Bachelor of Psychological Sciences

Mental Health Diversity

Develop an understanding of mental health disorders, and the major psychological treatments used to address them.

Social Psychology

Explain how individuals interact with society through group dynamics, cultural influences, and applied issues.

Development

Understand the processes involved in psychological growth and how people change with age.

Cognition

Examine cognitive processes, including perception, attention, memory and learning.

Personality

Learn about the major approaches psychologists use to understand personality and how these differences drive behaviour.

On successful completion of this Course students will be able to:

1. Systematically review and critically evaluate research from a variety of sources to inform their knowledge and conceptual understandings in psychology.
2. Formulate arguments that are fit for purpose and demonstrate an understanding of the relevant theories and evidence in psychology.
3. Critically analyse information to generate creative solutions to solve complex problems in the area of psychology.
4. Define and integrate theoretical principles and apply these in their disciplinary areas of expertise.
5. Apply knowledge and skills with responsibility and accountability for their own learning and practice, individually and in collaboration with others.
6. Interpret and communicate ideas, problems and arguments in modes suitable to a range of audiences using a range of media.
7. Coherently articulate a line of reasoning demonstrating cultural sensitivity and apply a framework to analyse and offer solutions to ethical dilemmas in local and international context.

Swinburne’s Bachelor of Psychological Sciences is a first step to becoming a qualified psychologist. Psychology examines what makes us do the things that we do by seeking to understand personality, psychological disorders and the effects of social situations on our behaviour.

You will learn about cognitive processes including memory, perception and attention, and how we change as we age. Your coursework will equip you with skills to design research projects and analyse behaviour. The degree is accredited by the Australian Psychology Accreditation Council (APAC).

Graduates who wish to practice as a psychologist will need to undertake further study in psychology, as required by the Psychology Board of Australia. If you are interested in a career that uses the theories and applications of psychology, where you can still pursue a career in the allied health space, consider our Bachelor of Social Science with a Major in Behavioural Studies.

Recommended study pattern

Core Units

Learning and Communicating Online (COM10003)

Foundations of Statistics (STA10003)

Brain and Behaviour (PSY10007)

Introduction to Research Methods (PSY10005)

Fundamentals of Psychology (PSY10008)

Major Units

Analysis of Variance and Regression (STA20006)

Social Psychology (PSY20016)

Cognition and Human Performance (PSY20006)

Developmental Psychology (PSY20007)

Psychology of Personality (PSY30008)

Abnormal Psychology (PSY30010)

History and Philosophy of Psychology (PSY30013)

Psychology Project (PSY30003)

Plus there’s a selection of electives to choose from. As part of your application, you’ll be guided through how to get the right degree structure in place for you. 

Award requirements

To qualify for the award of Bachelor of Psychological Sciences, students must complete 300 credit points comprising of:

• Four (4) core units of study (50 credit points)
• One (1) online core unit of study (12.5 credit points)
• Eight (8) Psychology discipline major units of study (100 credit points)
• Twelve (12) or Eleven (11) units of study* (137.5 to 150cp) comprising a second major, co-major, advanced minor, minor/s and/or electives.

Only for students completing this course online through OUA or SOL. Students may not complete more than 150 cps (normally 11 units) at Introductory Level. A unit of study can only be counted once, where units are shared between majors and/or minors, students must choose an approved alternate.

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.

Swinburne University of Technology leads the way with innovative and new ways of teaching, learning and thinking. It offers a wide range of study options, from pre-apprenticeships, undergraduate, postgraduate and PhDs, including online degrees with Open Universities Australia. Swinburne is known for career-oriented education and encouraging lifelong learning.

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Completion or partial completion of an approved tertiary qualification (including diplomas, advanced diplomas, associate degrees and degrees). Additional performance criteria and prerequisite requirements may also apply.

Students admitted to the course with prior tertiary studies that satisfy part of the academic requirements of this course may be eligible for academic credit of up to 16 units.

Successful completion of the Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) or its equivalent, such as an interstate or international Year 12 qualification.

VCE Pre-requisites

• Applicants must meet the associated minimum ATAR score.
• Units 3 and 4 – a study score of at least 30 in English (EAL) or at least 25 in English other than EAL.

Applicants without a formal qualification but with significant and relevant work experience and appropriate English language skills, or a suitable Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT) result, will be considered if they can demonstrate that they can undertake the course with a reasonable prospect of success.

Students admitted to the course with prior tertiary studies that satisfy part of the academic requirements of this course may be eligible for academic credit of up to 16 units.

Credit transfer

Credit is granted in recognition of previous study and/or experience and allows students to gain advanced standing towards their course. Applicants are assessed on a case-by-case basis. Speak to a Course Consultant about applying for credit.

Recognition of Prior Learning

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) allows students to gain credit (advanced standing) towards their course in recognition of skills and knowledge gained through work experience, life experience and/or formal training. Applicants are assessed on a case-by-case basis. Speak to a Course Consultant about applying for RPL.