Bachelor of Psychological Science (Advanced)
The University of Newcastle
CRICOS provider number: 00109J TEQSA provider ID: PRV12056
Courses included
This course has been cancelled
About
Psychological science involves understanding the science behind human behaviour, including how the brain and the environment interact to influence the way we think and act.
The Bachelor of Psychological Science (Advanced) provides the same theoretical grounding in the science of human behaviour as the base degree (Bachelor of Psychological Science). It also provides broader inter-disciplinary insights and practical experience into how psychology works with other disciplines to solve problems in a range of industries. Students work together in inter-disciplinary groups to solve industry-driven problems, giving them the opportunity to develop valuable connections with industry professional.
A degree in psychological science prepares you to work in a broad range of industries where you can positively impact the lives of others.
Areas of study
Cognition and information processing, cognitive and social neuroscience, lifespan development, memory and learning, normative and atypical behaviour (including mental health and mental illness), perception and sensation, psychopharmacology, social psychology and personality, statistics and research methodology.
Career opportunities
A psychological science degree offers broad pathways for further study and a range of professional roles, including case worker, mediation and case management, careers counsellor, advertising and market research, correction services, school counselling, human resources, psychological research, project management, defence and intelligence services, public service, etc. A registered psychologist role (including clinical psychologist) requires additional study (an honours plus relevant Masters course).
Professional recognition
This degree is currently 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 either the Honours or 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 host many psychology research labs that undertake a range of research where you can 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. Video material and practical activities that emulate work psychology graduates undertake in the real world to provide an accurate picture of the range of areas within psychology.
Additional career-ready placements and research integrated learning opportunities may include participation in cross-disciplinary collaborations through professional and research engagement in clinics and labs in Psychology, Biomedical Science and other fields, at UON campuses and/or external locations (eg., Hunter Medical Research Institute (HMRI), external professional agencies).
Honours
Available as an additional full-time year (or part time equivalent) to students who meet entry criteria.
Fees and charges
Admission criteria
Applicants with recent secondary education
Recommended studies: Mathematics Advanced and 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.
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.
University of Newcastle degrees
The academic content of all programs is subject to routine review.
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.
- 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.
- The ATAR values exclude any adjustment factors.
- 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 forto apply for an additional one-year end-on honours component after graduation. Check the course descriptions carefully.