The units covered in psychological science degrees are often the same or very similar to those explored throughout psychology courses.

Typically, an accredited three-year psychological science degree is the first step towards becoming a registered psychologist in Australia. This is followed by further study, including a fourth-year honours program and postgraduate education and training.

For students who aren’t looking to pursue registration as a psychologist, a Bachelor of Psych Science serves as an entry point into the workforce.

To learn more about how to become a psychologist in Australia, check out our dedicated blog post that covers what a psychologist does, the speciality areas of psychology, and your pathway options to forge a successful career as a psychologist.

A degree in psychological science opens doors to many fascinating career paths. Equipped with this undergraduate degree, you could secure rewarding roles across a range of areas including:

• Mental Health
• Substance Abuse
• Behavioural Health
• Corrective Services
• Juvenile Justice
• Child Protection
• Disability and Ageing
• Police and Defence Forces
• Human Resources

The core focus of our psychological science degree – as well as our range of other applied psychology courses – is human behaviour.

Understanding why we think and act the way we do is a key component of all ACAP courses. Building a strong foundation of human-focused knowledge sets our students up for success, equipping them with practical expertise that is applicable across a wide variety of industries – from client-facing psychologist roles to human resources positions, and many others in between.

Like many higher education degrees, psychological science is designed to challenge your critical thinking skills and enhance your knowledge of complex theories. Due to the sensitive nature of some subjects covered in psychological science (e.g. prejudice, ableism, mental and behavioural health issues), the degree may be considered difficult on an emotional level, however, this is addressed within the course content.

Upon completion of the Bachelor of Psych Science, you will have achieved the following key learning outcomes:

1. Comprehend and critically apply a broad and coherent knowledge of psychology, incorporating social, cultural, historical and professional influences on its application.
2. Understand and apply values, guidelines, and ethical frameworks as they pertain to practice, research and the protection of public safety in psychology.
3. Effectively communicate scientific psychology in written, oral and digital formats. This includes culturally responsive interpersonal and communication skills to work collaboratively and effectively with diverse groups to advance interprofessional teams, groups and communities.
4. Use personal reflexivity to understand the role of epistemologies and ontologies in the science and application of psychology in a culturally safe manner.
5. Use rigorous scientific methods and analysis to conduct, interpret and critique research in psychological science.
6. Apply their psychological knowledge and skills to maintain personal and professional resilience over their lifetime.
7. Embrace the knowledge, strength and resilience of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and promote cultural safety in psychology.

Completion of the Bachelor of Psychological Science provides the necessary qualification for further study at fourth-year level in psychology, such as the Bachelor of Psychological Science (Honours).

Entry into a fourth year of study is competitive and also requires at least a credit average in 2nd and 3rd year units, as well as a credit or higher in the majority of psychology units.

Completion of a four-year sequence enables provisional registration as a psychologist in Australia and New Zealand for the purpose of working towards general registration.