Bachelor of Psychological Science

Upon completion of this program, the student should be able to:

1. Analyse major concepts, theoretical perspectives, empirical findings, and evolution of ideas in psychology to professionally and ethically address contemporary issues of cognition and behaviour.
2. 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.
3. Embrace a variety of approaches to lifelong learning to understand diverse influences on behaviour.
4. Use contemporary techniques to effectively and ethically communicate with a range of audiences to disseminate knowledge.

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

Recommended study pattern

For students undertaking full-time study the following study pattern is recommended. If students are undertaking part-time study, we recommend that students complete all first year compulsory subjects prior to completing elective subjects to maximise success.

Standard Pathway

24 subjects (300 credit points) consisting of 16 core subjects and 8 elective subjects.

Year 1. 8 subjects in first year including:

• 4 compulsory subjects:
  • TAS-PSY111 Transferable Skills in Psychology
  • TAS-PSY112 Brain and Behaviour
  • TAS-PSY124 Mental Health and Individual Differences
  • TAS-PSY125 Psychological Processes
• 4 UTAS Electives

Year 2. 8 subjects in second year including:

• 4 compulsory subjects:
  • TAS-PSY207 Social Psychology
  • TAS-PSY211 Research Skills in Psychology
  • TAS-PSY223 Health and Psychological Wellbeing
  • TAS-PSY224 Behavioural and Cognitive Neuroscience
• 4 UTAS Electives

Year 3. 8 subjects in third year including:

• 8 compulsory subjects:
  • TAS-PSY302 Lifespan Developmental Psychology
  • TAS-PSY305 Clinical Psychology
  • TAS-PSY311 Advanced Research Skills in Psychology
  • TAS-PSY312 Forensic Psychology
  • TAS-PSY324 Psychological Assessment and Intervention
  • TAS-PSY325 Neuropsychology and Clinical Neuroscience
  • TAS-PSY331 Psychology of Language
  • TAS-PSY336 Human Behaviour in Extreme Environments

Graduate Entry Pathway

16 core subjects plus 100 credit points Advanced Standing

• Core subjects:
  • TAS-PSY111 Transferable Skills in Psychology
  • TAS-PSY112 Brain and Behaviour
  • TAS-PSY124 Mental Health and Individual Differences
  • TAS-PSY125 Psychological Processes
  • TAS-PSY207 Social Psychology
  • TAS-PSY211 Research Skills in Psychology
  • TAS-PSY223 Health and Psychological Wellbeing
  • TAS-PSY224 Behavioural and Cognitive Neuroscience
  • TAS-PSY302 Lifespan Developmental Psychology
  • TAS-PSY305 Clinical Psychology
  • TAS-PSY311 Advanced Research Skills in Psychology
  • TAS-PSY312 Forensic Psychology
  • TAS-PSY324 Psychological Assessment and Intervention
  • TAS-PSY325 Neuropsychology and Clinical Neuroscience
  • TAS-PSY331 Psychology of Language
  • TAS-PSY336 Human Behaviour in Extreme Environments
• 100 credit points will be granted from previous study

Award requirements

Satisfactory completion of 24 subjects, as required in the schedule, within 3-7 years from commencement.

Exit points

Students will be permitted to exit the program and graduate with the Undergraduate Certificate in Counselling exit award where the requirements of the exit award have been met.

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.

• Year 1 Core Subjects

• Year 2 Core Subjects

• Year 3 Core Subjects

• Graduate Entry Pathway

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

Indicative total fee $43,030

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.

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Partially completed an undergraduate course at Diploma level or higher (or equivalent). Applicants must have completed at least two subjects of study (equivalent to 25 UTAS credit points). If an applicant has failed any subjects the application may be subject to further review before an offer is made.

Graduate Entry Pathway

To be eligible for an offer into the graduate entry pathway you must have completed a Bachelor degree (or equivalent) or higher in any discipline in the past 10 years.

Successful completion of any two OUA open access subjects of study at the equivalent AQF level, unless otherwise specified.

The minimum ATAR for this program is 65.

Applicants are ranked by ATAR and offers made based on the number of places available. In 2024, the lowest ATAR to receive an offer into this course was 65.5. The lowest ATAR to receive an offer may change from year to year based on the number of applications we receive.

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 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 program.

Special Consideration

If your ability to access or participate in education has been affected by circumstances beyond your control, you can apply for special consideration as part of your application. We will consider a range of factors for special consideration, including economic hardship, a serious medical condition or disability.

We can only approve applications for special consideration where we are confident that you have the necessary skills and knowledge to succeed in your studies. If your application is not approved, the admissions team will work with you to find the best alternative pathway to your chosen 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.