Bachelor of Psychological Science

On completion of the course you will be able to:

1. Critically evaluate fundamental concepts, theories, principles and methods of psychology from historical, empirical, ethical, cultural, and applied perspectives.
2. Integrate and apply psychological theory and research knowledge to understand and analyse complex human problems and develop and evaluate evidence-based programs to address those problems.
3. Develop and report on psychological research, including identifying and formulating research questions; selecting appropriate methods for investigation; gathering and analysing data using appropriate methods; and interpreting, evaluating, and communicating findings.
4. Collaborate and communicate effectively in various situations via various technologies and to a range of stakeholders, promoting understanding, inclusivity and cooperation in personal and public contexts.
5. Evaluate the design, implementation, and interpretation of psychometric tests and instruments with consideration of their development, ethical use, and relevance, to the needs and risks of diverse cultural groups.
6. Integrate knowledge of the determinants of mental health in Indigenous and other cultural groups to advocate for and implement culturally appropriate mental health and wellbeing strategies.
7. Enact personal reflexivity, cultural responsiveness and ethical decision-making that shows awareness of one’s own perspective, considers the diverse perspectives of others and knowledge derived from diverse epistemologies.
8. Plan for the self-management of work and career, with an awareness of determinants of motivation, mental health and wellbeing at work, an ability to enact self-care and personal development, and the capacity to develop a flexible and adaptable career plan.

The Bachelor of Psychological Science aims to equip you with sound training in psychological science, including knowledge and skills that prepare you for a diverse range of careers and further training, including postgraduate training in clinical and professional psychology. It is designed to instil a capacity for reflexive, ethical and culturally sensitive practice that fosters innovative solutions to complex human problems.

Recommended study pattern

The program spans three years of full-time study (or part-time equivalent), with each year building upon the knowledge and skills acquired in the previous one.

Year 1

• Psychology 1A​
• Psychology 1B​
• Research Methods 1​
• Electives: Four topics from any discipline

Year 2

• Research Methods 2
• Cognition and Learning
• Social and Organisational Psychology
• Developmental and Educational Psychology for Children and Adolescents
• Psychological Assessment and Measurement
• Electives: Three topics from any discipline

Year 3

• Applications of Psychological Science
• Research Methods 3

Option: Three topics from the following list:

• Introduction to Clinical Psychology
• The Psychology of Social Change
• Applied Cognitive Psychology
• Lifespan Development in Cultural Perspective
• Mind, Brain and Behaviour
• Forensic Psychology: Legal and Clinical

Award requirements

To qualify for the Bachelor of Psychological Science, a student must complete 108 units with a grade of Pass (P) or Non-Graded Pass (NGP) or better in each topic, following the program of study detailed in the course handbook.

Exit points

Students who do not wish to complete the full Bachelor of Psychological Science may be eligible to exit early with the following qualification(s), provided they meet the specific requirements:

• Diploma of Psychological Science: Completion of 36 units
• Associate Degree of Psychological Science: Completion of 72 units

For further details, refer to the Flinders University Course Handbook.

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

Indicative total fee $27,942

The amounts shown here are 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.

Flinders University is a globally-focused, locally-engaged institution with a reputation for excellence in teaching, learning and research. They offer world‐class education that develops the critical and creative thinking skills to support a student’s success. Their courses offered through Open Universities Australia span business, education and law. They are designed with flexibility in mind, while delivering the advanced qualifications to take careers to the next step.

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QS World University Ranking 2025, within Australia:

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Applicants who have completed at least one year of full-time equivalent study at a recognised higher education institution may be considered for admission.

Prior study in psychology or related disciplines may be eligible for credit transfer towards the degree.

Completion of an Australian Year 12 qualification (or equivalent) with a competitive ATAR.

Satisfactory completion of the South Australian Certificate of Education (SACE), International Baccalaureate (IB), or an interstate equivalent.

Applicants without formal qualifications may be considered based on relevant professional experience and completion of the Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT).

STAT results are required for applicants who have not completed formal secondary or tertiary education within the last two years.

Flinders University conducts an English Language proficiency check on applications submitted for consideration to its courses.

This will be met in a number of ways, including if the applicants:

• first language is English (i.e. citizenship is held for a country where English is the official language).
• completed secondary schooling in Australia.
• completed prior study in English (e.g. a Certificate IV or higher from a recognised Australian training institution).
• completed one semester of full-time equivalent tertiary study at a higher education institution.
• completed a recognised Foundation Studies or bridging program.
• performance in the Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT) meets the University's admissions requirements.
• registered with an Australian professional registration body relevant to the applicant's proposed course (e.g. applicant holds current registration as a Registered Nurse, General Practitioner, Teacher, Physiotherapist, Occupational Therapist, Social Worker and such in Australia).
• achieved a score within an international English language proficiency test such as IELTS, PTE, TOEFL or Cambridge CAE that meets the minimum proficiency for the university.
• completed an approved English language course from a registered English Language Intensive Course for Overseas Students (ELICOS) Provider.

In some instances, applicants may be asked to provide evidence they meet the requirements if the information required is not available in their application. 

Credit transfer may be granted, on application, for prior study completed in a relevant honours, graduate certificate, graduate diploma or master degree; accredited professional development; or relevant work experience.

Applications for credit transfer are assessed on a case by case basis according to Flinders University policies. Students must be made an offer for entry into a degree before lodging their completed credit transfer application, along with all necessary documentation for formal assessment. 

Cover a range of formal assessment tests and clinical methodologies used by practising psychologists, and connect theoretical knowledge and practical techniques with real-world problems.

Students undertaking certain elective topics may need to obtain a National Police Clearance or Working with Vulnerable People Check if engaging in community-based projects.