Bachelor of Psychological Science and Bachelor of Economics

Bachelor of Psychological Science

Upon successful completion of this program, students should be able to:

1. Analyse major concepts, theoretical perspectives, empirical findings, and evolution of ideas in psychology to professionally and ethically address contemporary issues of cognition and behaviour.
2. Reflect on the quality of your own and others’ decisions through critical thinking, sceptical inquiry and interpretation of research evidence, acknowledging the ambiguity of competing explanations.
3. Embrace a variety of approaches to lifelong learning to understand diverse influences on behaviour.
4. Use contemporary techniques to effectively and ethically communicate with a range of audiences to disseminate knowledge.

Bachelor of Economics

Upon successful completion of this program, students should be able to: 

1. Collect, analyse and interpret data combined with the application of a broad theoretical and practical knowledge of economics to make evidence-based decisions.
2. Communicate economic reasoning, knowledge, ideas and empirical evidence in ways appropriate to the audience, purpose and context.
3. Critically evaluate economic problems and assess policy issues, using a broad range of economic tools.
4. Collaboratively interact with peers to reflect on ethical issues and the potential differential impacts of economic policies across local, national or international economies.

Double degrees allow you to deepen your knowledge and expertise within two separate study areas. This means you can choose from our range of exciting, diverse courses and embark on a journey as unique as you are.

Bachelor of Psychological Science

Psychology, the study of human behaviour, impacts every environment in which humans live, work, cooperate and communicate. Whether it’s in the classroom or the courtroom, the family home or the extremes of Antarctica, in Tasmanian communities or international relations, psychology plays a role.

If you want to develop knowledge and skills that will enrich your personal and professional life, or your goal is to become a research scientist, counsellor or registered psychologist, the Bachelor of Psychological Science provides the perfect foundation. When you study the science of psychology you will learn about the biological and psychological principles of human behaviour, and will develop the transferable skills of critical thinking, communication and problem solving that are vital everywhere people interact. These include:

• Counselling
• Criminal justice
• Neuroscience
• Health services support e.g. drug and alcohol, cancer, disability, rehabilitation
• Aged, family and child services
• Probation and parole services
• Policy and planning
• Business
• Marketing
• Education
• Public affairs
• Human resources, and numerous other areas

Bachelor of Economics

Economics explores how people and societies make decisions, use important resources, and respond to incentives. Studying with us, you can follow your passion and shape the world. You’ll learn to solve economic and financial challenges faced by industry, government, and society.

Our applied Economics program focuses on current issues in Tasmania and beyond. Your studies will explore a range of topics such as international trade, conservation and management of natural resources, sustainable energy, contemporary business strategy as well as social issues such as crime, housing, and health. You’ll also develop a deep understanding of how decisions are made by individuals, firms, and governments.

Recommended study pattern

In a 4 year double degree you will complete a total of 400 credit points comprising 200 credit points from each course.

The requirements of each course, such as majors and core subjects, are specified below. For students undertaking full-time study the following study pattern is recommended:

Bachelor of Psychological Sciences:

Year 1

• TAS-PSY111 Transferable Skills in Psychology
• TAS-PSY112 Brain and Behaviour
• TAS-PSY124 Mental Health and Individual Differences
• TAS-PSY125 Psychological Processes

Year 2

• TAS-PSY207 Social Psychology
• TAS-PSY211 Research Skills in Psychology
• TAS-PSY223 Health and Psychological Wellbeing
• TAS-PSY224 Behavioural and Cognitive Neuroscience

Year 3

• TAS-PSY302 Lifespan Developmental Psychology
• TAS-PSY305 Clinical Psychology
• TAS-PSY311 Advanced Research Skills in Psychology
• TAS-PSY312 Forensic Psychology

Year 4

• TAS-PSY324 Psychological Assessment and Intervention
• TAS-PSY325 Neuropsychology and Clinical Neuroscience
• TAS-PSY331 Psychology of Language
• TAS-PSY336 Human Behaviour in Extreme Environments

Bachelor of Economics

Year 1

• TAS-BEA106 Introduction to Behavioural Economics
• TAS-BEA111 Introduction to Markets and the Economy
• TAS-BEA121 Economic Policy in Action
• TAS-BEA140 Data Analysis for Business

Year 2

• TAS-BEA200 Public Policy and Welfare
• TAS-BEA206 Evaluating Alternatives
• TAS-BEA220 Growth and Development
• TAS-BEA242 Introduction to Econometrics

Year 3 & 4

Choose 1 major from the following options:

• Society and Environment
• Industry, Policy and Business Strategy

Award requirements

Satisfactory completion of 32 subjects, as required in the schedule, within 4-9 years from commencement.

Choose your subjects

Majors

Bachelor of Economics Majors:

Industry, Policy and Business Strategy

• Introductory (100) level subjects:
  • TAS-BEA104 Game Theory for Business and Social Sciences
  • TAS-BEA105 International Economics
• Intermediate (200) level subjects:
  • TAS-BEA203 Behavioural and Experimental Economics
  • TAS-BEA205 Economics of Business Strategy
• Advanced (300) level subjects:
  • TAS-BEA310 Agriculture and Food Economics
  • TAS-BEA313 Energy Economics and Policy
  • TAS-BEA320 Monetary and Fiscal Policy
  • TAS-BEA342 Forecasting for Economic Decision-Making

Society and Environment

• Introductory (100) level subjects:
  • TAS-BEA102 Economics of Social Issues
  • TAS-BEA103 Ecosystem Services
• Intermediate (200) level subjects:
  • TAS-BEA203 Behavioural and Experimental Economics
  • TAS-BEA207 Natural Resource Economics
• Advanced (300) level subjects:
  • TAS-BEA311 Economics of Health and Wellbeing
  • TAS-BEA313 Energy Economics and Policy
  • TAS-BEA316 Economics of Place: Culture, Communities and Opportunities
  • TAS-BEA317 Regional Development in a Global Context

Degrees are usually made up of core subjects and electives. Some degrees include a choice of majors, so you can focus your studies on a specialisation.

This list is a general overview. Download the full Degree Guide for more information.

• BA. Psychological Science- Core

• BA. Economics- Core

• Industry, Policy and Business Strategy Major

• Society and Environment Major

Open Universities Australia is a not-for-profit organisation. You will not pay any fees for using our services.

Indicative total fee $63,550

The amounts shown here are indicative for an Australian citizen studying full-time, which is typically 8 subjects per year.

Fees may vary depending on:

• the subjects you choose
• credit from previous work experience
• your eligibility for government funding loans or subsidies such as HECS-HELP or a Commonwealth supported place.

To learn more, go to Fees or contact a student advisor.

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• Partially completed an undergraduate course at Diploma level or higher (or equivalent). You must have completed at least two subjects of study (equivalent to 25 UTAS credit points) at 100 level or higher and which may include 100 level subjects completed in the UTAS Diploma of University Studies. If you have failed any subjects, your application may be subject to further review before an offer is made;

OR

• Completed the UTAS University Preparation Program (or an equivalent qualification offered by an Australian University).

Graduate Entry Pathway

To be eligible for an offer into the graduate entry pathway for the Bachelor of Psychological Science you must have completed a Bachelor degree (or equivalent) or higher in any discipline in the past 10 years. Otherwise students will be admitted to the standard pathway.

Successful completion of any two (2) OUA open access subjects of study (equivalent to 25 UTAS credit points) at the equivalent AQF level, unless otherwise specified

Applicants are ranked by ATAR and offers are made based on the number of places available. In 2024, the lowest ATAR to receive an offer into this course was 66.90 The lowest ATAR to receive an offer may change from year to year based on the number of applications we receive.

Applicants who have recently completed senior secondary studies but have not received an ATAR may still be eligible for admission. We will consider your individual subject results on a case-by-case basis when we assess your application.

Completed a Diploma, Advanced Diploma, or Certificate IV (or equivalent) in any discipline.

Applicants without senior secondary, tertiary or VET / TAFE study can complete a personal competency statement. Applicants may be eligible for an offer if they have relevant work and/or life experiences which demonstrate a capacity to succeed in this course.

The University of Tasmania grants credit and recognition of prior learning that may include formal and/or informal prior learning. More information is available here.