Bachelor of Psychology

The Bachelor of Psychology applies real-world research to provide a solid foundation of knowledge for a future career in psychology. Through this degree, you will:

1. Learn about psychological research methods
2. Collect and analyse data through questionnaires and sampling procedures
3. Use SPSS software to conduct appropriate statistical analyses, and present and share your findings

You can tailor your degree to your interests and broaden your career prospects with the choice of electives. You can select four electives from any of the UniSA Online degrees.

Study Psychology On Demand with UniSA Online and take full control over your study. Access support seven days a week, plan your study to fit around your life, view learning resources 24/7, and log into the interactive online environment anywhere, any time and on any device.

You’ll join a university ranked in the top 10 in Australia for psychology¹. Our innovative psychology curriculum has been recognised by teaching and learning national bodies and has received commendations from the Australian Psychology Educators network for innovative learning.

Designed and taught by world-class researchers, you’ll study course content that is relevant, up-to-date and informed by cutting-edge research that has been assessed as above world class².

Our specialist psychology courses in the areas of work and organisational psychology, health psychology, and conservation psychology are taught by expert academics who are leading researchers in these fields.

^{1 THE Subject Rankings 2019.}

^{2 2018 Excellence in Research for Australia (ERA)}

Recommended study pattern

The program structure is subject to change at any time. (Information correct as at October 2023)

Year 1

• Psychology 1A (BEHL 1030)
• Psychology 1B (BEHL 1031)
• Aboriginal Australians and Psychology (BEHL 1034)
• Personal and Professional Development (BEHL 1029)
• The Social World (SOCU 1008) or Connecting and Working with Nature (BEHL 1028)
• Introductory Research Methods (BEHL 2019)
• Elective 1
• Elective 2

Year 2

• UO Cognitive Psychology (BEHL 2018)
• UO Psychology Applications (BEHL 2026)
• UO Biological and Learning Psychology (BEHL 2017)
• Elective 3
• UO Developmental Psychology (BEHL 2016)
• Elective 4
• Social and Community Psychology (BEHL 2020)
• Elective 1: Specialist Psychology Course , Rule(s): 1,2

Year 3

• Personality Psychology (BEHL 3036)
• Career Development (BEHL 2025)
• Clinical and Abnormal Psychology (BEHL 3032)
• Elective 2: Specialist Psychology Course , Rule(s): 1,2
• Conservation Psychology* (BEHL 3035)
• Elective 3: Specialist Psychology Course , Rule(s): 1,2

Rules:

1. Students planning to undertake Honours in Psychology, either at UniSA or at another Australian university, must successfully complete the Specialist Psychology Course: UO Advanced Research Methods.
2. This course must be selected from the Specialist Psychology Courses list.

Note:

1. Recognition for prior learning (RPL) may be granted for this course to students who have completed relevant work experience as per the UniSA Online RPL framework. Further credit will be assessed in line with the UniSA RPL policy.

Award requirements

Completion of 24 units including 7 electives.

Choose your subjects

Electives

Specialist Psychology Courses:

• Health Psychology (BEHL 3031)
• Work and Organisational Psychology (BEHL 3033)
• Advanced Research Methods (BEHL 3034)
• Conservation Psychology (BEHL 3035)

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

Indicative total fee $27,766

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.

The University of South Australia (UniSA) is ranked as one of the best young universities in the world, and is the number one university in Australia for graduate employability. UniSA offers over 200 world-class degrees that are informed by industry and delivered with a highly practical approach to teaching and learning, and is a valuable partner with Open Universities Australia.

Learn more about UniSA.

Explore UniSA courses.

QS World University Ranking 2025, within Australia:

22

Times Higher Education World University Ranking 2025, within Australia:

22

Applicants are required to meet one of the following criteria with a competitive result:

• Successfully completed equivalent to a minimum of half a year of full-time study of a higher education program at a recognised higher education provider
• Completed an award from a recognised training organisation at Certificate IV or above
• Passed a UniSA Online literacy and numeracy test and have relevant work experience, or
• Completed a UniSA Foundations Studies program or equivalent, or
• Qualified for Special Entry
• Completed a secondary education qualification equivalent to SACE, such as an interstate year 12 or international qualification

UniSA Online offers four start dates throughout the year so you can apply as soon as you’re ready. As part of your application, UniSA Online will share information about the next available study period for this program.

If you have previous work experience, or have studied before, you could fast-track your studies by reducing the time it takes to complete your degree.