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CC43 - Bachelor of Psychological Science

Overview

Optional Residential School

Some units in this course require you to attend an optional Residential School or Work Integrated Learning. Please see Course Features in the Getting Started tab for further information.

Course Overview

The aim of this course is to give a comprehensive overview of the discipline of Psychology. By the completion of the course, students will have developed a broad knowledge of psychology and its applications, including theoretical perspectives within the discipline. In addition, they will have a demonstrable knowledge of the range of core research areas that make up the discipline and an understanding of the methodologies and statistical techniques commonly used by researchers for information gathering and analysis. Students will be able to apply this knowledge when undertaking research activities in the core areas of scientific study and as a part of their Level 3 studies, students will be introduced to applied and professional uses of psychology, developing an appreciation of the social and cultural contexts of psychological research and professional practice.

Students who complete this course with a GPA of 5.5 or above based on their level 2 and level 3 core and elective psychology units will be offered a place on our Bachelor of Psychological Science (Honours) course which will prepare them for conditional registration as psychologists in Australia and for coursework and/or for research higher degree studies in psychology. Those who do not wish to follow these routes will have the opportunity to graduate with a highly marketable qualification that is universally acknowledged as indication of competence and achievement in understanding human thought and behaviour that can be applied in a variety of people-oriented vocations.

Students who have successfully completed the first year of the course, but do not wish to continue in the course may request to graduate with a Diploma in Behavioural Science.

Career Information

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.

Course Details
Duration 3 years full-time or 6 years part-time
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
  • International Indicative First Term Fee - $17,520
  • International Indicative First Year Fee - $35,040
Indicative Year - 2024
  • Commonwealth Supported Place – Indicative First Year Fee - $12,632
  • Domestic Full Fee Paying – Indicative First Year Fee - $20,706
  • International Indicative First Term Fee - $17,520
  • International Indicative First Year Fee - $35,040
Indicative Year - 2023
  • Commonwealth Supported Place – Indicative First Year Fee - $7,774
  • International Indicative First Term Fee - $15,840
  • International Indicative First Year Fee - $31,680
Indicative Year - 2022
  • Commonwealth Supported Place – Indicative First Year Fee - $8,016
  • International Indicative First Year Fee - $31,680
  • International Indicative First Term Fee - $15,840

Admission Codes

Where and when can I start?
Units offered internally at the below campuses may be delivered using a combination of face-to-face and video conferencing style teaching.
Units offered via MIX mode are delivered online and require compulsory attendance of site-specific learning activities such as on-campus residential schools, placements and/or work integrated learning. See Course Features tab for further information. Online units are delivered using online resources only.
Please Click Here for more information.
The following tables list the courses availabilities by location and term. Directing your pointer over your preferred location will provide further information if this course is not available for the full duration. Please be sure to also check individual unit availability by location and term prior to enrolling.

Domestic Availability

Term 3 - 2025

Online

Term 2 - 2025

Adelaide
Bundaberg
Cairns
Online
Rockhampton

Term 1 - 2025

Adelaide
Bundaberg
Cairns
Online
Rockhampton

Term 3 - 2024

Online

Term 2 - 2024

Adelaide
Bundaberg
Cairns
Online
Rockhampton
Townsville

Term 1 - 2024

Adelaide
Bundaberg
Cairns
Online
Rockhampton
Townsville

Term 3 - 2023

Online

Term 2 - 2023

Adelaide
Bundaberg
Cairns
Online
Rockhampton
Townsville

Term 1 - 2023

Adelaide
Bundaberg
Cairns
Online
Rockhampton
Townsville

Term 3 - 2022

Online

Term 2 - 2022

Adelaide
Bundaberg
Cairns
Online
Rockhampton
Townsville

Term 1 - 2022

Adelaide
Bundaberg
Cairns
Online
Rockhampton
Townsville

Term 3 - 2021

Online

Term 2 - 2021

Adelaide
Bundaberg
Cairns
Online
Rockhampton
Townsville

Term 1 - 2021

Adelaide
Bundaberg
Cairns
Online
Rockhampton
Townsville

Term 3 - 2020

Online

Term 2 - 2020

Adelaide
Bundaberg
Cairns
Online
Rockhampton
Townsville

Term 1 - 2020

Adelaide
Bundaberg
Cairns
Online
Rockhampton
Townsville

Term 3 - 2015

Distance

Term 2 - 2015

Bundaberg
Distance
Rockhampton

Term 1 - 2015

Bundaberg
Distance
Rockhampton
Show All

International Availability

Term 3 - 2025

Sorry, no international availabilities found.

Term 2 - 2025

Rockhampton

Term 1 - 2025

Rockhampton

Term 3 - 2024

Sorry, no international availabilities found.

Term 2 - 2024

Online
Rockhampton

Term 1 - 2024

Rockhampton

Term 3 - 2023

Online

Term 2 - 2023

Online
Rockhampton

Term 1 - 2023

Online
Rockhampton

Term 3 - 2022

Online

Term 2 - 2022

Adelaide
Bundaberg
Online
Rockhampton

Term 1 - 2022

Adelaide
Bundaberg
Cairns
Online
Rockhampton

Term 3 - 2021

Online

Term 2 - 2021

Bundaberg
Online

Term 1 - 2021

Bundaberg
Online

Term 3 - 2020

Online

Term 2 - 2020

Bundaberg
Online

Term 1 - 2020

Bundaberg
Online

Term 3 - 2015

Sorry, no international availabilities found.

Term 2 - 2015

Bundaberg

Term 1 - 2015

Bundaberg
Show All
For any problems regarding admissions availability for the selected course please contact 13 CQUni (13 27 86) or send us an email at http://contactus.cqu.edu.au/
What do I need to start?
Entry Scores
Rank Threshold SR 62 | ATAR 62
Entry Requirements

The Bachelor of Psychological Science is designed for those who wish to take an APAC accredited first degree in Psychology. The degree is highly valued in its own right by employers in a wide range of industry and commerce and services, but for those who wish to go on to become registered psychologists, this degree provides entry requirements for an accredited fourth year course in psychology such as the CQUniversity Bachelor of Psychological Science (Honours).

Domestic students

O/P score Prerequisites: English (4, SA)

International students should visit www.cqu.edu.au/international for further information including English language requirements.

Security Requirements
No information available at this time
Health Requirements
No information available at this time
Assumed Knowledge

None

Course Features

Awards and Accreditation

Interim Awards Not applicable
Exit Awards CV71 - Diploma of Behavioural Science
Accreditation
  • Professional Practice: Core
    Australian Psychology Accreditation Council (APAC)

    The CQUniversity Bachelor of Psychological Science is accredited by the Australian Psychology Accreditation Council. As such, successful completion of this course will mean that you are qualified to apply for an APAC-accredited 4th year Psychology (Honours) course.

Residential School Requirements

Optional Residential School Optional residential school for PSYC13015 Advanced Methods in Psychology
Click here to view all Residential Schools

Practicum/Work Placement

Not applicable

Previous and Current Enrolments

Year Number of Students
2024 608
2023 717
2022 820
2021 800
2020 793
Inherent Requirements
There are Inherent Requirements (IRs) that you need to be aware of, and fulfil, to achieve the core learning outcomes of the units and course. IRs are the essential capabilities, knowledge, behaviours and skills that are needed to complete a unit or course.

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.

Ethical Behaviour

Examples are:

  • Complying with academic and non-academic misconduct policies and procedures such as CQUniversity’s Student Charter, Student Misconduct Policy and Student Behavioural Misconduct Procedures, and Assessment Policy and Procedure (Higher Education Coursework).
  • Treating personal information obtained as private and confidential.
  • Respecting an individual's/group's diversity by demonstrating sensitivity to religious, cultural and individual differences.
  • Demonstrating an ability to reflect on ethical dilemmas and issues and use an ethical decision making model to take responsibility to ethically resolve dilemmas.
  • If undertaking research, preparing an application for the university ethics committee to conduct a research study.


Behavioural Stability

Examples are:

  • Being reflective with personal behaviours appropriate for professional performance and being positive and receptive to processing constructive supervisor/lecturer feedback or criticism.
  • Interacting with people from a wide range of backgrounds and cultures in a calm and composed manner in difficult to deal with situations.
  • Successfully processing your own emotions and behaviour when dealing with potentially emotionally label people in a wide range of professional environments.
  • Maintaining behavioural stability through successfully distinguishing your own personal behaviours, experiences and emotions from those of others (e.g., colleagues, clients, research participants).


Legal Compliance

Examples are:

  • Complying with relevant child protection and safety legislation, mandatory reporting requirements and any other notifiable concern to your field placement supervisor.
  • Complying with the requirements for student registration with AHPRA or Australian Psychological Society (APS).
  • Complying with the policies and practices of organisations in which you may be placed or find employment.
  • Complying with university and workplace policy around the use of social media, online discussion forums, email and other electronic forms of communication.
  • If undertaking research, complying with the legal stipulations contained within an approved ethics application when conducting research with humans or animals.


Communication Skills (Verbal, Non-verbal, Written and Technology)

Examples are:

  • Verbally communicating your professional psychology practice knowledge and skills with accuracy, appropriateness and effectiveness in a wide variety of contexts.
  • Using language that is appropriate to the context of the individual, group or workplace.
  • Framing and leading discussion with clients and/or research participants to collect information and provide instruction.
  • Discussing a client’s progress with other professionals.
  • Using appropriate facial expressions; eye contact, being mindful of personal space boundaries, and a range of body movements and gestures.
  • Recognising and interpreting non-verbal cues that indicate a change in the emotional state of a client.
  • Competently and appropriately producing written assessment work in a logical, coherent manner, and with correct grammar, punctuation and correct referencing to the required academic standards.
  • Expressing complex and detailed information and knowledge into a logical and legible report, in a timely manner that meets professional standards and clearly communicates the intended message.
  • Accurately conveying and documenting information in a written form that meets legal and professional requirements.
  • Where part of your course, preparing a document based on a body of research conducted under the supervision of an academic staff member.
  • Competently using a desktop operating system (e.g., Microsoft Windows or Mac OS X).
  • Access a computer and having sufficient computer skills to engage in online learning, reading and responding as required to emails, and completing relevant assessments for the course.
  • Regularly accessing the Internet for research, and email for communication with peers and lecturers.
  • using a variety of computer programs to analyse, manipulate and display scientific information applicable to your course of study.


Cognitive Abilities (Knowledge and Cognitive Skills, Literacy and Numeracy)

Examples are:

  • Conceptualising and using appropriate knowledge in response to academic assessment items.
  • Completing academic learning activities and assessment tasks, and perform professional skills within reasonable set time frames.
  • Where part of your course, successfully conducting an independent research project that incorporates the cognitive knowledge and skills gained from the course and is appropriate for a psychology graduate.
  • Paraphrasing, summarising and referencing in accordance with appropriate academic conventions associated with the referencing format used by the School of Health, Medical and Applied Sciences (e.g., American Psychological Association [APA]).
  • Producing contextually appropriate text which meets professional and legal requirements.
  • Reading and accurately interpreting information related to clients and/or research participants, as well as convey a spoken message accurately and effectively in a professional setting.
  • Demonstrating competency in applying accurate mathematical knowledge and skills to score and interpret psychological test data.
  • Applying research methodologies in a variety of research contexts.
  • Conducting and interpreting statistical analysis using software such as SPSS, Nvivo, or R.


Relational Skills

Examples are:

  • Rapidly building rapport with people from all walks of life, as well as with colleagues and/or research participants and/or clients in the professional context.
  • Maintaining positive working relationships when under stressful circumstances.
  • Maintaining confidentiality in all contexts.


Reflective Skills

Examples are:

  • Reflecting critically on topics taught during the course.
  • Identifying when your practice may be negatively affected by personal experience and/or reactions, outside one's scope or expertise, and be able to reflect and learn from this experience.
  • Reflecting on situations that may be difficult and sensitive.
  • Identifying, reflecting and learning from successful situations as well as opportunities for improvement.


Sustainable Performance

Examples are:

  • Maintaining the appropriate level of commitment to coursework tasks, and actively participating in activities related to the course, including group work.
  • Undertaking examinations and on-line quizzes with adequate, sustained levels of physical energy and concentration.
  • Remaining focused and performing consistently during tasks.
  • Being aware of and managing your own workloads and personal commitments outside of university to ensure sustainable performance of course requirements.
  • Being aware of and managing your own stress and/or anxieties so that sustainable performance can be ensured within course requirements.


Core Learning Outcomes
  • 1. Evaluate the major concepts, theoretical perspectives, empirical findings and historical trends in the core topics of psychology
  • 2. Apply knowledge of psychological phenomena in a variety of contexts, including the levels of individuals, groups and organisations
  • 3. Apply a methodical-rational/scientific approach to the solution of research problems through the use of appropriate research methods and statistical analyses in a variety of contexts
  • 4. Communicate effectively through written reports, essays, group work and oral presentations, demonstrating the ability to construct coherent, persuasive and well supported arguments that draw together independent strands
  • 5. Evaluate scientific evidence for psychological claims while showing an awareness of ethical, professional and social responsibility and an understanding of indigenous, social and cultural diversity in the interpretation of findings
  • 6. Demonstrate a commitment to lifelong learning, evidenced by reflection on personal and professional development through self-assessment of abilities, achievements and motivation.
  Course Learning Outcomes
Australian Qualifications Framework Descriptors 1 2 3 4 5 6
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
Learning Outcomes
Please refer to the Core Structure Learning Outcomes
Course Structure

In order to complete this course, you must:

  1. Complete the core structure
  2. Complete electives
Number of units: 16 Total credit points: 96

Students who intend to apply for registration with the Psychologists Registration Board must be aware that they will be required to commence an Honours level qualification in psychology within 10 years of completion of their 3 year accredited undergraduate degree in Psychology.

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.

To satisfy the requirements of the award, students must complete 24 units/144 units of credit in accordance with the following:

  • a minimum of 96 units of credit (16 units) in psychology, including:

o 24 psychology units of credit (4 units) at level one;

o a minimum of 30 psychology units of credit (5 units) at Level two, including PSYC12047 and PSYC12048;

o a minimum of 36 psychology units of credit (6 units) at Level three, including PSYC13015, PSYC13017 and PSYC13020;

o a total of 72 units of credit (12 units) at Level two and three psychology combined

  • Up to 8 elective units (48 units of credit)

N.B. If a student takes only the minimum 5 psychology units at level 2, they must take 7 units at level 3 in order to make the full load of 12 psychology units at Level 2 and 3.

Except with the approval of the Head of Course, all students must satisfy all unit prerequisites shown on the Unit in the Handbook.

After completing three years of full-time studies or equivalent within this course, students who have satisfied the above criteria for the first three levels (including the required electives) and have a GPA of 5.5 or above for Level 2 and Level 3 core and elective psychology units, will have the option to enrol in our Bachelor of Psychological Science (Hons) course. For the purposes of entry into Bachelor of Psychological Science (Honours) course, calculation of GPA will be based on the best 12 accredited psychology units at Level 2 and Level 3 (adhering to the requirements outlined above regarding number at 2nd and 3rd year and compulsory units). This offer applies only for enrolment in the academic year following completion of the Bachelor of Psychological Science and students must register their intention to enrol within three to four weeks of certification of Term 2 grades.

Those eligible students who do not take up the offer will need to apply for a competitive place for enrolment in future years.

Compulsory Core Psychology Units

Available units
Students must complete the following compulsory units:
PSYC11008 Biological Foundations of Psychology
PSYC11012 Research Methods 1
PSYC11009 Fundamentals of Psychology 2: Psychological Literacy
PSYC11011 Personal and Professional Development
PSYC12048 Research Methods 2
PSYC12047 Introduction to Data Analysis
PSYC13017 Foundations of Psychopathology
PSYC13015 Research Methods 3
PSYC13020 Individual Differences and Assessment

Level Two Units

Available units
Students must complete 3 from the following units:
PSYC12010 Psychology Across the Lifespan
PSYC12013 Personality
PSYC12012 Physiological Psychology
PSYC12014 Critical Social Psychology

Level Three Units

Available units
Students must complete 3 from the following units:
PSYC13016 Cognitive Psychology
PSYC13023 Educational Psychology
PSYC13021 Forensic Psychology
PSYC13022 Learning & Behaviour Modification
PSYC13024 Qualitative Research Methodology

NOTE: To meet the course’s psychology study requirements of a total of 72 units of credit (12 units) at Level two and three as detailed above, students must undertake 1 additional unit from the Level 2 or Level 3 unit options as listed above.

Course Structure

In order to complete this course, you must:

  1. Complete the core structure
  2. Complete electives
Number of units: 8 Total credit points: 48

Students undertake further study in 8 elective units (48 units of credit). Elective units may be chosen from the additional psychology units provided in this course or any undergraduate 6 credit point unit from CQUniversity provided prerequisite and corequisite requirements are met.

More Details

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.