Bachelor of Arts (Psychology)

By the end of this degree it is anticipated that students should be able to:

1. Demonstrate a knowledge and understanding of the major concepts, theoretical perspectives, empirical findings, and historical trends in the core topics of psychology 
2. Understand, apply, conduct, and evaluate the research methods used in psychology, including research design, data analysis and interpretation and the appropriate use of technologies by which to do this. 
3. Use the concepts, language, major theories, and perspectives of the discipline to account for psychological phenomena. 
4. Identify relevant theory and concepts, relate these to appropriate methodologies and evidence, and draw appropriate conclusions 
5. Demonstrate the capacity for critical thinking and independent learning to solve problems related to a range of issues, including behaviour and mental processes. 
6. Communicate concepts and results clearly and effectively both in writing and orally 
7. Engage in a critical review of appropriate and relevant information regarding psychological processes and demonstrate analytical research skills in evaluating psychological literature
8. Recognise and evaluate arguments and other persuasive appeals and approaches to problems
9. Identify how psychological principles can be used to explain social issues and inform public policy and apply psychological concepts, theories, and research findings as these relate to everyday life
10. Develop insight into your own and others’ behaviour and mental processes and apply effective strategies for self-management and self-improvement 
11. Articulate how psychological principles can be used to explain social issues and inform public policy 
12. Examine the sociocultural and international contexts that influence individual differences
13. Demonstrate a capacity for responsibility and accountability with regard to their own learning.

Everything we do in life is connected to psychology. Defined as the study of the human mind and behaviour, psychology plays a number of important roles in modern society. Having an understanding of human behaviour will give students an edge in a variety of careers, including human resources, law, education and social work.

Through this degree, students will get exposure to a wide range of fundamental psychological concepts, as well as to more specialised areas such as child psychology, neuropsychology, social and personality psychology, cognition and perception, and psychopathology.

This degree provides an excellent foundation for those who wish to pursue a career in psychology-related areas.

Recommended study pattern

Minimum number of units for the degree    23

Of the 23 units, complete a maximum of 10 units at 100 level

Minimum number of units at 200 level or above   13

Minimum number of units at 300 level or above     6

Completion of other specific minimum requirements as set out below

Specific minimum requirements:

Units of study

100 level

Required

Introduction to Psychology I  PSYX104

Introduction to Psychology II  PSYX105

200 level

Required

Social and Personality Psychology  PSYX234

Developmental Psychology   PSYX235

Biopsychology and Learning PSYX236

Cognitive Processes I PSYX246

Perception PSYX247

Design and Statistics II PSYX248

300 level

Required

Psychological Science - Putting Theory Into Practice  C PSYX399

Principles of Psychological Assessment  PSYX332

Required two of  PSYX units at 300 level

Total number of Elective subjects required for this program: 11

TOTAL UNITS OF STUDY REQUIRED FOR THIS PROGRAM

23

Note:

Units marked with a C are Capstone units.

Award requirements

 To be awarded the degree, students must complete the following minimum requirements.

• Minimum number of units for the degree = 23 
• Minimum number of units at 100 Level or above: 10 (of which 2 are required)
• Minimum number of units at 200 Level or above: 7 (of which 6 are required)
• Minimum number of units at 300 Level or above: 6 (of which 4 are required, one being the designated Capstone* Unit (PSYX399)

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.

• Level 1 Subjects

• Level 2 Subjects

• Level 3 Subjects

• Level 1 Elective Subjects

• Level 2 Elective Subjects

• Level 3 Elective Subjects

Students are eligible to register for the Macquarie Bachelor of Arts-Psychology after successfully completing 4 OUA higher education subjects including PSYX104 and PSYX105; or successfully complete PSYX104 and PSYX105 with a credit average. Students must follow the degree structure in place at the time of their BA - Psychology registration with the University. Registration is free for all students.

Please Note: HECS is not available for this degree. However, subject to your eligibility, other HELP loans may be available. The degree has only one intake per year commencing in Semester 1. If you do not apply in Semester 1, applications for the following years intake will open towards the end of the year.

Please note that students who have an Academic Standing of Suspension or Exclusion under Macquarie University's Academic Progression Policy will not be permitted to register in Macquarie University degrees offered through OUA. Students with an Academic Standing of Suspension or Exclusion who have enrolled in units through OUA will be withdrawn.

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

Indicative total fee $29,659

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.

This research-intensive university in north-western Sydney offers a range of undergraduate and postgraduate degrees. With over 44,000 current students, Macquarie has a strong reputation for welcoming international students and embracing flexible and convenient study options, including its partnership with Open Universities Australia.

Learn more about Macquarie University.

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QS World University Ranking 2025, within Australia:

11

Times Higher Education World University Ranking 2025, within Australia:

10

To gain eligibility, students must successfully complete 4 OUA subjects, including PSYX104 and PSYX105;

OR

successfully complete PSYX104 and PSYX105 with a credit average.

Competitive ATAR of 83, a Selection Rank of 83 or equivalent OP of 9.

IELTS of 6.5 overall with minimum 6.0 in each band, or equivalent.

Macquarie University may recognise prior formal, informal and non-formal learning for the purpose of granting credit towards, or admission into, a program. The recognition of these forms of learning is enabled by the University’s Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) Policy (see PRL Policy) and its associated Procedures and Guidelines. The RPL pages contain information on how to apply, links to registers, and the approval processes for recognising prior learning for entry or credit. 

For undergraduate RPL information visit

https://www.mq.edu.au/study/admissions/recognition-of-prior-learning