Undergraduate Certificate in 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 an understanding of foundational scientific concepts that are essential for successful university study in Psychological Science.
• Apply independent learning and self-management strategies to university studies
• Identify and use different forms of communication relevant to Psychological Science

If you are interested in human behaviour and the science behind it, the Undergraduate Certificate in Psychological Science is an excellent place to start your studies.

This course provides you with a foundational knowledge of the health sciences and the Australian healthcare system, and an introduction to the concepts, ethics and research as it applies to the discipline of psychology.

Recommended study pattern

Below are the units on offer in this course and their online availability

Core Units (must study all)

EDUC1001 – Language and Learning in your Discipline (Term 1, Term 3, Term 5)

HLTH1001 – Introduction to Science for Health Professionals (Term 1, Term 3, Term 5)

Option Units (must select 2)

PSYC1001 – Psychology Foundations: Brain and Cognition (Term 3)

PSYC1004 – Introduction to Psychological Investigation (TBC)

PSYC1005 – Fundamentals of Career Success in Psychology (Term 3)

PBHL1001 – The Australian Health Care System (TBC)

Award requirements

To be eligible to receive the Undergraduate Certificate in Psychological Science, students must complete the equivalent of 4 units (48 credit points), comprising:

• 2 core units (24 credit points) and
• 2 elective units (24 credit points)

Choose your subjects

Electives

PSYC1001 - Introduction to Psychology I

Introduces four central areas of psychological interest: sensation and perception; biological bases of behaviour; stress, coping and health; and learning. The unit focuses on the influence of biological processes and experience in the regulation of individual behaviour. This unit lays the foundation for Introduction to Psychology II, which is focussed on the social milieu. In addition the unit introduces students to writing for psychology.

PSYC1004 - Introduction to Psychological Investigation

Introduces the general concepts, ethics, and methodology of scientific research as it applies to the discipline of psychology. Topics include methods of observation, measurement, and experimentation used in psychology and the effective use of information resources. Students will engage in oral and written presentation of the material covered.

PSYC1005 - Fundamentals of Career Success in Psychology

Introduces the students to the relationship between psychological theory and practice through a combination of invited professional speakers, self-directed research, and collaborative sharing of knowledge. Students will gain a better understanding of their own values and strengths in the context of career planning and will develop insights and strategies for career and self-management. Social and emotional competencies are introduced.

PBHL1001 - The Australian Health Care System

Provides students with an overview of the Australian health care system and the factors which influence the way it functions. Historical, socio-political and cultural contexts of health care in Australia will be presented to encourage an awareness of how these factors influence health care delivery, systems, services, and the health care workforce.

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

Indicative total fee $14,400

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.

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QS World University Ranking 2025, within Australia:

30

Times Higher Education World University Ranking 2025, within Australia:

35

ATAR of 40 or Equivalent

Applicants for admission to candidature to the Undergraduate Certificate in Psychological Science must have an assessable entry qualification from a country where English is the main language and where the medium of instruction for that qualification was English, or have completed an International English Language Test (or comparable test scores*) with:

• a minimum overall score of 5.5 minimum score of 5.0 in each subtest (or comparable test scores*), except for writing with a minimum score of 5.5

Applicants or students that can provide supporting documents to verify they already know, understand and can perform the learning outcomes for one or more units within a Southern Cross course, are eligible to have their prior learning assessed for credit by submitting an application for Advanced Standing.