Bachelor of Psychology

On successful completion, you will be able to:

1. Demonstrate broad and coherent knowledge of the underlying principles, theories and concepts, and skills in the core topics in the psychology discipline as defined by the Australian Psychology Accreditation Council at the foundational competency level

2. Analyse, critique, and discuss theory and research in psychology, psychological disorders, assessments, and interventions, including the conduct, analysis, and interpretation of empirically derived data in the self-directed pursuit of scholarly inquiry

3. Communicate effectively in a range of settings utilising the most appropriate mode of communication with individuals, groups, colleagues, researchers, policy makers and the wider community

4. Demonstrate safe and effective application of psychological knowledge and skills for positive impact at the foundational level of competency defined by the Australian Psychology Accreditation Council

5. Recognise the multiple intersectional identities within communities and apply psychological knowledge and skills in a manner that is reflexive, culturally appropriate, and sensitive to the diversity of individuals

6. Apply systems-thinking, recognise contextual factors requiring adaptation, and develop strategies to operate resiliently and effectively in a range of settings and in times of uncertainty

7. Collaborate using effective interpersonal skills, and promote the value of the discipline of psychology, in teams as a colleague and/or a leader

8. Adhere to the ethics and values associated with the discipline of psychology, commit to reflection and the self-directed pursuit of ongoing professional development for impact in life beyond University

Why do people behave the way that they do? How do thoughts, feelings, and emotions all intersect? How can we scientifically study the mind and its functions? Our three-year, fully online, accredited Bachelor of Psychology provides you with answers to these questions and more.

In this course, you will learn about the psychological processes that underlie behaviour, as well as receive training in the analysis of data and research methodologies. You will graduate from Macquarie University’s Bachelor of Psychology ready to work in a range of settings, including health, social welfare, human resources, market research, social policy, and more. As the degree is accredited by the Australian Psychology Accreditation Council (APAC), completing the degree will provide you with opportunities to undertake additional honours and postgraduate study, which could lead to registration as a psychologist.

Worried about putting life on hold while you complete your degree? No need to worry. Our degree can be taken part-time and from anywhere, so you can make your psychology degree work for you. 

Support during your course

Macquarie University’s School of Psychological Sciences is well equipped to support you throughout your psychology degree. With two dedicated course directors to assist you with planning your degree, and psychology OUA student representatives at first, second, and third year, there will be plenty of opportunities for you to connect with staff and fellow students.

See what other students have said about our online psychology course:

"I was initially hesitant to study Psychology. As a mature student, mother of two, and immigrant without prior university experience, studying felt like an impossible dream. However, studying at Macquarie University through Open Universities Australia has completely transformed my perspective. The study material is easily accessible and engaging, making the learning enjoyable. The tutors and lecturers are always supportive and readily available whenever someone needs assistance. While the study is remote, I always feel included and part of the community. I participate in study groups and have even made friends along the way. The journey may be long and challenging, but if you are motivated, Macquarie University offers the support you need to succeed. More than halfway into my degree, I am considering Honours and postgraduate study. Studying psychology at Macquarie University through OUA has allowed me to dream further than I would ever imagine, and I'm so glad I decided to pursue it." 

Recommended study pattern

Minimum number of subjects for the degree: 24

CORE ZONE

Essential subjects:

120 credit points

• PSYX1101 Introduction to Psychology I (Open Enrolment)
• PSYX1102 Introduction to Psychology II (Open Enrolment)
• STAX1103 Introduction to Psychological Design and Statistics (Open Enrolment)
• PSYX1100 Psychology: Finding Your Foundation and Future
• PSYX2222 Psychological Health and Wellbeing
• PSYX2234 Social and Personality Psychology
• PSYX2235 Developmental Psychology
• PSYX2236 Biopsychology and Learning
• PSYX2239 Perception and Cognition
• PSYX2248 Design and Statistics II
• PSYX3330 Measurement and Research Applications in Psychology (coming soon)
• PSYX3337 Psychopathology

Elective subjects

Complete 3 subjects form the following options:

• PSYX3001 Applied Intercultural and Community Psychology
• PSYX3333 Social Interaction in the Modern World
• PSYX3336 Personality and its Disorders
• PSYX3338 Organisational Psychology

Capstone subject

• PSYX3399 Psychological Science: Putting Theory into Practice

FLEXIBLE ZONE

Electives: 80 credit points

You can use your flexible zone to enrol in any subject for which you meet the pre-requisites.

TOTAL CREDIT POINTS REQUIRED FOR THIS PROGRAM: 240

Award requirements

To be awarded the degree, students must complete a minimum of 24 subjects comprising of the following :

• 16 Core subjects , including a final Capstone subject (PSYX3399).
• 8 elective subjects

Choose your subjects

Electives

Students can complete 80 credit points (8 subjects) from any subject for which they meet the prerequisites.

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.

• Core Zone: Essential Open Enrolment Subjects

• Core Zone: Essential Subjects

• Electives

• Core Zone: Essential Capstone Subject

Students who have not completed prior higher education via OUA can enter into our Bachelor of Psychology if they have been awarded a competitive ATAR of 80 or above.

Students must follow the degree structure in place at the time of their Bachelor of Psychology registration with Macquarie University. Registration is free for all students.

Please Note: Commonwealth Supported Places (CSP) and HECS are not available for this degree. However, subject to your eligibility, other HELP loans may be available.

Once you have been admitted into your course, you must enrol in at least one subject in the study term immediately following admission, and you must remain enrolled past the census date. If not, your admission will lapse and you will need to re-apply for the degree again. Deferment is not available for OUA students.

Visit Studying a degree through OUA for further information.

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.

Changes in 2024:

In 2024, the overall structure of the Bachelor of Psychology has been modified. Students previously admitted in the previous curriculum will be notified of any changes and will still be able to complete the course on time. The following units have been added in the degree structure.

• PSYX1100 Psychology: Finding Your Foundation and Future
• PSYX2222 Psychological Health and Wellbeing (NCCW PSYX2224)
• PSYX2239 Perception and Cognition
• PSYX3330 Measurement and Research Applications in Psychology (to be offered in 2025)

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

Indicative total fee $42,025

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.

Explore Macquarie courses.

QS Ranking 2024:

10

Times Higher Education Ranking 2024:

10

Students are eligible to register for our Bachelor of Psychology if they meet one of the three below entry requirements:

• Completion of PSYX1101 and PSYX1100 and STAX1103; or

• Completion of PSYX1101 or PSYX1102 or PSYX1100 with a WAM of 65 or above; or

2 OUA Undergraduate subjects from any OUA provider at a WAM of 65

Competitive ATAR of 80, a Selection Rank of 80 or equivalent OP of 10.

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

All applicants for undergraduate coursework studies at Macquarie University are required to provide evidence of proficiency in English.

You may satisfy the English language requirements if you have completed:

• senior secondary studies equivalent to the NSW HSC
• one year of Australian or comparable tertiary study in a country of qualification

For more information see English Language Requirements.

If you have completed prior study at Diploma level or higher, you may be eligible for credit towards your Bachelor at Macquarie which can reduce the duration of your program.

For more information see our Recognition of Prior Learning page or submit an enquiry.