Study load
Approx. 12-15 hours per week* (see course structure)
Duration
3 years (360 credit points)
Intakes
Jan, Apr, Jul, Oct
Explore the fascinating world of the human mind and behaviour and open doors to broad career paths.
The APAC accredited Bachelor of Psychological Science covers a range of units on human thought and behaviour, including developmental, cognitive, social, abnormal, and personality psychology.
Throughout your studies, you will develop a solid foundation to equip you with the communication, research, critical thinking and problem-solving skills required to meet the high demand for graduates in psychology. The Bachelor of Psychological Science with Federation University Online is a unique offering that expands your career outcomes by covering practical sought-after skills that can be applied in the growing community and human services sector.
If you wish to become a qualified psychologist, the Bachelor of Psychological Science is a pathway to fourth year courses.
5 Reasons Why You Should Study Psychology
Studying psychology can provide profound insights into yourself and others, while enhancing your communication skills and research abilities. It can also lead to exciting job opportunities.
Course structure
Course structure
Please note that study load will vary depending on the amount of units you choose to study and the credit point cost of that unit.
12-15 contact hours are estimated for one 15 credit point unit, while 24-30 are expected for those studying two 15 credit point units or one 30 credit point unit.
Year 1
Introductory Psychology A: Biological and Cognitive Psychology
Code: PSYCB1101
Credit Points: 15
Introduction To Research Methods In Psychology
Code: PSYCB1003
Credit Points: 15
Introductory Psychology B: Personality and Individual Differences
Code: PSYCB1102
Credit Points: 15
Statistical Methods
Code: STATS1000
Credit Points: 15
Introduction to Social Work, Community and Human Services
Code: BSWUG1001
Credit Points: 15
Theories and Models For Practice
Code: CHSUG1003
Credit Points: 15
Behaviour In The Workplace
Code: BEHAV2003
Credit Points: 15
Forensic Behavioural Science
Code: BEHAV2004
Credit Points: 15
Year 2
Lifespan Developmental Psychology
Code: PSYCB2102
Credit Points: 15
Counselling Theory and Practice
Code: PSYCB2105
Credit Points: 15
Psychology, Culture & Indigenous Australians
Code: PSYCB2106
Credit Points: 15
A specific focus is aimed at Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, and students will learn how the social, cultural, and historical contexts have shaped contemporary life, especially with regards to well-being. You will be introduced to Indigenous Psychologies, and alternate models of health and well-being.
You will be encouraged to explore your own cultural worldviews, and explore how this influences your own behaviour.
Personality
Code: PSYCB2103
Credit Points: 15
Social Psychology
Code: PSYCB2104
Credit Points: 15
Cognitive and Biological Psychology
Code: PSYCB2107
Credit Points: 15
Community Practice Approaches
Code: CHUG2003
Credit Points: 15
approaches to community development. In particular it will emphasise the impact of neo-liberalism on development. It provides students with an in-depth understanding of the context in which community activism takes place. It explores community based approaches to social change using examples that include young people, indigenous peoples and women.
Models of Case Management
Code: CHUG2004
Credit Points: 15
Year 3
Abnormal Psychology
Code: PSYCB3102
Credit Points: 15
Psychology Research: Review
Code: PSYCB3108
Credit Points: 15
Psychology Research: Advanced Analyses
Code: PSYCB3109
Credit Points: 15
It will also provide insight into the designs associated with, and the logic that underpins, these analyses. Practical skills will be developed by having you conduct data-analysis techniques using a statistics package.
Psychological Testing and Assessment
Code: PSYCB3101
Credit Points: 15
Health and Behaviour Change
Code: BEHAV3003
Credit Points: 15
Critical Practice Approaches
Code: CHSUG3001
Credit Points: 15
The unit will take a critically reflective approach to further develop and consolidate your knowledge and skills. Using a scaffolded case study approach, we explore a number of issues relating to the rights of the child, welfare policy, mental health, youth justice, family violence and aged care. Through analysing, evaluating and applying the case scenarios to these issues, you will develop expertise to practice as a critical practitioner.
Psychology Research: Project
Code: PSYCB3110
Credit Points: 30
What you will learn
What you will learn
Psychological sciences
Develop a flexible psychological toolkit that encompasses diverse fields within contemporary psychological practice, including cognitive and biological psychology, social psychology, abnormal psychology, and the psychology of personality.
Conceptual thinking
Cultivate a fine-grained understanding of how psychological theory applies to practice through exploration of a diverse range of approaches in psychology.
Psychology research methods
Learn how to draw compelling psychological insights from statistical data, delving deeply into research questions, with data interpretation forming the basis of your professional research practice.
Ethical practice in psychology
Gain a practical understanding of the importance of ethics in psychological research and practice.
Entry requirements
Entry requirements
Year 12
Admissions Criteria for current Year 12 students and recent secondary graduates (the past 2 years):
Prerequisites:
- ATAR of 50
- Units 3 and 4: a study score of at least 20 in any English.
This course uses the ATAR as part of its selection considerations.
Guaranteed ATAR:
This course has a guaranteed ATAR.
If you meet the course pre-requisites and any ‘Essential Requirements for Admission’, we will guarantee you a place in this course with this ATAR. We use the adjusted ATAR, factoring in unit adjustments and SEAS as detailed below.
This is not a minimum ATAR or the lowest ATAR selection rank.
Unit Adjustments:
A study score of 35 in any Humanities, Literature, Media, Philosophy or Psychology equals 3 aggregate points per study. Overall maximum of 5 points.
SEAS (Special Entry Access Scheme):
Applicants who have experienced educational disadvantage are encouraged to apply for the Special Entry Access Schemes (SEAS). Depending on eligibility and your circumstances, a SEAS application may provide support for your course application.
Year 12 applicants will be ranked based on their ATAR and ATAR Adjustment Factors – e.g. Special Entry Access Scheme (SEAS) and Unit Adjustments.
Non-Year 12
Non-Year 12 applicants must have completed a minimum of 1 unit of study in HE with results at pass level or VET qualification at Certificate III or higher.
Admission criteria for applications with work and life experience:
Substantive experience in a role with a degree of responsibility and must complete a personal statement.
Credit for previous studies
Credit will be considered if you have successfully completed higher education or TAFE studies. Advanced standing will be determined on an individual basis, depending on your eligibility for credit transfer and qualifications.
Can your studies count towards a degree with us? Use our online Credit Search to get the details on completing your studies sooner.
Further study
Students pursuing a Bachelor of Psychological Science at Federation University Australia have a unique chance. Upon meeting the specified entry criteria, you will secure* a position in our prestigious Honours course, recognising your commitment and dedication to your studies while offering a pathway to advanced training and a promising career in psychology.
Students must meet the following entry requirements for a fourth-year place:
- Completion of a three-year sequence in psychology and qualified for an APAC-accredited undergraduate degree (or overseas equivalent as determined by the Australian Psychological Society); or
- Completion of a three-year undergraduate degree that is not APAC accredited and completion of a psychology sequence in a higher level, APAC accredited psychology degree (e.g., AQF 8 Graduate Diploma); and
- A minimum grade point average of 5.0 (Credit) is required. GPA is calculated using ALL attempts at second- and third-year psychology units from the most recent APAC accredited degree only.
Fourth-year students with the required marks are assured* an interview for our Masters courses, with a 65 average for the Master of Professional Psychology and 70 for the Master of Psychology (Clinical).
*subject to change
Fees and scholarships
Fees and scholarships
2025 Indicative Fees
$9,314 student contribution amount (Commonwealth Supported Place)
If you’re offered a Commonwealth Supported Place, your fees are subsidised by the Australian Government.
Your fees (student contribution) are set on an annual basis by the government and are determined by the discipline area and band of your individual enrolled units, not the overall course. Each unit falls into a band which determines the student contribution amount.
Fees are adjusted on an annual basis and the indicative amount should be used as a guide only. Total cost will vary depending on the units you choose, your study load, the time it takes to complete your course and any approved credit you receive.
Fee assistance
As a Commonwealth Supported Place student, you may be eligible to defer payment of your student contribution through the HECS-HELP loan scheme. Please visit our HECS-HELP webpage for further information.
Other fees
You may need to pay some other fees such as the Student Services and Amenities Fee (SSAF).
Support services
Support services
Be supported through your studies with services tailored to the online learning environment. Federation University Online personalises support for every student, accessible at every stage of your study journey.
- Student advisors dedicated to answering your questions about anything from enrolment and course management to essay writing and technical support.
- Online Learning Advisors (OLAs) guiding you through your course, bringing industry experience and expertise in online learning to your studies.
- Study and assignment resources to help you get the most out of each unit and submit high quality assessments.
- An online community made up of a diverse network of students, who you’ll study alongside in learning groups and discussion boards.
Flexible study requires flexible support – discover the services available to you so you can go further.
Learn moreAccreditation
Accreditation
The qualification is recognised by the Australian Psychology Accreditation Council (APAC), enabling you to move into postgraduate study.
Following further postgraduate study and training, you may apply for registration as a psychologist in Australia.
Need more information? Talk to a Course Consultant today.
Contact usCareer Outcomes
Career Outcomes
Mental health support worker
Provide psychologically informed mental health support to consumers suffering from varying degrees of mental illness, such as anxiety and depression.
Psychologist
By undertaking further study and attaining your General Registration, you will be able to practice as a psychologist, providing high quality mental health care in either a public mental health service context, or in private practice.
Family support worker
Guide families navigating difficult challenges by delivering emotional and practical support that is grounded in a psychological understanding of family relations.
Human resources officer
Integrate your psychological perspective into a human resources context. Your foundation in psychological research and practice will help you create a dynamic workplace that caters for diverse personality types, and in doing so drive employee well-being and engagement.
My academic journey and the amount I have learned would not have been possible without the amazing support of my family and the psychology faculty.
- Chase Richardson, Federation University Graduate, Psychology
Industry insights
With a Bachelor of Psychological Science, you will bring your insights to important roles within the community, including:
- Mental health support worker
- Psychologist
- Family support worker
- Human resources officer.
The demand for Psychologists is on the rise, with a projected job growth of 13.3% over just the next five years.
Most common salary in Australia for a psychologist is $103,000.
Psychologists enjoy a high job satisfaction rating: 4.3 stars out of 5.
Why study online with Federation University?
Unparalleled flexibility
Online study is the freedom to fit further study in your life, and to do it on your terms.
Personalised support
You will have full access to support services, with tailored support available across extended hours.
Make it happen online
You will make an impact in whatever you choose to do with practical- and industry-focused courses.