

Undergraduate Certificate in Psychological Science
Undergraduate Certificate in Psychological Science
Learn the foundations of psychology
Gain the first steps in a career in psychology

Overview
If you’ve ever thought about studying psychological science, our Undergraduate Certificate in Psychological Science is the ideal qualification to take the first step.
The 4 unit course covers introductory units in psychology which will build foundational knowledge. On completion of this course, students can continue to higher studies in psychological science. The Undergraduate Certificate in Psychological Science is not available to international students.
This course has been accredited by the Navitas Professional Institute (NPI) under its self-accrediting authority.

What you'll learn
Expertise in human behaviour forms the foundation of all our courses including our Undergraduate Certificate in Psychological Science.
EXPLORE WITH AN APPLIED FOCUS:
Foundational Psychological Processes
Sustainability and Helping Professionals
History, Science and Application of Psychology
Course structure
This course is comprised of 4 units, which are level 100 units.
The course duration is 6 months full time or up to 3 years part time. For more information on the recommended course sequence click here.
Level: 100 level core
Credit Points: 6
Mode of delivery: On-campus and online
Unit description:
This unit is one of two introductory units in psychology for commencing students. Along with PSYC1052 Foundational Psychological Processes and the three interdisciplinary units (MULT1015 Applications in Context, MULT1025 Professions and Society, and MULT1035 Sustainability in Helping Professionals) this unit builds foundational knowledge relevant to the history, philosophy, and methods underpinning the scientific study of psychology. In this unit, the history and philosophy of both the quantitative and qualitative approaches are presented within the broader historical and philosophical themes of psychology as a discipline. The goals of this unit are to set the foundation for understanding research design and methods in psychology and to develop skills relevant to critiquing research, which involves developing knowledge and skills in research thinking, research doing, and research consuming. The unit considers the application of these research methods within the context of important concepts such as the scientist-practitioner model, evidence-based practice, ontology and epistemology, and ethics. Content related to introductory concepts in the history of philosophy of psychology are also covered, along with content on the application of psychology in current professional and social contexts. This material will be presented in a manner that is scientifically rigorous yet culturally responsive and informs a broader discussion of psychology as both a professional practice in Australia and as an agent of social benefit. This unit is the first in a scaffolded series of units that, taken together, will facilitate the development of a comprehensive understanding of the skills and knowledge associated with research methods in psychology, the history and philosophy of psychology, and their contribution to the application of psychology.
Learning Outcomes:
On successful completion of this unit, students will be able to:
Learning and Teaching Process:
This unit is taught over 13 weeks. Students will participate in teaching and learning activities including:
a. Twelve (12) weekly pre-recorded 120 minute lectures
b. Twelve (12) weekly 90-minute live tutorials
For live tutorials, students will be enrolled to attend a regular class either a) on campus or b) online via Zoom.
In addition, the Unit Coordinator will be available for live online consultation for an hour on a weekly basis.
Level: 100 level core
Credit points: 6
Mode of delivery: On-campus and online
Unit Description:
Opening up possibilities for developing multidisciplinary knowledge and practice, ACAP draws on the four disciplines in the college to develop three integrative units that are core to first-year undergraduate courses and a postgraduate course. These inquiry-driven units lay the groundwork for engaging students with multidisciplinary thinking, discourse and initiative in their fields of endeavour and in their future profession.
This unit introduces the student to academic skills and reflective writing practices. The unit develops the student’s understanding of ethical practice across multiple disciplines. The human rights framework in Australia and its relation to ethics and ethical behaviour in professional practice is also explored.
Learning outcomes:
On successful completion of this unit, students will be able to:
a. Demonstrate effective information literacy skills when identifying and assessing the credibility of sources
b. Demonstrate reflective thinking skills in constructing arguments about ethics in contemporary society and their value in their chosen profession
c. Describe, explain and reflect on the key parts of relevant professional codes of conduct and ethics and their role in professional life
d. Identify ethical dilemmas and apply ethical frameworks to guide practical decision making
e. Demonstrate a capacity for self-awareness and emerging reflective practices in personal and professional development
Unit workload:
The workload for this unit is 10 hours per week.
Level: 100 level core
Credit Points: 6
Mode of delivery: On-campus and online
Unit description:
This unit is a level 100 core and along with the interdisciplinary level 100 units and PSYC1052 Psychology: History Science and Application 1 provides an initial introduction to psychology. This unit will introduce fundamental psychological processes including principles of human learning, personality, motivation and emotion. The unit will provide a foundation for future study in psychology, including an introduction to the key processes of human cognition, human emotion, and human behaviour. Students will engage with empirical research as a means of evaluating competing theories and learn to engage in critical analysis of research findings. Culturally responsive approaches to the study of psychology are emphasised with the development of skills in communication of psychological processes across diverse contexts. Students will acquire skills in critical thinking and research communication that are necessary to progress through advanced and applied studies in psychology.
Learning Outcomes:
On successful completion of this unit, students will be able to:
Learning and Teaching Process:
This unit is taught over 13 weeks and totals approximately 10 to 12 hours of learning activities per week.
Students will participate in teaching and learning activities including:
a. Twelve (12) weekly 120-minute interactive self-directed learning activities
b. Twelve (12) weekly 120-minute lectures
c. Twelve (12) weekly 90-minute tutorials
In addition, Coordinators are available for consultation for an hour on a weekly basis.
Level: 100 level core
Credit points: 6
Mode of delivery: On-campus and online
Unit Description
Opening up possibilities for developing multidisciplinary knowledge and practice, ACAP draws on the 4 Disciplines in the College to develop three integrative units that are core to first-year Undergraduate courses. These inquiry-driven units lay the groundwork for engaging students with multidisciplinary thinking, discourse and initiative in their fields of endeavour and in their future profession/vocation.
This unit will introduce students the issues of living and working in a culturally diverse professional and social environment. We will examine interactions between our own and others’ personal cultural identities, and how these shape our experience of relationships personally and professionally. The unit provides students with an opportunity to explore, analyse and reflect on the cultural context in which you will study and practice your chosen profession, and to develop the foundational critical thinking and reflective skills required for this.
Learning outcomes:
On completion of this unit students should be able to:
a. Identify, summarise and communicate concepts from credible sources of information
b. Explain the role of culture, cultural identity and cultural influence in higher education and professional practice
c. Evaluate and apply theories and evidence related to culturally safe practices in professional practice
Unit workload:
The workload for this unit is 10 hours per week.
Textbook
The required text book for this unit can be found by viewing the textbook list by selecting the course and trimester at the following link: http://www.acap.edu.au/current-students/managing-my-course/order-course-materials-and-text-books/
Academic misconduct
Ethical conduct and academic integrity and honesty are fundamental to the mission of ACAP. Academic misconduct will not be tolerated by the college. Please refer to the Academic Misconduct Policy for full details.
Disclaimer
Unit information may be subject to change prior to the teaching trimester commencing. Once term has commenced please review the Unit Outline in your class space to ensure your trimester study plan is correct.
Download Course Guide
Pathways for future study
Graduates can consider further study such as our Bachelor of Psychological Science.

