coast)
10 units
PSYC1010Psychology Introduction 1
  • Semester 1 - 2024 (Callaghan)
  • Semester 1 - 2024 (Central Coast)
  • Semester 1 - 2024 (Online)
  • Semester 2 - 2024 (Online)
10 units
PSYC1020Psychology Introduction 2
  • Semester 2 - 2024 (Callaghan)
  • Semester 2 - 2024 (Central Coast)
  • Semester 2 - 2024 (Online)
10 units
PSYC1200Foundations of Psychological Practice
  • Semester 1 - 2024 (Callaghan)
  • Semester 1 - 2024 (Central Coast)
10 units
STAT1070Statistics for the Sciences
  • Summer 2 - 2024 (Callaghan)
  • Semester 1 - 2024 (Callaghan)
  • Semester 2 - 2024 (Callaghan)
  • Semester 2 - 2024 (Central Coast)
10 units
CMNS2000Digital Media Engagement
  • Trimester 1 - 2024 (Singapore) (Singapore)
  • Semester 1 - 2024 (Newcastle City Precinct)
  • Trimester 2 - 2024 (Singapore) (Singapore)
  • Trimester 3 - 2024 (Singapore) (Singapore)
10 units
CMNS2510Global Media Industries
  • Trimester 1 - 2024 (Singapore) (Singapore)
  • Trimester 2 - 2024 (Singapore) (Singapore)
  • Trimester 3 - 2024 (Singapore) (Singapore)
  • Semester 2 - 2024 (Newcastle City Precinct)
10 units
CMNS2600Audience Participation and Interaction
  • Trimester 1 - 2024 (Singapore) (Singapore)
  • Semester 1 - 2024 (Newcastle City Precinct)
10 units
PSYC2200Foundations of Psychological Interventions
  • Semester 2 - 2024 (Callaghan)
  • Semester 2 - 2024 (Central Coast)
10 units
PSYC2300Cognitive Psychology
  • Semester 1 - 2024 (Callaghan)
  • Semester 1 - 2024 (Central Coast)
10 units
PSYC2400Biological Psychology
  • Semester 2 - 2024 (Callaghan)
  • Semester 2 - 2024 (Central Coast)
10 units
PSYC2500Introduction to Mental Health and Mental Disorders
  • Semester 1 - 2024 (Callaghan)
  • Semester 1 - 2024 (Central Coast)
  • Semester 1 - 2024 (Online)
10 units
PSYC2900Social Psychology
  • Semester 2 - 2024 (Callaghan)
  • Semester 2 - 2024 (Central Coast)
10 units
CMNS3310Communication, Creativity and Cultural Production
  • Trimester 3 - 2024 (Singapore) (Singapore)
  • Semester 2 - 2024 (Newcastle City Precinct)
10 units
PSYC3000Advanced Research Methods and Statistics in Psychology
  • Semester 2 - 2024 (Callaghan)
  • Semester 2 - 2024 (Central Coast)
10 units
PSYC3006Individual Differences and Assessment
  • Semester 2 - 2024 (Callaghan)
  • Semester 2 - 2024 (Central Coast)
  • Semester 2 - 2024 (Online)
10 units
PSYC3200Foundations of Applied Psychological Science
  • Semester 2 - 2024 (Callaghan)
  • Semester 2 - 2024 (Central Coast)
10 units
PSYC3301Advanced Perception and Learning in Psychology
  • Semester 1 - 2024 (Callaghan)
  • Semester 1 - 2024 (Central Coast)
10 units
PSYC3700Advanced Developmental Psychology and Developmental Psychopathology
  • Semester 1 - 2024 (Callaghan)
  • Semester 1 - 2024 (Central Coast)
  • Semester 1 - 2024 (Online)
10 units

Psychology Course List

Complete 10 units from the following course list.

CodeTitleTerm / Location Units
PSYC3300Advanced Cognitive Psychology: Theory & Applications
  • Semester 2 - 2024 (Callaghan)
  • Semester 2 - 2024 (Central Coast)
10 units
PSYC3400Advanced Biological PsychologyNot currently offered10 units
PSYC3500Advanced Health Psychology
  • Semester 1 - 2024 (Callaghan)
  • Semester 1 - 2024 (Central Coast)
  • Semester 1 - 2024 (Online)
10 units
PSYC3600Advanced Social and Organisational PsychologyNot currently offered10 units
PSYC3800Advanced Special Topics in Psychology 2
  • Semester 1 - 2024 (Online)
10 units

Career-ready Placement Course List

Complete 10 units from the following course list.

CodeTitleTerm / Location Units
CIND3500Professional Placement
  • Semester 1 - 2024 (Newcastle City Precinct)
  • Semester 2 - 2024 (Newcastle City Precinct)
10 units
CIND3510Studio Q
  • Semester 1 - 2024 (Newcastle City Precinct)
  • Semester 2 - 2024 (Newcastle City Precinct)
10 units
PSYC3002Work Integrated Learning in Psychology
  • Semester 1 - 2024 (Callaghan)
  • Semester 1 - 2024 (Central Coast)
  • Semester 2 - 2024 (Callaghan)
  • Semester 2 - 2024 (Central Coast)
10 units

Media and Communication Major

Complete one of the following 80 unit majors to fulfil the requirements of this program.

Media Production

Compulsory

Complete the following 20 units of compulsory courses

CodeTitleTerm / Location Units
CMNS1090Media Storytelling
  • Trimester 1 - 2024 (Singapore) (Singapore)
  • Semester 1 - 2024 (Newcastle City Precinct)
10 units
CMNS1240Commercial Social Media Production
  • Trimester 2 - 2024 (Singapore) (Singapore)
  • Trimester 3 - 2024 (Singapore) (Singapore)
  • Semester 2 - 2024 (Newcastle City Precinct)
10 units
Course List

Choose 60 units from the following directed course list; 20 units at 2000 level and 40 units at 3000 level.

CodeTitleTerm / Location Units
CMNS2016Interactive Storytelling
  • Semester 1 - 2024 (Newcastle City Precinct)
  • Trimester 2 - 2024 (Singapore) (Singapore)
10 units
CMNS2035Cinematography
  • Semester 1 - 2024 (Newcastle City Precinct)
10 units
CMNS2130Sound Production
  • Semester 1 - 2024 (Newcastle City Precinct)
10 units
CMNS2180Screenwriting
  • Semester 2 - 2024 (Newcastle City Precinct)
10 units
CMNS2900Documentary Film Making
  • Semester 2 - 2024 (Newcastle City Precinct)
10 units
CIND3003Creative Industries Professional Project
  • Trimester 1 - 2024 (Singapore) (Singapore)
  • Semester 1 - 2024 (Newcastle City Precinct)
  • Trimester 2 - 2024 (Singapore) (Singapore)
  • Semester 2 - 2024 (Newcastle City Precinct)
20 units
CMNS3440Short Film Production
  • Semester 1 - 2024 (Newcastle City Precinct)
10 units
CMNS3490Experimental Media
  • Semester 1 - 2024 (Newcastle City Precinct)
10 units
CMNS3560Gamified Media
  • Semester 2 - 2024 (Newcastle City Precinct)
10 units
CMNS3620Virtual Drama and DocumentaryNot currently offered10 units
CMNS3999Advanced Media Production
  • Semester 2 - 2024 (Newcastle City Precinct)
10 units

News Media

Compulsory

Complete the following 20 units of compulsory courses

CodeTitleTerm / Location Units
CMNS1090Media Storytelling
  • Trimester 1 - 2024 (Singapore) (Singapore)
  • Semester 1 - 2024 (Newcastle City Precinct)
10 units
CMNS1240Commercial Social Media Production
  • Trimester 2 - 2024 (Singapore) (Singapore)
  • Trimester 3 - 2024 (Singapore) (Singapore)
  • Semester 2 - 2024 (Newcastle City Precinct)
10 units
Course List

Choose 60 units from the following directed course list; 20 units at 2000 level and 40 units at 3000 level.

CodeTitleTerm / Location Units
CMNS2280Feature Writing
  • Trimester 2 - 2024 (Singapore) (Singapore)
  • Semester 2 - 2024 (Newcastle City Precinct)
10 units
CMNS2320News Media
  • Semester 1 - 2024 (Newcastle City Precinct)
  • Trimester 2 - 2024 (Singapore) (Singapore)
  • Trimester 3 - 2024 (Singapore) (Singapore)
10 units
CMNS2700Create Your Own Business
  • Semester 2 - 2024 (Newcastle City Precinct)
10 units
CIND3003Creative Industries Professional Project
  • Trimester 1 - 2024 (Singapore) (Singapore)
  • Semester 1 - 2024 (Newcastle City Precinct)
  • Trimester 2 - 2024 (Singapore) (Singapore)
  • Semester 2 - 2024 (Newcastle City Precinct)
20 units
CMNS3150Podcasting and Radio
  • Trimester 1 - 2024 (Singapore) (Singapore)
  • Semester 1 - 2024 (Newcastle City Precinct)
10 units
CMNS3333Multiplatform Journalism
  • Semester 1 - 2024 (Newcastle City Precinct)
  • Trimester 3 - 2024 (Singapore) (Singapore)
10 units
CMNS3470Data Visualisation in Journalism
  • Trimester 1 - 2024 (Singapore) (Singapore)
  • Trimester 2 - 2024 (Singapore) (Singapore)
  • Semester 2 - 2024 (Newcastle City Precinct)
10 units
CMNS3666Contemporary Journalism
  • Semester 2 - 2024 (Newcastle City Precinct)
10 units

Public Relations

Compulsory

Complete the following 20 units of compulsory courses

CodeTitleTerm / Location Units
CMNS1090Media Storytelling
  • Trimester 1 - 2024 (Singapore) (Singapore)
  • Semester 1 - 2024 (Newcastle City Precinct)
10 units
CMNS1240Commercial Social Media Production
  • Trimester 2 - 2024 (Singapore) (Singapore)
  • Trimester 3 - 2024 (Singapore) (Singapore)
  • Semester 2 - 2024 (Newcastle City Precinct)
10 units
Course List

Choose 60 units from the following directed course list; 20 units at 2000 level and 40 units at 3000 level.

CodeTitleTerm / Location Units
CMNS2140Principles of Public Relations
  • Semester 1 - 2024 (Newcastle City Precinct)
  • Trimester 2 - 2024 (Singapore) (Singapore)
10 units
CMNS2530Strategic Communication
  • Trimester 1 - 2024 (Singapore) (Singapore)
  • Semester 2 - 2024 (Newcastle City Precinct)
10 units
CMNS2700Create Your Own Business
  • Semester 2 - 2024 (Newcastle City Precinct)
10 units
CIND3003Creative Industries Professional Project
  • Trimester 1 - 2024 (Singapore) (Singapore)
  • Semester 1 - 2024 (Newcastle City Precinct)
  • Trimester 2 - 2024 (Singapore) (Singapore)
  • Semester 2 - 2024 (Newcastle City Precinct)
20 units
CMNS3520Public Affairs
  • Semester 1 - 2024 (Newcastle City Precinct)
  • Trimester 3 - 2024 (Singapore) (Singapore)
10 units
CMNS3540Public Relations Campaigns
  • Semester 1 - 2024 (Newcastle City Precinct)
  • Trimester 3 - 2024 (Singapore) (Singapore)
10 units
CMNS3737Social Media Listening and Monitoring
  • Semester 2 - 2024 (Newcastle City Precinct)
10 units

Honours

An Honours year is available to students as a separate program in the form of an additional year to those who meet the entry requirements. Please refer to the Bachelor of Psychological Science (Honours) and the Bachelor of Media and Communication (Honours) for information about admission requirements.

Entry into Honours programs is competitive and meeting the minimum GPA requirement does not guarantee that an applicant will be admitted to the program.


Additional information

Through the Pathways and Academic Learning Support Centre, students can access a free suite of NUPrep preparation courses as well as Academic Learning Support.

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.


International students

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 our International Students website to find out more about the support services available to international students.


Additional support

AccessAbility provides advice and reasonable adjustments to Students with a medical or health condition or disability. If you require adjustments to undertake your program, contact the Student Support Advisors - AccessAbility before semester or early in the semester. They will work with the College or School to ensure that this happens 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. More information is available online.

Bachelor of Psychological Science / Bachelor of Media and Communication

UAC Code , Program Code 50007

Selection rank
Duration (FT)(PT)
Next start date

CRICOS Code , Program Code 50007

Indicative fee1
Duration (FT)
Next start date
Select your study options
Student type
Degree duration
Study location
Admission info

Selection rank

Duration (FT)(PT)

Next start date

UAC Code

Program Code 50007

This criteria is based on a full-time domestic student attending Callaghan campus. Please select your criteria to personalise your study options and your circumstances.

Apply via UAC

Indicative fee1

Duration (FT)

Next start date

English proficiency requirements IELTS overall minimum -
IELTS section minimum -

CRICOS Code

Program Code 50007

This criteria is based on a full-time international student attending Callaghan campus. Please select your criteria to personalise your study options and your circumstances.

Apply now