Bachelor of Psychological Science

Course Learning Outcomes express learning achievement in terms of what a student should know, understand and be able to do on completion of a course. These outcomes are aligned with the graduate attributes (GA):

1. GA1: Intellectual rigour Apply psychological principles, theories, and concepts using a scientific, evidence-based approach across the core domains of psychology.
2. GA2: Creativity Demonstrate independence and integrity in the pursuit of scholarly inquiry and creative problem-solving in psychology.
3. GA3: Ethical practice Evaluate evidence and tolerate ambiguity, while critically reflecting on biases, values, and ethics to support inclusive, reflexive and safety-focused professional conduct in psychology.
4. GA4: Knowledge of a discipline Evaluate and apply evidence-based research and assessment methods according to ethical principles, including the responsible use of technology in psychology.
5. GA5: Lifelong learning Apply psychological knowledge and skills to personal, professional, and societal contexts, incorporating strategies for self-care, resilience, and management of psychosocial risks.
6. GA6: Communication and social skills Critically analyse and evaluate psychological theory and research, and communicate findings effectively in written and oral forms. Demonstrate interpersonal and collaboration skills by working respectfully with others and maintaining safe and professional relationships.
7. GA7: Cultural competence Demonstrate appropriate reflexive and responsive practice when working with socially and culturally diverse people, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

Psychology is the scientific study of human behaviour, cognition, and emotion. The Bachelor of Psychological Science introduces you to how psychologists investigate behaviour using evidence, and how this knowledge can be applied across individual, social, and cultural contexts.

This course is designed to develop your understanding of core psychological theories and the skills needed to evaluate and apply them. You will explore a wide range of areas within psychology while building the ability to think critically about behaviour and interpret evidence.

You will undergo training in research methods and statistics, which are essential tools for understanding psychological evidence. These skills are taught in a structured and supportive way, enabling students from a wide range of backgrounds to develop confidence.

You will be taught by academic staff who are active researchers, ensuring that teaching is informed by current evidence and practice.

Graduates develop strong analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills that are applicable across a range of professional contexts, and which form the foundation for further study in psychology.

Pathway option: Diploma of Health and Human Sciences (Psychological Sciences specialisation).

There are no compulsory placements in this course.

Award requirements

To be eligible to receive the Bachelor of Psychological Science, students must complete the equivalent of 24 units (288 credit points), comprising:

• 16 core units (192 credit points); and
• The Psychology Extension Major OR 1 shared major OR 8 elective units (96 credit points). 

Inherent Requirements

Inherent Requirements apply to this course as defined on the Inclusion Support website. Students who have a disability or health condition which may impact on their ability to meet these requirements are encouraged to visit the Inclusion Support website for further information and contact details.

Choose your subjects

Majors

This course covers core areas of psychology, including the biological bases of behaviour, cognition, learning and memory, social psychology, and cross-cultural psychology. These areas provide a broad understanding of how behaviour is shaped by biological, psychological, and social factors.

You will examine topics such as perception, emotion, development, personality, and mental health, and explore how these influence behaviour across different contexts. The course emphasises applying psychological concepts to real-world issues, including wellbeing, relationships, and behaviour change.

Alongside this, you will develop an understanding of how psychological knowledge is generated and evaluated. Research methods and statistical concepts are introduced progressively to support your ability to interpret evidence and make informed conclusions.

Learning progresses from foundational concepts to more advanced application. Some units focus on theoretical understanding, while others develop applied skills such as psychological assessment, behaviour change, and research practice.

The degree also includes flexibility through elective units, allowing you to combine psychology with other areas of interest across the University.

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

Indicative total fee $32,694

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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At Southern Cross University, online study is designed to fit around your life without compromising on quality. Through the Southern Cross Model, you learn in focused six-week terms, usually studying one or two units at a time.

This immersive approach helps you stay motivated, build momentum and balance study with work, family and other commitments.

You'll be supported by innovative teaching, practical learning experiences and a university community committed to your success - whether you're interested in business, education, healthcare, law, engineering, IT, science or other career-focused study areas.

Your flexible online study comes with the support, connections and confidence to help you achieve your goals and take the next step in your career.

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QS World University Ranking 2026, within Australia:

31

Times Higher Education World University Ranking 2026, within Australia:

32

ATAR of 70 or equivalent.

Southern Cross Uni's Early Offer program also allows Year 12 students to secure a place in most Southern Cross University undergraduate degrees before Year 12 results are released. It’s designed to remove some of the pressure from Year 12 and provide a pathway directly into university study that is not based solely on Year 12 results. Excludes Bachelor of Veterinary Medicine (Honours). 

Applicants will not be considered for admission on the basis of having fully or partially completed a Certificate III (AQF Level 3) or a Certificate IV (AQF Level 4).

English language requirements apply to International applicants and other applicants whose previous study was undertaken in a language other than English. The minimum English language requirements for such applicants for entry to this course are as follows. Don’t meet the English language requirements? View our English language programs.

• Overall: 6.0
• Listening: minimum 5.5
• Reading: minimum 5.5
• Speaking: minimum 5.5
• Writing: minimum 5.5.

Credit for Prior Learning, also referred to as ‘Advanced Standing’ or Recognition for Prior Learning (RPL), is the process of looking at your prior study and/or experience to assess if you can be awarded academic credit or gain entry to a course on the basis of your existing knowledge and skills.

Students admitted with a completed Bachelors degree will be required to complete all core units.