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.

• Demonstrate independence and integrity in scholarly inquiry and creative problem-solving in psychology.
• Apply appropriate research and assessment methods in psychology.
• Apply knowledge and skills of psychology to meet personal, professional, and societal needs.
• Analyse and evaluate information, theory, and research in the discipline of psychology and apply academic literacy skills to communicate these in a variety of written and oral forms.
• Employ interpersonal and communication skills conducive to effective collaboration.
• Demonstrate a reflexive manner appropriate to a range of socially and culturally diverse people, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

How do we think and learn? How do we control our movements and behaviour? What makes us tick? Exploration of the human mind and behaviour is a fascinating field and this degree is an equally fascinating educational journey into behaviour, cognition, and psychological principles and theory.

We have designed our Bachelor of Psychological Science to be a rich, flexible, and highly engaging learning experience. It will shed light on how humans work, individually and in sociocultural groups, and will take you inside your own head –to develop a deep and real understanding of your own thoughts, emotions, and behaviour. It will take you across many different fields of psychological practice –many you will never have considered. You will be working with an academic team comprising active researchers publishing their work in international journals.

This degree will help you develop strong analytical and problem-solving skills, as well as proficiency in research and statistics, all of which will inform your ability to apply scientific approaches in professional settings as well as enhancing your understanding of yourself and of the world.

Recommended study pattern

HLTH1004 - The Reflective Learner and Health Science Scholar

PSYC1001 - Psychology Foundations: Brain and Cognition

PSYC1009 - Introducing Health Psychology

PSYC1002 - Psychology Foundations: Self and Situation

PSYC1010 - Positive Psychology

PSYC2001 - Psychological Investigation I

PSYC3001 - Social Psychology

PSYC3003 - Learning and Memory

STAT2002 - Quantitative Methods in Psychology

STAT3001 - Advanced Quantitative Methods in Psychology

PSYC2002 - Understanding Psychological Diagnoses

PSYC2004 - Lifespan Psychology

PSYC3004 - Biology Psychology

PSYC3005 - Culture and Psychology

PSYC3002 - Psychological Investigation II

Students can select either the Psychology Extension Major OR one university shared major (excluding the Psychology shared major) OR 8 elective units from university wide offerings.

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). 

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

Indicative total fee $86,400

The amount shown here is 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.

Southern Cross University believes in the power of change. Their graduates stride the global stage at the frontline of healthcare, transforming education in the classroom, and tackling the world’s wicked problems with scientific and engineering solutions. Students enjoy award winning support, teaching quality, and online delivery. Ranked among the best for many years, they will help you make the change you seek to transform your tomorrow.

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QS World University Ranking 2025, within Australia:

30

Times Higher Education World University Ranking 2025, within Australia:

35

ATAR of 70 or Equivalent