Bachelor of Psychological Science
This degree is part of the Year 12 Subject Spotlight Early Offer Program
Indicative annual fees are based on a full year full time load (80 units). Find out more about feesAUD 42,780 (indicative annual fee, 2023)
Indicative annual fees are based on a full year full time load (80 units). Find out more about fees
Admission to our undergraduate degree programs usually requires successful completion of a senior secondary school qualification similar to the Higher School Certificate (HSC), the highest educational award in New South Wales schools.
Currently enrolled, continuing students looking for the previous version of this program should refer back to the: Bachelor of Psychology (Honours) (pre 2018)
Program handbook
Description
The University of Newcastle's Bachelor of Psychological Science is for those who are interested in understanding how people think, feel and behave. This degree is for those that are inspired to build new knowledge and discover new things. You will learn from leading psychologists who will guide you through a tailored program, specifically designed to give you the skills that employers are seeking. You’ll be able to follow your passions, and customise your study with a wide range of disciplinary choices. Our guidance and mentoring give you the confidence to know you’re heading where you want to with your career in psychology. You’ll begin the important process of establishing the professional networks that will be critical throughout your career. You’ll have authentic opportunities to work with industry and in research whilst you study. By the time you finish your studies, you will have the practical skills to make a difference in the world and contribute new solutions to the many scientific challenges we face.
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.
- Applied knowledge and skills of psychology in a manner that is reflexive, culturally appropriate and sensitive to the diversity of individuals.
- Analyse and critique theory and research in the discipline of psychology and communicate these in written and oral formats.
- Demonstrated interpersonal skills and teamwork.
- Demonstrated self-directed pursuit of scholarly inquiry in psychology.
Details
| Information correct as at | Feb 8, 2023 1:59 pm | ||||||
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| Program code | 40099 | ||||||
| AQF level | Level 7 Bachelor Degree | ||||||
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| Selection Rank |
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| Assumed knowledge | HSC Mathematics Advanced or equivalent | ||||||
| Recommended studies | HSC Biology or equivalent | ||||||
| Term type | Semesters | ||||||
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| Relevant University rules and policies |
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| CRICOS Code | 095149D |
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Admission information
Admission requirements
Admission to this program is available to Australian students, residents and international students. Admission information for Australian students and residents is available online here. Admission information for international students can be found here. During the admission process adjustment factors may be applied to your Selection Rank. Please visit our website to see if you are eligible.
Enrolling in mathematics - Maths placement test
Your degree includes either compulsory or optional courses in maths. To maximise your likelihood of academic success, it is recommended that you select the course which matches your existing knowledge and understanding of maths concepts.
Answer a few questions now to find out what mathematics you should enrol in.
Minimum English language proficiency 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.
The IELTS requirement for admission to this program is 7.0 with no sub-test less than 7.0. Please be aware that the current standard English language competency for registration as a practitioner in your discipline in most states of Australia is IELTS 7.0.
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.
Professional recognition
Australian Psychology Accreditation Council
Students who graduate with a Bachelor of Psychological Science will have completed a three year accredited sequence. Graduates of the Bachelor of Psychological Science seeking provisional registration with the Psychologists Board of Australia are required to undertake an accredited 4th year, the University of Newcastle offers the Bachelor of Psychological Science (Honours). Whilst applicants may have achieved a grade point average to enable application to the Bachelor of Psychological Science (Honours) program, an offer is not guaranteed due to a limited amount of places available. Applications will be ranked by academic merit.
Academic requirements for program completion
Total units required
240 units
Program duration
3 years full-time or part-time equivalent up to 8 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, 240 units, comprised of the following:
- 160 units of core courses
- 20 units of science directed courses
- 20 units of psychology directed courses
- 40 units of electives
Please note: Students must only complete courses that form part of the program. Electives include any unrestricted courses offered within the university. In addition the program must include:
- No more than 100 units at 1000 level.
- At least 40 units at 2000 level.
- At least 60 units at 3000 level.
Program plans
Current students can plan their program using Program Planner.
Additional documents
- 2020 Transition Arrangements 212.1 KB
- 2023 Transition Arrangements 128.5 KB
Transition arrangements
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.
2021 Revision
From 2021 the following courses have been removed from the science directed courses: BIOL2020, ENVS1000, MATH1210, MATH2005, PHYS1150, and STEC2100. Students who commenced the program prior to 2021 and have completed these courses can count up to 20 units towards their science directed courses.
2020 Revision
From 2020 PSYC4100 was replaced by PSYC4300. STAT2000 was removed as a core course and replaced with a science directed course. PSYC3600 was removed as a core course and replaced with a psychology directed course. For students who commenced the program prior to 2020, please refer to the 2020 Transition Arrangements in the Additional Documents section for more information.
Please note, those commencing in 2020 should take a minimum of 60 units at 3000 level.
Program structure
Students can plan their program using Program Planner. It is recommended students review the program handbook in conjunction with using Program Planner.
Advanced course filters
Courses that are currently unavailable are hidden by default. You can show them by adjusting the advanced course filters above, or clicking the 'show all' links below each section.
Core Courses
Complete the following core courses. | |||
| Code | Title | Term / Location | Units |
|---|---|---|---|
| PSYC1000 | Introductory Research Methods in Psychology |
| 10 units |
| PSYC1010 | Psychology Introduction 1 |
| 10 units |
| PSYC1020 | Psychology Introduction 2 |
| 10 units |
| PSYC1200 | Foundations of Psychological Practice |
| 10 units |
| STAT1070 | Statistics for the Sciences |
| 10 units |
| PSYC2200 | Foundations of Psychological Interventions |
| 10 units |
| PSYC2300 | Cognitive Psychology |
| 10 units |
| PSYC2400 | Biological Psychology |
| 10 units |
| PSYC2500 | Introduction to Mental Health and Mental Disorders |
| 10 units |
| PSYC2600 | Personality and Social Psychology |
| 10 units |
| PSYC3000 | Advanced Research Methods and Statistics in Psychology |
| 10 units |
| PSYC3001 | Advanced Psychological Measurement |
| 10 units |
| PSYC3002 | Work Integrated Learning in Psychology |
| 10 units |
| PSYC3200 | Foundations of Applied Psychological Science |
| 10 units |
| PSYC3301 | Advanced Perception and Learning in Psychology |
| 10 units |
| PSYC3700 | Advanced Developmental Psychology and Developmental Psychopathology |
| 10 units |
Science Directed Courses
Complete 20 units from the following directed courses. | |||
| Code | Title | Term / Location | Units |
|---|---|---|---|
| BIOL1001 | Molecules, Cells and Organisms |
| 10 units |
| BIOL1002 | Organisms to Ecosystems |
| 10 units |
| BIOL1003 | Professional Skills for Biological Sciences 1 |
| 10 units |
| BIOL1040 | Introduction to Biology I | Not currently offered | 10 units |
| CHEM1010 | Introductory Chemistry I |
| 10 units |
| CHEM1020 | Introductory Chemistry II |
| 10 units |
| CHEM1110 | Chemistry for the Life Sciences I |
| 10 units |
| CHEM1120 | Chemistry for the Life Sciences II |
| 10 units |
| ENVS1001 | Environmental Science Concepts and Methods |
| 10 units |
| ENVS1003 | Environmental Values and Ethics |
| 10 units |
| ENVS1004 | Social Development and the Environment |
| 10 units |
| EXSS1010 | Foundations of Exercise and Sport Science | Not currently offered | 10 units |
| FSHN1030 | Introduction to the Nutritional, Physical and Psychological Aspects of Wellness |
| 10 units |
| GEOG1020 | Introduction to Human Geography |
| 10 units |
| GEOG1030 | Global Poverty and Development |
| 10 units |
| GEOS1040 | Earth: Our Dynamic Planet |
| 10 units |
| GEOS1050 | Earth Processes and Products |
| 10 units |
| MARI1000 | Our Oceans |
| 10 units |
| MATH1001 | Preparatory Studies in Mathematics |
| 10 units |
| MATH1002 | Foundational Studies in Mathematics |
| 10 units |
| MATH1110 | Mathematics for Engineering, Science and Technology 1 |
| 10 units |
| MATH1120 | Mathematics for Engineering, Science and Technology 2 |
| 10 units |
| MATH1510 | Discrete Mathematics |
| 10 units |
| PHYS1200 | Introductory Physics for the Life Sciences |
| 10 units |
| PHYS1210 | Advanced Physics I |
| 10 units |
| PSYC1800 | Sex, Drugs and Serial Killers |
| 10 units |
| SCIE1001 | Professional Scientific Thinking |
| 10 units |
| SCIE1002 | Multidisciplinary Laboratories |
| 10 units |
| CRIM2020 | Criminal Psychology |
| 10 units |
| ENVS2004 | Ecology |
| 10 units |
| ENVS2008 | The Sustainable Society |
| 10 units |
| EXSS2030 | Sport, Exercise and Performance Psychology |
| 10 units |
| FSHN2060 | Food Marketing and Consumer Behaviour |
| 10 units |
| GEOG2080 | Cities and Regions |
| 10 units |
| GEOG2130 | Geographies of Development |
| 10 units |
| PHYS2100 | Introduction to Astronomy |
| 10 units |
| PSYC2505 | Foundations of Psychology and Sociology for Health Professionals |
| 10 units |
| PSYC2800 | Special Topics in Psychology |
| 10 units |
| SCIE2019 | Astrobiology: Life Beyond our Planet |
| 10 units |
| STAT2000 | Applied Statistics and Research Methods |
| 10 units |
| ENVS3005 | Animal Behaviour |
| 10 units |
Psychology Directed Courses
Complete 20 units from the following directed courses. | |||
| Code | Title | Term / Location | Units |
|---|---|---|---|
| PSYC3300 | Advanced Cognitive Psychology: Theory & Applications |
| 10 units |
| PSYC3400 | Advanced Biological Psychology | Not currently offered | 10 units |
| PSYC3500 | Advanced Health Psychology |
| 10 units |
| PSYC3600 | Advanced Social and Organisational Psychology | Not currently offered | 10 units |
| PSYC3800 | Advanced Special Topics in Psychology 2 |
| 10 units |
Electives
Complete 40 units of electives to fulfil the requirements of the program. Electives can be used to extend and complement your core studies with more courses in the same field of study, or from areas that might be of interest to you. Electives can be chosen from all courses available at the University that do not have any other conditions (such as a course requisite) applied to them. | 40 units |
Suggested electives
Electives can be chosen from all courses available at the University that do not have any other conditions (such as a course requisite) applied to them. However, the Faculty suggests the following course options that may complement your program or major.
A full list of courses that are available to study as an elective can be found in the course handbook.
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) program handbook 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.
The University of Newcastle acknowledges the traditional custodians of the lands within our footprint areas: Awabakal, Darkinjung, Biripai, Worimi, Wonnarua, and Eora Nations. We also pay respect to the wisdom of our Elders past and present.