This degree is closed to new applications. You may be interested in other courses in Psychology
Bachelor of Science (Psychological Science)
Undergraduate
TAS-PSS-DEG 2023Course information for 2023 intake
Become an expert in human behaviour
Explore how psychological science benefits Antarctic expeditions, remote communities, the recovery of brain injuries, addiction, and more. Pave the way for a range of careers.
- Study method
- 100% online
- Assessments
- 100% online
- Credit available
- Yes
- Duration
- 3 years full time or part time equivalent
- Total subjects
- 24
- Available loans
- Australian Higher Education Loan Program (HELP)
- CSP available
- Yes
Bachelor of Science (Psychological Science)
About this degree
Upon successful completion of this program, students should be able to:
- Explain the methodologies of science and the role and relevance of science in society.
- Apply in-depth knowledge and skills in one or more scientific disciplines to provide specialist advice and functions in a range of contexts.
- Design and implement scientific investigations, including quantitative analysis and critical evaluation of results.
- Communicate scientific results, information, and arguments, to a range of audiences, for a range of purposes, and using a variety of modes.
- Apply scientific methods and knowledge ethically, responsibly, respectfully and safely in research or workplace settings guided by relevant regulatory and professional frameworks.
Psychology, the study of human behaviour, impacts every environment in which humans live, work, cooperate and communicate.
Studying psychology, you’ll understand the science behind human behaviour, and learn how this can solve problems in all sorts of situations. This major can pave the way for a range of careers. We provide insight into how psychological science benefits Antarctic expeditions, remote communities, the recovery of brain injuries, addiction, and more.
If you want to develop knowledge and skills that will enrich your personal and professional life, Psychology 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.
We’ll give you a wealth of practical experience regardless of your areas of study. You’ll have unparalleled access to facilities used by researchers and industry partners, and you can immerse yourself in Tasmania’s living laboratory, with opportunities to connect with the science community.
Recommended study pattern
The Bachelor of Science requires the completion of 24 subjects comprising:
- 8 Core subjects
- 8 Discipline Elective subjects
- 8 Elective UTAS Elective subjects
You may complete any subject from the Bachelor of Science available in the Discipline stream as a Discipline Elective so long as you meet any pre-requisites.
For students undertaking full-time study the following study pattern is recommended:
Year 1. 8 subjects in first year including:
- 2 Introductory subjects
- TAS-PSY111 Transferable Skills in Psychology
- TAS-PSY124 Mental Health and Individual Differences
- 4 Discipline subjects
- 2 UTAS Electives
Year 2. 8 subjects in second year including:
- 2 Intermediate subjects
- TAS-PSY207 Social Psychology
- TAS-PSY211 Research Skills in Psychology
- 2 Discipline subjects
- 4 UTAS Electives
Year 3. 8 subjects in third year including:
- 4 Advanced subjects
- TAS-PSY302 Lifespan Developmental Psychology
- TAS-PSY305 Clinical Psychology
- TAS-PSY311 Advanced Research Skills in Psychology
- TAS-PSY324 Psychological Assessment and Intervention
- 2 Discipline subjects
- 2 UTAS Electives
Award requirements
Satisfactory completion of 24 subjects, as required in the schedule, within 3-7 years from commencement.
Choose your subjects
Electives
Your electives can be used to add breadth to your degree, by exploring a variety of different subject areas from within or outside the College of Sciences and Engineering. Alternatively, you can deepen your engagement with specific subject areas, for example, by completing additional subjects in the same discipline as your core subjects or related fields.
You can also use this space to complete an optional second major which may be a second major chosen from another program noting some exclusions apply. Not all majors can be taken by students in different programs.
Students outside Tasmania, please note, you will need to contact the subject coordinator if you wish to study TAS-KGA331.
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.
Open Universities Australia is a not-for-profit organisation. You will not pay any fees for using our services.
Indicative total fee $28,460
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.
Wherever you are, the University of Tasmania brings its island campus to you through a growing range of online programs across art and design, business, education, health, science, sustainability, technology, and more. It’s never too late to switch things up. Kickstart that career you’ve been dreaming about, or upskill for the one you’re in. You’ll also become a part of the world's leading university on climate action.
Learn more about UTAS.
Explore UTAS courses.
- QS World University Ranking 2025, within Australia:
- 20
- Times Higher Education World University Ranking 2025, within Australia:
- 19
Entry requirements
Applicants must have completed at least two subjects of study (equivalent to 25 UTAS credit points) within an Associate Degree level course or Higher; OR
Completed the UTAS University Preparation Program (or an equivalent qualification offered by an Australian University); OR
Completed DUS (Diploma of University Studies) any pathway or equivalent.
Successful completion of any 4 OUA open access subjects of study at the equivalent AQF level, unless otherwise specified.
ATAR: 65 or higher.
Successful completion of certificate IV or higher.
Domestic Applicants with work and life experience: If you have not successfully completed senior secondary, tertiary or TAFE/VET study, but have extensive or sustained work experience.
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.
https://www.utas.edu.au/study/apply/admission-requirements/recognition-of-prior-learning
Career opportunities
There are many career pathways available for students who have completed a degree in psychology, including:
- Counselling
- Aged, family and child services
- Community health and welfare
- Health services support e.g. Drug and alcohol, cancer, disability, rehabilitation
- Human Resource Management
- Marketing and Market Research
- Employment and training services
- Teaching
- Probation and parole services
- Policy and planning
Professional recognition
Australian Psychological Society
Australian job snapshots
Data sourced from Australian Jobs 2023.
Role | Earnings | Employment change |
---|---|---|
Counsellors | $75K to $93K | Up 12.6% |
Health and Welfare Services Managers | Over $120K | Up 56.6% |
Human Resource Managers | Over $120K | Up 85.7% |
Policy and Planning Managers | Over $120K | Up 53.8% |
Psychologists and Psychotherapists | $93K to $120K | N/A^ |
Degree FAQs
How long does it take to finish an online degree?
That's up to you! Because we let you choose when to study online, you can actually pick up and pause study when it suits you. Many universities have a set time you need to complete your degree within. For some this is up to 10 years, and for others there is no limit.
There are some degrees that are stricter about when you can take breaks, and about how many years you can take to complete your degree. Please always check with your uni what the limits are.
As a general guide, Commonwealth supported place students have 10 years to finish their undergraduate degree through OUA, However, if you're studying with Griffith University, there's a limit of 8 years to complete your studies. If you want to take a break that lasts more than two study terms, you'll need to apply for a leave of absence. You can apply for a leave of absence for up to 12 months, as long as you complete your studies within the maximum time allowed for your degree.
If you're studying with Macquarie University, with the exception of certain degrees, there's no limit to how long you can take. But, please check with Macquarie Student Administration to be sure.
If you're studying with the University of Adelaide, you have up to 9 years to complete your undergraduate degree and graduate.
If you're studying with La Trobe University and want to take a break of minimum 1 study term, you must apply for leave of absence to avoid being inadvertently withdrawn from your degree.
Through OUA, you can study all year round, so it's possible to fast-track and finish up sooner than studying at a traditional uni would allow. That said, you need to spend around 12 hours a week on each undergraduate subject you do, so taking on extra work to finish ahead of time can be challenging.
How can I pay for my studies?
You may be eligible for a HELP loan from the Australian government, depending on your citizenship status and where you'll be living during your studies. You can also pay upfront with your credit card.
Payment options are explained in Fees, and you can contact a student advisor for more information.
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Why should I study online through Open Universities Australia?
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You can enrol without entry requirements
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You have total control over how you study
Upskill without committing to a whole degree upfront. Or enrol in a full degree, but take it a subject at a time. We'll introduce you to flexible study options you didn't even know about, so you can fit uni around what matters to you.You'll graduate with the same qualification as an on-campus student
Once you enrol through us, you'll study online with the university that provides your degree. This means that when you complete your qualification, you'll graduate with the same degree as on-campus students.We'll help you navigate the university world
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When you've made your choice, click 'Apply now' on the relevant course page and follow the prompts to begin your enrolment. We'll ask you to supply some supporting documentation, including proof of your identity, your tax file number, and a unique student identifier (USI) during this process.
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