Bachelor of Psychological Sciences
Swinburne Online - online delivery only
Studying psychology provides students with the knowledge and skills to understand and explain human behaviour and relationships. The Bachelor of Psychological Sciences provides specialised study in developmental psychology, cognition, social psychology, personality, design and measurement, psychological measurement and abnormal psychology. Students complete a variety of research projects and develop skills in project management, research design and report writing.
The three-year undergraduate major in psychology is professionally accredited by the Australian Psychology Accreditation Council.
Graduates of this degree are eligible to apply for the Bachelor of Psychology (Honours) – Graduate Entry.
The three-year undergraduate major in psychology is professionally accredited by the Australian Psychology Accreditation Council.
Graduates of this degree are eligible to apply for the Bachelor of Psychology (Honours) – Graduate Entry.
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Duration
3 years full-time or equivalent part-time
Intakes
Online (March, July, November) - View application and start dates
Study mode
- Online
Study with Swinburne Online
With Swinburne Online, the learning experience is 100% online and studied at your own pace. Our courses are built for the jobs of the future with a focus on collaboration and our flexible learning environment empowers you to study on your own terms. They are developed by leaders in the field and taught by professionals with industry experience.
Course information in detail
- Course detail, course structure and units of study.
Course description
This course is delivered through Swinburne Online. Swinburne Online delivers Swinburne University of Technology programs designed to meet the needs of those who are unable to undertake on-campus study. These programs have been specifically designed for online delivery and support.
The Bachelor of Psychological Sciences provides students with knowledge and skills that will improve their ability to understand and explain human behaviour and relationships.
The Psychology sequence within the Bachelor of Psychological Sciences is accredited by the Australian Psychology Accreditation Council (APAC). This course provides a first step to becoming a professional psychologist.
The Bachelor of Psychological Sciences provides students with knowledge and skills that will improve their ability to understand and explain human behaviour and relationships.
The Psychology sequence within the Bachelor of Psychological Sciences is accredited by the Australian Psychology Accreditation Council (APAC). This course provides a first step to becoming a professional psychologist.
After completing a degree with an APAC accredited major in psychology, students may apply to undertake a fourth year in psychology and then further study in specialist areas of professional psychology such as counselling, health, clinical, organisational, and sports psychology.
Course structure
To qualify for the award of Bachelor of Psychological Sciences, students must complete 300 credit points comprising of:
- 4 core units of study (50 credit points)
- 1 online core unit of study (12.5 credit points)
- 8 Psychology discipline major units of study (100 credit points)
- 11 units of study (137.5 credit points) comprising a second major, co-major, advanced minor, minor/s and/or electives
Students may not complete more than 150 credit points (normally 12 units) at Introductory Level. A unit of study can only be counted once, where units are shared between majors and/or minors, students must choose an approved alternate.
Maximum Academic Credit
The maximum level of credit that can be granted for the Bachelor of Psychological Sciences is 200 credit points (normally 16 units)
Maximum Academic Credit
The maximum level of credit that can be granted for the Bachelor of Psychological Sciences is 200 credit points (normally 16 units)
Units of study
Core units
PSY10008 Fundamentals of Psychology
PSY10005 Introduction to Research Methods
Students must complete the following units (50 credit points):
PSY10007 Brain and BehaviourPSY10008 Fundamentals of Psychology
PSY10005 Introduction to Research Methods
Major units
Students must complete the following eight units (100 credit points):
PSY20006 Cognition and Human Performance*
PSY20007 Developmental Psychology*
PSY30013 History and Philosophy of Psychology
STA20006 Analysis of Variance and Regression*
PSY20016 Social Psychology *
PSY30003 Psychology Project*
PSY30008 Psychology of Personality*
PSY30010 Abnormal Psychology*
Secondary studies
PSY20007 Developmental Psychology*
PSY30013 History and Philosophy of Psychology
STA20006 Analysis of Variance and Regression*
PSY20016 Social Psychology *
PSY30003 Psychology Project*
PSY30008 Psychology of Personality*
PSY30010 Abnormal Psychology*
Secondary studies
11 units of study (137.5 credit points) comprising a second major, co-major, advanced minor, minor/s and/or electives. Find out more.
* Outcome units
Matched exemptions are generally not granted for higher education outcome units.
Careers and graduate outcomes
- Career opportunities, course aims and objectives, graduate skills and professional recognition.
Career opportunities
A psychology course provides access to a broad range of further training and career opportunities, including roles in clinical practice, counselling, marketing and human resources, community and health services, sports psychology and organisational psychology.
Aims and objectives
Upon successful completion of the Bachelor of Psychological Sciences, graduates will be able to:
- systematically review and critically evaluate research from a variety of sources to inform their knowledge and conceptual understandings in social and behavioural sciences, and psychology
- formulate arguments that are fit for purpose and demonstrate an understanding of the relevant theories and evidence in behavioural studies and psychology
- critically analyse information to generate creative solutions to solve complex problems in the area of social and behavioural sciences and psychology
- define and integrate theoretical principles and apply these in their disciplinary areas of expertise
- apply knowledge and skills with responsibility and accountability for their own learning and practice, individually and in collaboration with others
- interpret and communicate ideas, problems and arguments in modes suitable to a range of audiences using a range of media
- coherently articulate a line of reasoning demonstrating cultural sensitivity and apply a framework to analyse and offer solutions to ethical dilemmas in local and international context.
Graduate skills
The Swinburne Graduate Attributes signify that Swinburne intends that its teaching programs assist all its graduates to be:
- Capable in their chosen professional, vocational or study areas
- Entrepreneurial in contributing to innovation and development within their business, workplace or community
- Effective and ethical in work and community situations
- Adaptable and able to manage change; and
- Aware of local and international environments in which they will be contributing (e.g. socio-cultural, economic, natural)
Professional recognition
The Psychology sequence within the Bachelor of Psychological Sciences is accredited by the Australian Psychology Accreditation Council (APAC).
Pathways and scholarships
- Pathways, credit transfer, recognition of prior learning and scholarships.
Course fees and requirements
- Fees, entry requirements and non-year 12 entry.
Course fees
Students who participate in a six- or 12-month professional placement will be subject to an increase in total course fees.
| 2023 rate* | Estimated total cost of the course | Estimated cost of the course per year if studying full-time* | Amenities fee per year if studying full-time* |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP) |
$24,903 | $8,301 | See how your SSAF is calculated |
Fees are estimates only: The student tuition fees as published are subject to change given individual circumstances at enrolment. These fees apply for units studied in 2023 only and may change for units studied in future years. If part-time study is permitted, annual fees will be proportionally lower based on the number of units taken per semester. Students who participate in a six or 12-month professional placement will be subject to an increase in total course fees.
How do I pay my fees?
HECS-HELP is a loan and discount scheme available to eligible students enrolled in a Commonwealth supported place. A HECS-HELP loan can cover all or part of the student contribution amount.
Find out more about fees.
Entry requirements
2022 Guaranteed Entry ATAR: 60
One of:
One of:
- Successful completion of the Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) or its equivalent, such as an interstate or international Year 12 qualification.
- Completion or partial completion of an approved tertiary qualification (including Certificates IV (completed), Diplomas, Advanced Diplomas, Associate Degrees and Degrees)
- Applicants without a formal qualification may be considered for entry if they have significant and relevant work experience and/or upon completion of the STAT test.
Course Prerequisites
VCE Units 3 and 4: a minimum study score of 25 in any English (except EAL) or 30 in English as Alternate Language (EAL)
or equivalent
How to apply
Find out more about how to apply.
View the Course Admission Information, which includes the ATAR and Student profiles for this course. Swinburne’s general admissions information is also available here.