Bachelor of Psychological Science/Bachelor of Arts

Course information for - 2024 entry

Offered at 2 locations

Duration
4 years full-time or equivalent part-time
VTAC code
1200210341
ATAR
58.50 for Melbourne
Fees (first year)*

$9866 CSP

Start dates
Semester 1 intake: Beginning February 2025
Applications open August 2024
Midyear (Semester 2) intake: Not available

Overview

The Bachelor of Psychological Science explores how the mind works and why people behave the way they do. Within the Bachelor of Arts students learn to gather and evaluate evidence, think critically, and apply ethical principles in decision-making. Combine these degrees and you will be well equipped to help people address issues and challenges in their lives.

Our graduates make meaningful contributions to improving the outcomes of clients, customers, colleagues and collaborators in a diverse range of settings including, but not limited to: government departments, private sector, schools, business, and not-for-profit organisations.

Professional experience

Students will complete 50 -100 hours of volunteer community engagement work when they undertake the unit PSYC310 Psychological Services Experience during the third year of their course.

Work placement

During your time at ACU you’ll take part in 50-100 hours volunteering work that has a psychological focus. With an emphasis on work-integrated learning, there are opportunities to develop knowledge and skills related to psychology .   

Accreditation

This course is accredited by the Australian Psychology Accreditation Council (APAC)

Please note that a minimum six-year sequence of education and training in psychology is required for an individual to become eligible for general registration as a psychologist in Australia. When completing this double degree a minimum of seven-years is required to become eligible for general registration as a psychologist.

Careers

After completing the course our graduates have pursued careers in diverse areas such as child welfare and protection, community work, marketing and market research, health, education, human resources. Graduates who also go onto complete further studies in psychology have registered as practicing psychologist or have pursued careers in the area of psychological research. 

Course details

Course structure

Course map

Open all

Please note: Course maps are subject to change.

Commencing Semester 1

  • Specified Psychology UnitsPSYC100Foundations of Psychology10 cp
  • Specified Psychology UnitsPSYC108Psychological Practice: Theory and Techniques10 cp
  • Arts Major Units Bachelor of Arts Major Unit 1 (100 level)10 cp
  • Arts Minor UnitsBachelor of Arts Minor Unit 1 (100 level)10 cp
  • Specified Psychology UnitsPSYC101Applications of Psychology10 cp
  • Specified Psychology UnitsPSYC110Research Design and Data Analysis 1

    (Inc. PSYC104)

    10 cp
  • Arts Major UnitsBachelor of Arts Major Unit 2 (100 level)10 cp
  • Core Curriculum UnitsCore Curriculum Unit 1See the ACU Core Curriculum page for details.10 cp

All units are delivered in campus attendance mode unless otherwise indicated in the map. Delivery modes of Major, Minor and Elective units depend on the specific Major, Minor or Elective units chosen.

Prerequisites (Pre:) are other units that you must have passed before enrolling in the unit.

Incompatibles (Inc:) are units similar to this unit. If you have previously passed an Incompatible unit, you are not able to enrol in this unit. 

Graduate statement

Insight

As an ACU graduate you have personal insight founded on an understanding of who you are as a professional, a citizen and a scholar. You embrace change and growth through critical self-awareness and learning autonomy. You are empowered to seek truth and meaning, drawing on the principles of justice, equity, and the dignity of all human beings.

Empathy

As an ACU graduate you value human dignity and diversity. This appreciation is founded on deep reflection, and empathy. You have experience of Indigenous Knowings and perspectives and can engage respectfully when working alongside Australia's First Peoples. You can connect with people and cultures and work with community in ways that recognise the dignity of the human person and all cultures

Imagination

As an ACU graduate you utilise imagination and innovation to solve problems. You critically analyse information from a range of sources to creatively solve practical problems and use critical thinking to make decisions and advance the common good. You appreciate the role of innovation and creative thinking in developing a better future for each person and community.

Impact

As an ACU graduate you recognise your responsibility to work for social justice and a sustainable world founded on a commitment to human dignity and the common good. You lead change through respectful collaboration and effective communication of ideas to diverse peoples, groups and communities in local and global contexts. You are empowered to positively impact your profession and the community.

AQF framework

Double Bachelor - Bachelor/Bachelor - AQF Level 7

Overseas study available

There are several international experiences for psychology students at ACU, however, these are subject to international border restrictions. You may also like to view other short-term international study experiences (STISE) that the faculty has on offer.   

Entry requirements

An applicant must also comply with the Admission to Coursework Programs Policy.

To be eligible for admission to the course, an applicant must have completed the following prerequisites at year 12, or equivalent:


StatePrerequisites

New South Wales

Assumed Knowledge: For study in Mathematics: Mathematics (Band 3) (other than Mathematics General 2)

Prerequisites: English (Standard) (Band 2) or EAL (Band 3)

Victoria

Prerequisites: Units 3 and 4 – a study score of at least 30 in English (EAL) or 25 in any other English.

Assumed Knowledge: For study in Mathematics: Mathematical Methods Units 3 and 4

International applicants need to meet the English Language Proficiency requirements as defined in the Admission to Coursework Programs Policy.

Disclaimer: The course entry requirements above are for 2024 Admission. Refer to your relevant Tertiary Admission Centre website for future years' entry requirements.

View transparency admission information

Applicants with recent secondary education

You’ll need to meet the minimum entry requirements and subject prerequisites for your chosen course.  

If your school result was affected by circumstances outside of your control, such as financial hardship, illness, disability or a challenging home environment, you may qualify for an access scheme. You can apply through your TAC as part of your application process.  

Learn more about access schemes 

Applicants with vocational education and training (VET) study

You’ll need to meet the minimum entry requirements and subject prerequisites for your chosen course. 

For current year 12 students 

If you’re a current Year 12 applicant you can be given a selection rank separate from, and in addition to, your ATAR if you’ve completed a competency-based and graded AQF Certificate III or above. 

For non-school leavers 

If you’ve completed, or are completing a competency-based AQF Certificate IV or AQF diploma you will be assigned a selection rank by your local Tertiary Admission Centre (TAC). This is an entry score based on your individual qualifications and achievements. 

ACU has partnerships with TAFE and many private education providers. If you have completed a qualification with one of these partners or with ACU College, you may be eligible for guaranteed entry and/or credit into a related ACU degree. Please apply through your local TAC and then submit a credit application for your previous study.

Applicants with higher education study

You’ll need to meet the minimum entry requirements and subject prerequisites for your chosen course. 

If you have completed at least two units of AQF-recognised study at bachelor level or above, you’ll be assigned a selection rank based on your study level, duration and grade point average that will be applied during the admission process. 

If your previous study has equipped you with knowledge, skills or experiences that align with the learning outcomes of units in your new course you may be able to apply for recognition of prior learning and you may be able to complete your course sooner. 

Learn more about recognition of prior learning 

Applicants with work and life experience

You’ll need to meet the minimum entry requirements and subject prerequisites for your chosen course.

If you have no formal education qualifications you may be eligible for a selection rank based on your work, life or service experience.

  • If you’ve been in paid employment, relevant to the course you’re applying for, for a minimum of six months full-time (or equivalent), this work may be assessed for your selection rank.
  • If you’re 21 years or older you can sit the Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT) through your local TAC.
  • You can apply for an ACU bridging course. Our bridging courses allow you to transition back into studying and can give you a head start on the relevant undergraduate degree.
  • If you have served in the defence force, your rank and time in service may contribute to your selection rank.

Find your path into study

English language requirements

Applicants require an academic IELTS minimum overall score of 7.0 (with a minimum score of 7.0 in all bands), or an equivalent acceptable test score as outlined in the Admission to Coursework Programs Policy (see English Language Proficiency).

Adjustment factors

If you’re currently completing Year 12 you may be eligible for adjustment factors that can boost your rank and help you get into your desired course.

Adjustment factors may be applied to your TAC application if you study particular subjects, attend schools geographically close to our campuses or in certain regional areas, apply as an elite athlete or performer or meet certain other criteria.

Learn more about adjustment factors

Inherent requirement

There are essential components of a course or unit that demonstrate the capabilities, knowledge and skills to achieve the core learning outcomes of that course or unit. You will need to be able to meet these inherent requirements to complete your course.

Learn more about inherent requirements for your course and how they affect you

Pathways

Pathways into course for current or recent Year 12 students

If you can’t meet the ATAR requirement for your choice of course and you’re currently completing Year 12 or finished Year 12 in the two years previously, we have entry programs to get you where you want to be.  

Understand your pathway options 

Pathways into course for applicants with previous study and/or life experience

Are you applying to ACU as a non-school leaver? 

By that we mean, you’re not currently completing Year 12 and haven’t completed it in the two years previously. If the answer is yes and your selection rank isn’t enough to meet the requirements for your desired course you still have a number of options to help you achieve your study goals. 

If you’re over 21, you can sit the Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT) , or you can complete a diploma or bridging course relevant to your desired course. 

Explore the pathways to your future 

Further study

High-achieving graduates from this program may be eligible to apply for fourth year studies in psychology (honours degree in psychological science or Graduate Diploma in Psychology).

Fees

Course costs

Average first year fee*

$9866 CSP

All costs are calculated using current rates and are based on a full-time study load of 40 credit points (normally 4 units) per semester.

A student’s annual fee may vary in accordance with:

  • the number of units studied per semester;
  • the choice of major or specialisation; and
  • elective units.

The University reviews fees annually.

Payment options

You should be able to concentrate on getting good marks instead of worrying about how you’ll pay your fees. We have a number of options that can help you ease the financial burden, including government assistance, scholarships and income support.

Explore your options

Scholarships

You could be eligible for one of the hundreds of scholarships we award each year to help students from across the university with the cost of studying, accommodation or overseas study opportunities. Some of our scholarships are awarded on the basis of merit, but these aren’t just for the academically gifted; ACU also recognises excellence in community engagement and leadership. We also offer a range of scholarships for those who may be struggling financially or who have faced other barriers to accessing education. 

Search out scholarships

How to apply

Deferment

Deferment is available for one year. Find out more about deferment: Deferment Information.

Staff Profile

Dr Joel Anderson

Senior Lecturer (Psychology), School of Behavioural and Health Sciences

Dr Joel Anderson completed his undergraduate and postgraduate studies at ACU, and after a brief stint of working abroad has returned to ACU where he is a senior lecturer in psychology. He teaches units that focus on personality, cross-cultural and social psychology. He also coordinates a unit that gives students the opportunity to undertake a 100-hour placement in the community. In this unit, students can undertake a local placement, or work on a partnership-project based in Nepal. His research interests in social psychology focus on prejudices towards sexual and gender minority groups and individuals with refugee or asylum-seeking backgrounds. He is a Member of the Australian Psychological Society.

Dr Ellen Warne

Senior Lecturer, School of Arts and Humanities (VIC) and National Coordinator, Programs & Quality Assurance

Dr Ellen Warne is a Senior Lecturer in history and the National Coordinator, Programs & Quality Assurance in the School of Arts and Humanities at Australian Catholic University, based in the Melbourne campus. She has worked as a research fellow investigating the long histories of 'working mothers' in Australia. Her major research interest has focused on women in women-only organisations from the suffrage campaigns onwards, including the long-standing debates around 'family values' and contrasting dynamics that required women's political and economic engagement in Australia.

 

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