Bachelor of Psychological Science

The Bachelor of Psychological Science combines a wide range of topics with critical thinking and scientific research skills. You’ll gain the tools needed to thrive at problem-solving and decision-making, with the interpersonal skills required to succeed in the field of psychology.

Psychological Sciences

Develop a flexible psychological toolkit that encompasses diverse fields within contemporary psychological practice, including cognitive and biological psychology, social psychology, abnormal psychology, and the psychology of personality.

Conceptual Thinking

Cultivate a fine-grained understanding of how psychological theory applies to practice through exploration of a diverse range of approaches in psychology.

Psychology Research Methods

Learn how to draw compelling psychological insights from statistical data, delving deeply into research questions, with data interpretation forming the basis of your professional research practice.

Ethical Practice in Psychology

Gain a practical understanding of the importance of ethics in psychological research and practice.

A career in psychology is one rich in human interaction, where empathy is fundamental, and a scientific methodology informs psychological best practice.

A Bachelor of Psychological Science allows you to work in a wide range of professional settings in health care and social work – including within hospitals and social services.

You’ll also have a valuable psychological viewpoint that you can take into almost any career, creating opportunities for career progression in the corporate environment, including human resources, as well as marketing and advertising.

Completing your bachelor’s degree in Psychological Science is the first step to becoming a registered practising psychologist and will give you a strong understanding of the theory, research and practice required to understand human behaviour.

Whatever your aims are, studying psychological science with Federation University Online will help you gain a psychological understanding of the world and ground these insights in a rigorous scientific perspective.

Recommended study pattern

First year units:

• Introductory Psychology A: Biological and Cognitive Psychology (PSYCB1101)
• Introduction to Research Methods in Psychology (PSYCB1003)
• Introductory Psychology B: Personality and Individual Differences (PSYCB1102)
• Statistical Methods (STATS1000)
• Introduction to Social Work Community and Human Services (BSWUG1001)
• Theories and Models for Practice (CHSUG1003)

Second year units:

• Lifespan Developmental Psychology (PSYCB2102)
• Counselling Theory and Practice (PSYCB2105)
• Psychology, Culture & Indigenous Australians (PSYCB2106)
• Personality (PSYCB2103)
• Social Psychology (PSYCB2104)
• Cognitive and Biological Psychology (PSYCB2107)
• Community Practice Approaches (CHUG2003)
• Models of Case Management (CHUG2004)
• Social Policy and Social Change (CHSUG2005)
• Behaviour in the Workplace (BEHAV2003)
• Forensic Behavioural Science (BEHAV2004)

Third year units:

• Psychological Testing and Assessment (PSYCB3101)
• Abnormal Psychology (PSYCB3102)
• Psychology Research: Advanced Analyses (PSYCB3109)
• Health and Behaviour Change (BEHAV3003)
• Critical Practice Approaches (CHSUG3001)
• Psychology Applied Project (PSYCB3112)
• Health and Wellbeing in Diverse Communities (CHSUG3003)

Award requirements

To qualify for the award of Bachelor of Psychological Science, students must complete 360 credit points comprising:

• 24 units of study (360 credit points).

Choose your subjects

Electives

• Introduction to Social Work Community and Human Services (BSWUG1001)
• Theories and Models for Practice (CHSUG1003)
• Health and Behaviour Change (BEHAV3003)
• Forensic Behavioural Science (BEHAV2004)
• Models of Case Management (CHUG2004)
• Community Practice Approaches (CHUG2003)
• Social Policy and Social Change (CHSUG2005)
• Health and Wellbeing in Diverse Communities (CHSUG3003)
• Critical Practice Approaches (CHSUG3001)

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

Indicative total fee $28,611

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.

Federation University Australia is a proud regional university with a strong reputation for personalised support and real-world learning. Through Open Universities Australia, you can study online programs designed with industry in mind, backed by a university that champions co-operative education and practical experience in every course. Wherever you are, you’ll graduate with a respected qualification and the confidence to make a meaningful impact in your career and community.

Learn more about Federation University Australia.

Explore Federation courses.

Times Higher Education World University Ranking 2026, within Australia:

33

This course used the applicants' entire academic record as part of its selection considerations.

Compulsory: Previous higher education studies with results at a pass level, including any 'single subjects of study', or successful completion of a tertiary preparatory course.

Minimum of 1 unit completed with a GPA result of 4/7.

Entry requirements (Year 12)

Admissions Criteria for current Year 12 students and recent secondary graduates (the past 2 years).

Prerequisites

• Units 3 and 4: a study score of at least 20 in any English.
• ATAR of 50. 
• This course uses the ATAR as part of its selection considerations. 

Successful completion of a relevant VET qualification at Certificate III level or higher.

Credit will be considered if you have successfully completed higher education or TAFE studies. Advanced standing will be determined on an individual basis, depending on your eligibility for credit transfer, prior experience and qualifications.

Applicants who have not completed secondary education or undertaken any TAFE or university studies will not be eligible for entry into this course.