Bachelor of Psychological Science / Bachelor of Social Science

On successful completion of the program students will have:

• Comprehend and apply 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.
• Ethical and socio-cultural sensitivity: An appreciation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture, knowledge of and sensitivity towards cultural diversity and marginalised groups.
• Ethical and socio-cultural sensitivity: An understanding of ethical issues, standards, and/or public responsibility in relation to professional practice.
• Communication, interpersonal and presentation skills: Proficient level of written, oral, or interpersonal skills, including the effective use of information and communication technologies.
• Effective management and teamwork skills: The ability to work autonomously and collaboratively to apply knowledge and skills with initiative and judgement.
• Critical thought and informed decision-making: The ability to structure and present logical arguments, critically analyse material and opinions, and make informed decisions.
• Broad social science knowledge with depth in one or more specialist areas.
• Social research skills: The capacity to collect, organise, critically assess information.
• Social research skills: knowledge and skills in the design and/or conduct of social research.
• 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.

Admission requirements

English Language Requirements

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.

2023 Revision

From 2023 there are changes to the program structure. For students who commmenced the program prior to 2023, please refer to the Transition Arrangements in the Additional Documents section for more information. 

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 Bachelor of Social Science (Honours) program handbooks 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.

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.

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.

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.