Bachelor of Psychological Science and Bachelor of Science
Undergraduate | TAS-PSC-DEG | 2024
Explore multiple avenues in science
Why choose one field of science when you can explore many? Specialise in psychological science while exploring the other avenues scientific study has to offer.
- Study method
- 100% online
- Assessments
- 100% online
- Applications close
- 7 July 2024,
- 1 Sept 2024
- Credit available
- Yes
- Duration
- 4 years full time or part time equivalent
- Total subjects
- 32
- Price from
- $52,380
- Available loans
- Australian Higher Education Loan Program (HELP)
- CSP available
- Yes
Bachelor of Psychological Science and Bachelor of Science
About this degree
Bachelor of Psychological Science
Upon successful completion of this program, students should be able to:
- Analyse major concepts, theoretical perspectives, empirical findings, and evolution of ideas in psychology to professionally and ethically address contemporary issues of cognition and behaviour.
- Reflect on the quality of your own and others’ decisions through critical thinking, sceptical inquiry and interpretation of research evidence, acknowledging the ambiguity of competing explanations.
- Embrace a variety of approaches to lifelong learning to understand diverse influences on behaviour.
- Use contemporary techniques to effectively and ethically communicate with a range of audiences to disseminate knowledge.
Bachelor of Science
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.
Double degrees allow you to deepen your knowledge and expertise within two separate study areas. This means you can choose from our range of exciting, diverse courses and embark on a journey as unique as you are.
Bachelor of Psychological Science
Psychology, the study of human behaviour, impacts every environment in which humans live, work, cooperate and communicate. Whether it’s in the classroom or the courtroom, the family home or the extremes of Antarctica, in Tasmanian communities or international relations, psychology plays a role.
If you want to develop knowledge and skills that will enrich your personal and professional life, or your goal is to become a research scientist, counsellor or registered psychologist, the Bachelor of Psychological Science 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. These include:
- Counselling
- Criminal justice
- Neuroscience
- Health services support e.g. drug and alcohol, cancer, disability, rehabilitation
- Aged, family and child services
- Probation and parole services
- Policy and planning
- Business
- Marketing
- Education
- Public affairs
- Human resources, and numerous other areas
Bachelor of Science
If you enjoy pursuing your curiosity and understanding the world around you, consider yourself an innovator, and are passionate about shaping the world from our living laboratory, our Bachelor of Science provides a gateway to an exciting world of rewarding careers.
The University of Tasmania’s science degree provides you with a foundation of core skills in science, analysis, and rational thinking. You have options to focus your study in one or more scientific disciplines and learn the methods to apply your skills and knowledge to the practical needs of industry, business, and government in both scientific and non-scientific roles.
In choosing a Bachelor of Science you can:
- Select one or two science majors from our 21 exciting options, plus expand your educational experience and study subjects of your choice from across the University.
- Explore a range of study options through your choice of electives, discovering potential new areas of interest even after you start studying
- Learn through hands-on practical experience including laboratory work, field trips, field-based subjects, and research projects.
- Enjoy being mentored by highly qualified staff, many of whom are national and world leaders in their field.
Our curriculum offers flexibility and choice in how your degree is structured. We provide a wealth of practical experience, access to world class facilities and an opportunity to immerse yourself in a local and interconnected scientific community.
Recommended study pattern
In a 4 year double degree you will complete a total of 400 credit points comprising 200 credit points from each course. The requirements of each course, such as majors and core subjects, are specified below. For students undertaking full-time study the following study pattern is recommended:
Bachelor of Psychological Sciences:
Year 1
- TAS-PSY111 Transferable Skills in Psychology
- TAS-PSY112 Brain and Behaviour
- TAS-PSY124 Mental Health and Individual Differences
- TAS-PSY125 Psychological Processes
Year 2
- TAS-PSY207 Social Psychology
- TAS-PSY211 Research Skills in Psychology
- TAS-PSY223 Health and Psychological Wellbeing
- TAS-PSY224 Behavioural and Cognitive Neuroscience
Year 3
- TAS-PSY302 Lifespan Developmental Psychology
- TAS-PSY305 Clinical Psychology
- TAS-PSY311 Advanced Research Skills in Psychology
- TAS-PSY312 Forensic Psychology
Year 4
- TAS-PSY324 Psychological Assessment and Intervention
- TAS-PSY325 Neuropsychology and Clinical Neuroscience
- TAS-PSY331 Psychology of Language
- TAS-PSY336 Human Behaviour in Extreme Environments
Bachelor of Science
Year 1 to 4
Choose 1 major from the following options:
- Geography and Environment
- Sustainability
Choose 8 subjects from the following elective options:
- Geography and Environment Electives
- Sustainability Electives
Award requirements
Satisfactory completion of 32 subjects, as required in the schedule, within 4-9 years from commencement.
Choose your subjects
Majors
Bachelor of Science Majors:
Geography and Environment
- Introductory subjects:
- TAS-KGA171 Global Geographies of Change
- TAS-KGA172 Space, People, Place
- Intermediate subjects:
- TAS-KGA204 Earth, Climate and Life
- TAS-KGA223 Environmental Management
- Advanced subjects:
- TAS-KGA319 Science and Policy for Energy Futures
- TAS-KGA320 Our Changing Climate
- TAS-KGA326 Rivers and Coasts
- TAS-KGA327 Geoheritage and Geotourism
Sustainability
- Introductory subjects:
- Choose 1 subject from
- TAS-HEJ111 Communicating Sustainability
- TAS-HUM111 Engaging with Sustainability
- Choose 1 subject from
- TAS-KGA171 Global Geographies of Change
- TAS-KEA104 Humans: Earth Shapers
- TAS-ZAS118 Sustainability
- For articulating Diploma of Sustainable Living students only
- TAS-KGA107 Local Lives for a Sustainable Planet
- Choose 1 subject from
- Intermediate subjects:
- TAS-KGA207 Systems Thinking
- Choose 1 subject from
- TAS-BEA207 Natural Resource Economics
- TAS-HSS207 Human Rights and Global Justice
- TAS-KGA223 Environmental Management
- Advanced subjects:
- TAS-KGA301 Change Agents for Sustainability
- Choose 3 subjects from
- TAS-CXA322 Food, Health and Environment
- TAS-HGA343 Globalisation and Society: Power, Inequality and Conflict
- TAS-KGA308 Political Ecologies of Development
- TAS-KGA319 Science and Policy for Energy Futures
Exit points
Students may exit the course with:
• Any exit award applicable for one of the constituent courses; or
• An award for only one of the constituent courses
Students will not be able to continue in the Double Degree if they elect to pursue the second constituent course after exiting from the first. Students will be transferred to the constituent course they wish to pursue.
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.
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 Ranking 2024:
- 20
- Times Higher Education Ranking 2024:
- 19
Entry requirements
- Partially completed an undergraduate course at Diploma level or higher (or equivalent). You must have completed at least two/four subjects of study (equivalent to 25 UTAS credit points) at 100 level or higher and which may include 100 level subjects completed in the UTAS Diploma of University Studies. If you have failed any subjects, your application may be subject to further review before an offer is made;
OR
- Completed the UTAS University Preparation Program (or an equivalent qualification offered by an Australian University).
Graduate Entry Pathway
To be eligible for an offer into the graduate entry pathway for the Bachelor of Psychological Science you must have completed a Bachelor degree (or equivalent) or higher in any discipline in the past 10 years. Otherwise students will be admitted to the standard pathway.
Successful completion of any two (2) OUA open access subjects of study (equivalent to 25 UTAS credit points) at the equivalent AQF level, unless otherwise specified
Applicants are ranked by ATAR and offers made based on the number of places available. In 2024, the minimum required ATAR is 65. Applicants who have recently completed senior secondary studies but have not received an ATAR may still be eligible for admission. We will consider your individual subject results on a case-by-case basis when we assess your application.
Completed a Diploma, Advanced Diploma, or Certificate IV (or equivalent) in any discipline.
Applicants without senior secondary, tertiary or VET / TAFE study can complete a personal competency statement.
Applicants may be eligible for an offer if they have relevant work and/or life experiences which demonstrate a capacity to succeed in this course.
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.
Career opportunities
A double degree increases your career prospects and maximises your employability. A double degree can help you build a unique set of skills that will help you stand out in a competitive employment market. When you graduate from a double degree you will receive a separate degree certificate (also called a testamur) for each component course.
Career outlook
- Environmental Consultants:
- $93K to $120K
- Policy and Planning Managers:
- Over $120K
- Research and Development Managers:
- Over $120K
Degree FAQs
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.
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.
You might find learning through OUA a little different to how you've studied in the past. It can take time to develop the skills you need for independent online study.
We connect you with subjects and degrees that are taught by leading Australian universities. You can complete single subjects, or follow a degree structure to work towards a specific qualification. Subjects are offered in several study terms throughout the year, so you can choose to study part-time or full-time, continuously or with breaks.
We help you find the subjects or degree that's right for you, and we handle your enrolment in uni and some administration. Your uni sends you your study materials and deals with all academic matters. They're also in charge of your assessment and graduation. If you go on to complete a degree, you'll graduate from the uni offering your degree, for example, RMIT University or Griffith University.
Before starting an enrolment, it's important to read the entry requirements for your chosen course to ensure that you're eligible to apply. If you don't quite meet the requirements, we can help you find a pathway into your course through open-entry subjects, which anyone can study. Chat with us to find out more.
Our close of enrolment times vary. You can check the cut-off dates for upcoming study terms by visiting Key dates.
There are a lot of reasons to study your course online through us.
You can enrol without entry requirements
We have a unique open-door policy that makes it possible for everyone to enrol in university study, no matter their academic history. If you don't meet the entry requirements for a degree, we'll help you get in through single undergraduate subjects and transition into a qualification from there.
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
Our friendly student advisors will be your guide every step of the enrolment journey. They'll help you compare universities, choose a course, provide documentation and understand your finance options.
Here at Open Universities Australia, we make enrolling online as straightforward as possible. To get started, find the course for you by browsing the options on this page. You can also compare different qualifications using our handy comparison tool, or request help from one of our student advisors.
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.
Your university will get in touch with you via email to confirm whether or not your application has been successful.
If you get stuck at any time, reach out to us and we'll talk you through it.
You can also take a look at our online self-service enrolling instructions.