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Bachelor of Psychological Science

The University of Newcastle

CRICOS provider number: 00109J TEQSA provider ID: PRV12056

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About

Psychological science is a fascinating area that examines human behaviour, the human brain and its effect on the way we act and why. This area of study covers a broad range of areas such as mental illness, interventions, the biology of the brain, memory, decision making, as well as developmental, social and personality studies.

Your study of psychology will help you become an expert in human behaviour and give you the skills to make a positive impact on the lives of others.

The Bachelor of Psychological Science can be applied in a broad range of industry sectors, enabling you to choose the career path that’s right for you.

Areas of study

Clinical psychology and psychological disorders, cognition and information processing, developmental psychology, neuroscience, perception, learning,  research methodology and statistics, personality, social, and forensic psychology.

Career opportunities

Registered psychologist (with additional years of study), case worker, mediator, case manager, careers counsellor, developmental care, public health, market researcher, human resources, recruitment, statistical and data analysis, juvenile justice officer.

Professional recognition

This course is accredited by the Australian Psychology Accreditation Council (APAC) and approved by the Psychology Board of Australia. It is the first step on the six-year path to becoming a registered professional psychologist. Upon completion of an APAC accredited undergraduate degree, students who go on to complete  Honours and postgraduate study in Psychology will be eligible for provisional registration as a psychologist with the Psychology Board of Australia. Please note that after completion of an APAC accredited undergraduate degree, a further minimum of three years education and training in psychology is required to register as a psychologist in Australia.

Practical experience

Our Newcastle (Callaghan) and Central Coast (Ourimbah) campuses offer psychology labs that are stocked with equipment to enhance your practical skills and theoretical studies.

The degree includes a pre-professional strand of courses each year, which will help you prepare for professional practice. These courses involve guest lectures from practicing psychologists, problem-based workshops, and video material to provide an accurate picture of the range of areas within psychology.

Additional career-ready placements and research integrated learning opportunities may include cross-institutional collaboration such as placements within Psychology Biomedical Science and HMRI Research labs, the University of Newcastle Psychology Community Clinic, and external professional agencies.

Honours

Available as an additional year (or part-time equivalent) to students based on merit.

Fees and charges

Refer to University of Newcastle current fee information.

Admission criteria

Applicants with recent secondary education

Assumed knowledge: Mathematics Advanced.

Recommended studies: Biology.

If you have not previously studied one or more of these subjects or have limited knowledge in them, we strongly encourage you to consider enrolling in bridging courses. NUPrep Bridging provides free academic preparation and support short courses, available both on campus and online, to complete before starting your degree.

Explore NUPrep Bridging Courses

Applicants with higher education study

If you have completed or partially completed higher education studies, your grade point average can be converted into a selection rank for admission into our undergraduate programs.

Applicants with vocational education and training (VET) study

If you completed or partially completed competency-based vocational education and training (such as TAFE, a private Registered Training Provider, or vocational studies undertaken in high school), this can be used to determine your eligibility for admission.

Completion of studies at an AQF Level 4 (Cert IV) or higher Guarantees Entry into many of our undergraduate programs.

Review the Guaranteed Entry Admission Scheme.

Applicants with work and life experience

If you do not have an ATAR (or equivalent) or formal qualification, Newcastle University offers a range of pathways toward your preferred degree. No matter what your age or experience, there is a place for you.

Explore University of Newcastle entry options.

Advanced standing

If you have completed prior studies at another higher education institution or registered training organisation, you may be eligible to receive credit towards your undergraduate degree. Please note that you must apply for admission before applying for credit.

Further information

View all details of this course on the University of Newcastle website.

ATAR profile

ATAR-based offers only (semester 1, 2023)

Use all ATAR profile data as a guide only; it provides a broad overview of the ATARs and selection ranks of previous Year 12 students admitted into that course. ATARs and selection ranks required for entry in 2024 may be different. If you are unsure about including a course among your preferences, contact the relevant institution.

  1. This ATAR profile table is in line with Commonwealth Government transparency requirements. It is based on offers to recent school leavers (ie completed Year 12 in the last 2 years) who were selected solely or partly on their ATAR. Note that some institutions further differentiate this information on their websites.
  2. The ATAR values exclude any adjustment factors.
  3. The selection ranks include the ATAR and any adjustment factors.

Abbreviations

– = data is not available.
<5 = less than 5 ATAR-based offers were made.
N/A = no offers were made on the basis of ATAR.
NC = new course
NP = Not provided by institution
NR = No reportable profile
NS = No Semester 1 offers
NN = Unavailable (other)
NO = Entry on other criteria

Student profile

Course updates
Courses are added and cancelled throughout the admissions year and course details are subject to change. Check the UAC course search regularly.

Review of programs
The academic content of all programs is subject to routine review. For up-to-date details, visit University of Newcastle degrees.

Honours
Applicants should note that under the revised Australian Qualifications Framework some programs are four-year programs available with direct entry. Other programs are three-year Bachelor degree programs. Meritorious students have the option to apply for an additional one-year end-on component after graduation. Check the course descriptions carefully.