The Bachelor of Psychological Science course will provide you with a comprehensive overview of the theoretical, scientific and technical knowledge of the discipline of psychology. The course will prepare you for a career in contexts that require an understanding of human behaviour and development, behaviour change and research methodology alongside strong verbal and written communication skills.
In this course, you will develop knowledge of the range of core scientific and research areas that make up psychology, and an understanding of the methodologies and statistical techniques used by researchers for information gathering and analysis. You will learn how to engage in professional written and verbal communication and how to engage in research and professional practice in an ethical and culturally- and socially-responsive manner. There will be opportunities for you to explore applied and professional uses of psychology and work in teams to solve industry-based problems.
The course is delivered in accordance with the foundational (Level one) competencies for three-year undergraduate psychology programs, as specified by the Australian Psychology Accreditation Council (APAC). You can complete further study through the CQUniversity 1-year Bachelor of Psychological Science (Honours) degree and then undertake accredited postgraduate study to gain registration as a psychologist.
If you have successfully completed the first year of the course, but do not wish to continue in the course you may request to exit the course with a Diploma in Behavioural Science.
Note: If you already have an existing Bachelor's degree and wish to obtain an accredited undergraduate psychology sequence, consider enrolling in CF59 Bachelor of Science (Psychology).
Not everyone with a psychology degree goes on to work
as a registered psychologist. People with a psychology degree are
employed in a wide and diverse range of areas including (but not limited to)
youth work, disability, rehabilitation, mental health, career counselling,
social work, human resources, management, counselling, child development,
education, forensic, health and coaching.
Graduating with this degree will not allow you to call
yourself a 'psychologist'. This requires further study involving an honours
degree (such as our Bachelor of Psychological Science (Honours)- CC42), and
then an accredited Psychology Board of Australia pathway (for more details see http://www.psychologyboard.gov.au/Registration.aspx).
Adding a fourth year of study will also prepare you
for research higher degree studies in psychology (either Masters by Research,
or a Doctor of Philosophy). These pathways involve undertaking a unique
supervised research project that provide you with the opportunity to develop
and consolidate your research skills, and apply them in practical, real-world
settings.
Duration | 3 years full-time or 6 years part-time |
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Credit Points that Must be Earned | 144 |
Number of Units Required | CQUniversity uses the concept of credits to express the amount of study required for a particular course and individual units. The number of units varies between courses. Units in undergraduate courses normally consist of 6 points of credit or multiples thereof (e.g. 12, 18, 24). |
Expected Hours of Study | One point of credit is equivalent to an expectation of approximately two hours of student work per week in a term. |
Course Type | Undergraduate Award |
Qualification (post nominal) | BPsychSci |
AQF Level | Level 7: Bachelor Degree |
Course Fees |
Indicative Year - 2025
Indicative Year - 2024
Indicative Year - 2023
Indicative Year - 2022
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Domestic Students Tertiary Admission Centre Codes (TAC) Codes |
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International Students CRICOS Codes |
Rank Threshold | SR 62 | ATAR 62 |
Entry Requirements
English (Units 3 & 4, C) or equivalent
English Language Proficiency Requirements
If you were not born in Australia, Canada, New Zealand, United Kingdom, Ireland, South Africa or United States of America, you are required to meet the English Language Proficiency requirements set by the University.
Applicants are required to provide documentation confirming completion of:
- A secondary qualification (Year 11 and 12, or equivalent), or
- An Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) Certificate IV qualification, or
- An AQF Diploma level qualification, or
- Bachelor level qualification study for a period of at least 2 years fulltime with a minimum overall GPA 4.0
completed within Australia, Canada, New Zealand, United Kingdom, South Africa, Ireland, or United States of America, which will meet the English proficiency.
If you are an international student, additional requirements may apply, please visit international student information for more details.
If you do not satisfy any of the above, you will need to undertake an English language proficiency test and achieve the following scores:
- An International English Language Testing System (IELTS Academic) overall band score of at least 6.0 with a minimum 5.5 in each subset; or
- Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) iBT - Requires 75 or better overall and no score less than 17; or
- Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE Academic) - Requires an overall score of 54 with no sub-score less than 46; or
- An Occupational English Test with Grades A or B only in each of the four components.
English test results remain valid for no more than two years between final examination date and the date of commencement of study and must appear on a single result certificate.
Each student will be assessed individually.
None
Interim Awards | Not applicable |
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Exit Awards | CV71 - Diploma of Behavioural Science |
Accreditation |
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No Residential School for this course.
PSYC13026 - This unit provides students with the opportunity to reflect upon and apply their acquired discipline-specific knowledge in psychology to a range of professional contexts. There will be a focus on the transition into the workforce or further study. Students will complete a supervised project to address a real-world issue as presented by a representative from an existing organisation. Students will draw upon their psychology and professional expertise to develop and present workable solutions to a professional client. |
Year | Number of Students |
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2024 | 633 |
2023 | 717 |
2022 | 820 |
2021 | 800 |
2020 | 793 |
Please note that in some instances there may be similarities between course, entry and inherent requirements.
If you experience difficulties meeting these requirements, reasonable adjustments may be made upon contacting accessibility@cqu.edu.au. Adjustment must not compromise the academic integrity of the degree or course chosen at CQUniversity or the legal requirements of field education.
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Course Learning Outcomes | |||||||
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Australian Qualifications Framework Descriptors | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 |
1. KNOWLEDGE Have a broad and coherent body of knowledge, with depth in the underlying principles and concepts in one or more disciplines as a basis for independent lifelong learning | |||||||
2. SKILLS Have cognitive skills to review critically, analyse, consolidate and synthesise knowledge | |||||||
3. SKILLS Have cognitive and technical skills to demonstrate a broad understanding of knowledge with depth in some areas | |||||||
4. SKILLS Have cognitive and creative skills to exercise critical thinking and judgement in identifying and solving problems with intellectual independence | |||||||
5. SKILLS Have communication skills to present a clear, coherent and independent exposition of knowledge and ideas | |||||||
6. APPLICATION OF KNOWLEDGE & SKILLS Demonstrate initiative and judgement in planning, problem solving and decision making in professional practice and/or scholarship | |||||||
7. APPLICATION OF KNOWLEDGE & SKILLS Adapt knowledge and skills in diverse contexts | |||||||
8. APPLICATION OF KNOWLEDGE & SKILL Be responsible and accountable for own learning and professional practice and in collaboration with others within broad parameters | |||||||
KNOWLEDGE Develop an understanding and appreciation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and culture in contemporary and historical context using the respectful and appropriate protocols and terminology | |||||||
APPLICATION OF KNOWLEDGE & SKILLS Engage in reflective self-evaluation of own cultural values and perspectives to proactively create an inclusive workplace that affirms and celebrates cultural diversity | |||||||
APPLICATION OF KNOWLEDGE & SKILLS Display leadership by creating inclusive work environments and work with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in a culturally respectful manner |
Number of units: 16 | Total credit points: 96 |
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Graduating with this degree will not allow you to call yourself a 'psychologist'. This requires further study involving an honours degree (4th year of study), and then an accredited Psychology Board of Australia pathway.
Computing Requirements
It is a requirement of enrolment in this course that students have access to the CQUniversity website. Students may be required to undertake various components of study in the course using email and the internet.
It is strongly recommended that students have access to broadband connection or higher in order to access online student resources that would include, but not limited to, e-mail, internet, video streaming, electronic assessment submission.
Course Structure
To satisfy the requirements of the award, students must complete 24 units (i.e., 144 credit points) made up of the following:
Note, all psychology units are compulsory. Except with the approval of the Head of Course, all students must satisfy all prerequisites shown for each unit in the Handbook.
Further Study
After completing three years of full-time study or equivalent within this course, students who have satisfied the above criteria for the first three years (including the required minors/major) and have a GPA of 5.5 or above for Level 2 and Level 3 psychology units, will be eligible to apply for a place in the Bachelor of Psychological Science (Honours) course (CC42). For the purposes of entry into the Bachelor of Psychological Science (Honours) course, calculation of GPA will be based on 10 accredited psychology units at Level 2 and Level 3, excluding PSYC12050 Applied Health and Sports Psychology, PSYC13021 Forensic Psychology and PSYC13026 Psychology Capstone. If the offer is accepted, it must be taken up for the year of intake offered and cannot be held open.
Year 1 - Term 1 | ||
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Students must complete the following compulsory units: | ||
PSYC11010 | Fundamentals of Psychology 1: Understanding Human Behaviour | |
PSYC11011 | Personal and Professional Development |
Year 1 - Term 2 | ||
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Students must complete the following compulsory units: | ||
PSYC11009 | Fundamentals of Psychology 2: Psychological Literacy | |
PSYC11012 | Research Methods 1 |
Year 2 - Term 1 | ||
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Students must complete the following compulsory units: | ||
PSYC12012 | Physiological Psychology | |
PSYC12010 | Psychology Across the Lifespan | |
PSYC12049 | Psychotherapies and Counselling |
Year 2 - Term 2 | ||
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Students must complete the following compulsory units: | ||
PSYC12048 | Research Methods 2 | |
PSYC12014 | Critical Social Psychology | |
PSYC12050 | Applied Health and Sports Psychology |
Year 3 - Term 1 | ||
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Students must complete the following compulsory units: | ||
PSYC13017 | Foundations of Psychopathology | |
PSYC13015 | Research Methods 3 | |
PSYC13018 | Cross-Cultural Psychology |
Year 3 - Term 2 | ||
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Students must complete the following compulsory units: | ||
PSYC13016 | Cognitive Psychology | |
PSYC13020 | Individual Differences and Assessment | |
PSYC13026 | Psychology Capstone |
Number of units: 4 | Total credit points: 24 |
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Students wishing to complete the Community and Public Health Minor are required to complete all 4 of the units listed below.
Available units | ||
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Students must complete the following compulsory units: | ||
HLTH11027 | Foundations of Health | |
PBHL11002 | Public Health and Chronic Disease | |
HLTH12032 | Community Assets and Needs Assessment | |
HLTH13035 | Health in all Policies |
Number of units: 4 | Total credit points: 24 |
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Students wishing to complete the Community Justice Innovation Minor are required to complete all 4 of the units listed below.
Available units | ||
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Students must complete the following compulsory units: | ||
CRIM11003 | Indigenous Australians and the Criminal Justice System | |
CRIM12008 | Crime and Control | |
CRIM13005 | Indigenous Justice | |
PSYC13021 | Forensic Psychology |
Number of units: 4 | Total credit points: 24 |
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Students wishing to complete the Criminology Fundamentals Minor are required to complete all 4 of the units listed below.
Available units | ||
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Students must complete the following compulsory units: | ||
CRIM11001 | Foundations of Criminology and Criminal Justice | |
CRIM11002 | Criminal Justice Procedure and Analysis | |
CRIM11006 | Criminal Intelligence Analysis | |
CRIM12003 | Criminology Theory |
Number of units: 4 | Total credit points: 24 |
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Students wishing to complete the Environmental Management Minor are required to complete all 4 of the units listed below.
Available units | ||
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Students must complete the following compulsory units: | ||
EVST11001 | Development and Environmental Policy | |
ENVR11011 | Modern Environmental Issues | |
EVST13018 | Environmental Management Systems | |
EVST13019 | Environmental and Social Impact Assessment |
Number of units: 4 | Total credit points: 24 |
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Students wishing to complete the First Nations Studies Minor are required to complete all 4 of the units listed below.
Available units | ||
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Students must complete the following compulsory units: | ||
INDG11006 | Education and Learning: Colonisation and Decolonisation in the Cultural Interface | |
INDG11013 | First Nation and Non-Indigenous History: The Interface | |
INDG11015 | Contemporary Indigenous Issues | |
INDG12013 | First Nations Cultures and Country |
Number of units: 8 | Total credit points: 48 |
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Students wishing to complete the Geography Major are required to complete all 8 of the units listed below.
Available units | ||
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Students must complete the following compulsory units: | ||
GEOH11001 | Introduction to Human Geography | |
GEOG11023 | Physical Geography of Australia | |
GEOG12020 | Australian Weather and Climate | |
GEOG12022 | Geographic Information Systems | |
GEOG13013 | Sustainable Regions and Cities | |
GEOG13015 | Remote Sensing of Environment | |
EVST28001 | Climate Change: Risk and Assessments | |
GEOG28001 | Applied Demography: Trends and Policies |
Number of units: 8 | Total credit points: 48 |
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Students wishing to complete the Human Resources Major are required to complete all 8 of the units listed below.
Available units | ||
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Students must complete the following compulsory units: | ||
HRMT11011 | Human Resource Management | |
HRMT19012 | Performance Management | |
HRMT19013 | Human Resource Training and Development | |
HRMT19014 | Human Resources Planning, Recruitment & Selection | |
HRMT19016 | Contemporary HRM Issues | |
HRMT19020 | Perspectives on Organisational Change | |
HRMT19021 | Principles of Employment Relations | |
HRMT19023 | Conflict and Negotiation |
Number of units: 4 | Total credit points: 24 |
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The Liberal Studies Minor (4 units) has been designed to support credit, articulation agreements and transition arrangements. Students cannot opt-in to complete the Liberal Studies Minor. Please contact Course Management for further information.
Number of units: 8 | Total credit points: 48 |
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The Liberal Studies Major (8 units) has been designed to support credit, articulation agreements and transition arrangements. Students cannot opt-in to complete the Liberal Studies Major. Please contact Course Management for further information.
Number of units: 4 | Total credit points: 24 |
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Students wishing to complete the Literary Studies Minor are required to complete all of 4 the units listed below.
Available units | ||
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Students must complete the following compulsory units: | ||
LITR11056 | Introduction to Literature | |
LITR11043 | The Short Story | |
LITR12028 | Poetry and Poetics | |
LITR12029 | Shakespeare Today |
Number of units: 4 | Total credit points: 24 |
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Students wishing to complete the Marketing Minor are required to complete all 4 of the units listed below.
Available units | ||
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Students must complete the following compulsory units: | ||
MRKT11029 | Marketing Fundamentals | |
MRKT19030 | Marketing Communications | |
MRKT19031 | Consumer Behaviour | |
MRKT13014 | New Product Development and Branding |
Number of units: 4 | Total credit points: 24 |
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Students wishing to complete the Occupational Health and Safety Minor are required to complete all 4 of the units listed below.
Available units | ||
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Students must complete the following compulsory units: | ||
OCHS11025 | Health and Safety Risk Management | |
OCHS11027 | OHS Fundamentals | |
OCHS12015 | Occupational Health and Safety Law | |
OCHS13018 | Safety Systems |
Number of units: 4 | Total credit points: 24 |
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Students wishing to complete the Strategic Communication Minor are required to complete all 4 of the units listed below.
Available units | ||
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Students must complete the following compulsory units: | ||
COMM11110 | Introduction to Public Relations | |
COMM11112 | The Internet Never Lies?: Social Media and Society | |
COMM12022 | Communication and Global Technologies | |
COMM20110 | Crisis Communication |
Number of units: 4 | Total credit points: 24 |
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Students wishing to complete the World History Minor are required to complete all of 4 the units listed below.
Available units | ||
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Students must complete the following compulsory units: | ||
HIST11037 | Dawn of Humanity: An Introduction to World History | |
HIST11038 | The Modern World Emerges: An Overview | |
HIST12009 | Power and Politics in the 20th Century | |
EVST12014 | Australian Environmental History |
Number of units: 4 | Total credit points: 24 |
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Students wishing to complete the Writing Stories Minor are required to complete all 4 of the units listed below.
Available units | ||
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Students must complete the following compulsory units: | ||
WRIT11023 | Beginning Creative Writing | |
WRIT11025 | Creative Nonfiction | |
WRIT12010 | Creative Writing: Adventures in Craft | |
WRIT13013 | Writing Project |
Credit Applications
Credit applications for units will only be granted where the units that form the basis of the credit application have been taken as part of a course of study in psychology offered by an Australian Psychology Accreditation Council (APAC) accredited academic organisational unit.
Refer to the Recognition of Prior Learning and Credit information on the CQUniversity website for further on the guidelines and application process.
Computing Requirements
Students will need to have access to a computer or equivalent device in order to complete their coursework. It is important that students have dependable access to the internet and a computer (or equivalent device) with hardware capable of video conferencing for online classes.
Students enrolled in this course will be engaged in many activities involving technology and the online environment, including video conferencing into online classes, completing assessments in word processing or presentation software, recording oral presentations, submitting written or video-recorded assessments online, completing online tests or quizzes, posting to online forums, and responding to emails.
Students should review their unit profiles to learn about any specific technology requirements for their coursework.
Group and Teamwork
One of the learning outcomes for this course is for students to be able to communicate effectively through a variety of approaches, individually and in collaboration with others. This learning outcome aligns with the foundational competencies we are required to develop in students as an APAC- accredited 3-year program in psychology. As such, students in this course will be required to demonstrate interpersonal skills and teamwork through assessment tasks that involve working in pairs or small groups with other students.
Students should review their unit profiles to learn about specific assessment requirements in each unit.