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Bachelor of Psychological Science (53F)

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Overview (2027)

Key Information

Duration

Minimum 3 years, up to a maximum of 7 years.

This course is available to study as both part-time or full-time
Duration
Duration refers to the minimum and maximum amounts of time in which this course can be completed. It will be affected by whether you choose to study full or part time, noting that some programs are only available part time.

Location

Hobart
Semester 1, Semester 2
Cradle Coast
Semester 1, Semester 2
Launceston
Semester 1, Semester 2
Online
Semester 1, Semester 2

"The training that I received at UTAS has an impact on almost everything I do in the work place and allows me to be a true professional in my field."

Dr Rosalind Woodworth, psychology graduate

Psychology, the study of human behaviour, impacts every environment in which humans live, work, cooperate and communicate. Whether it’s in the classroom or the courtroom, the family home or the extremes of Antarctica, in Tasmanian communities or international relations, psychology plays a role.

If you want to develop knowledge and skills that will enrich your personal and professional life, or your goal is to become a research scientist, counsellor or registered psychologist, the Bachelor of Psychological Science provides the perfect foundation. When you study the science of psychology you will learn about the biological and psychological principles of human behaviour, and will develop the transferable skills of critical thinking, communication and problem solving that are vital everywhere people interact.

Being a degree in Psychological Sciences, if your aim is to become a registered psychologist, your next step is the Bachelor of Psychological Science with Honours. This degree is the preparation and it paves the way for many interesting career options, including those to go on to be a Psychologist.

The Bachelor of Psychological Sciences is ideal for students who are considering a career in psychology, but also want to keep their options open.

Double degree

This degree can be combined to form a double degree. Study what you want, explore your options and find out how you can accelerate your career.

  • 1 Analyse major concepts, theoretical perspectives, empirical findings, and evolution of ideas in psychology to professionally and ethically address contemporary issues of cognition and behaviour.
  • 2 Reflect on the quality of your own and others’ decisions through critical thinking, sceptical inquiry and interpretation of research evidence, acknowledging the ambiguity of competing explanations.
  • 3 Embrace a variety of approaches to lifelong learning to understand diverse influences on behaviour.
  • 4 Use contemporary techniques to effectively and ethically communicate with a range of audiences to disseminate knowledge.
Become a Student Ambassador

Improve your communication, teamwork and leadership skills, meet new people, inspire and help others, and developing lasting friendships and networks as a student ambassador. Our ambassadors proudly represent the University throughout Tasmania in schools, at University and community events, and support a range of recruitment and engagement activities.

Though the Student Ambassador Program you will have many opportunities for training and professional development, experience in real-world community engagement and outreach, networking, and public speaking, plus end up with a key point of distinction on your CV.

Sustainability Placement Experience

Gain experience in real-world sustainability through the Sustainability Placement Experience. In this unique program, you’ll apply your skills and university learning to dynamic, industry and community led projects that tackle real sustainability challenges. Open to students from any discipline with available electives, this placement offers the chance to connect your studies with meaningful, practical outcomes that make a difference.

Tasmania is a place filled with creativity, industry, nature, and adventure. Because we’re the only university in the state, you get close access to the industry leaders, artists, and deep thinkers who are shaping our island. That means learning alongside the very best so you can hone your job skills for a successful career.

Whatever you’re passionate about, we’ll give you a hands-on education and an unforgettable adventure with our work integrated learning opportunities.

The Bachelor of Psychological Science is a professionally accredited degree. This course is accredited by the Australian Psychology Accreditation Council (APAC). 

Students who complete the Bachelor of Psychological Science may be eligible to apply for the Bachelor of Psychological Science (Honours). 

Note that completing the Bachelor of Psychological Science does not entitle graduates to register or practice as a psychologist. To be eligible to register as a psychologist, graduates must also complete an APAC accredited Honours year [(e.g., Bachelor of Psychological Science (Honours)], followed by an APAC accredited postgraduate degree.

If you have any queries about the accreditation process, please contact us for further information. 

Career outcomes

There is great demand for psychologists in Australia, with the number of psychologists expected to grow by 31.4% by 2034* There are many career pathways available for students who complete a degree in psychology or counselling, including:

  • Counselling and Mental Health Services
  • Aged, Family and Child Services
  • Community Health and Welfare
  • Health Services Support e.g. Drug and Alcohol, Cancer, Disability, Rehabilitation
  • Human Resource Management
  • Marketing and Market Research
  • Employment and Training Services
  • Teaching
  • Probation and Parole Services
  • Policy and Planning

If you aim to become a registered psychologist you will need to complete an APAC accredited fourth year psychology qualification e.g. Honours in Psychology, and then follow one of the following pathways:

  • Option 1: 5 + 1 Internship Pathway, e.g. Master of Professional Psychology
  • Option 2: APAC-accredited postgraduate professional psychology degree, e.g. Master of Psychology (Clinical)

Further information about these options can be found on the Australian Psychological Society website.

Postgraduate study

In addition to the above, if you successfully complete this course, you may be also be eligible to apply for a range of other postgraduate courses including Graduate Certificates and Graduate Diplomas and Masters by coursework and research.

Guaranteed entry pathway to Allied Health courses for Tasmanian high school graduates

This degree offers a pathway to further studies in physiotherapy, speech pathology, and occupational therapy. Up to 10 places in each of the three courses are reserved for Tasmanian students who have finished their Tasmanian Certificate of Education (TCE) or International Baccalaureate (IB) in the last 12 months.

The pathway needs to be applied for separately, with applications due on 1 December 2026.

Visit the Allied Health Pathway page to find out more

*National Skills Commission ten year projections from May 2024-May 2034.

Course structure

Entry requirements

We encourage you to apply for the courses you most want to study. If you’re not eligible to enter your chosen course right now, the admissions team will work with you to find the best pathway option.

Enquire online for advice on the application process and the available pathways to study.

Schools Recommendation Program 
Australian year 12 students can apply for this course via our Schools Recommendation Program. Rather than an ATAR, your application is based on a recommendation by your school teachers. This can factor in your year 11 results, an assessment of your capabilities, and other considerations. 
 
Through the program, you can receive and accept an offer prior to completing year 12. You will still need to finish your year 12 studies – including any exams – to commence your studies. 
 
If you don’t receive an early offer for this course through the Schools Recommendation Program, you will be re-assessed for a higher preference offer once your ATAR is released. 
 

Domestic applicants who recently completed secondary education

The minimum ATAR for this course is 65.

Applicants are ranked by ATAR and offers made based on the number of places available. In 2026, the lowest ATAR to receive an offer into this course was 65.8. The lowest ATAR to receive an offer may change from year to year based on the number of applications we receive.

Applicants who have recently completed senior secondary studies but have not received an ATAR may still be eligible for admission. We will consider your individual subject results on a case-by-case basis when we assess your application.

Domestic applicants with higher education study

To be eligible for an offer, applicants must have:

  • Partially completed an undergraduate course at Diploma level or higher (or equivalent). Applicants must have completed at least two units of study (equivalent to 25 University of Tasmania credit points). If an applicant has failed any units, the application may be subject to further review before an offer is made

Graduate Entry Pathway

To be eligible for an offer into the graduate entry pathway you must have completed a Bachelor degree (or equivalent) or higher in any discipline in the past 10 years.

Domestic applicants with VET / TAFE study

To be eligible for an offer, you must have completed a Diploma, Advanced Diploma, or Certificate IV in any discipline.

Domestic applicants with work and life experience

Applicants without senior secondary, tertiary or VET / TAFE study can complete a personal competency statement. Applicants may be eligible for an offer if they have relevant work and / or life experiences which demonstrate a capacity to succeed in this course.

Special Consideration

We believe university education should be an option for everyone, no matter your background.  If your ability to access or participate in education has been affected by circumstances beyond your control, you can apply for special consideration as part of your application. We will consider a range of factors for special consideration, including economic hardship, a serious medical condition or disability.

We can only approve applications for special consideration where we are confident that you have the necessary skills and knowledge to succeed in your studies. If your application is not approved, the admissions team will work with you to find the best alternative pathway to your chosen course.

All international students will need to meet the minimum English Language Requirements, University General Entry Requirements and any course specific requirements such as pre-requisite subjects, if applicable.

English Language Requirements

This degree requires an IELTS (Academic) of 6.5 with no individual band less than 6.0, or a PTE Academic score of 58, with no score lower than 50 or equivalent.

For students who do not meet the English Language Requirement through citizenship, evidence of an approved English language test completed within the last 2 years must be provided. See the English Language Requirements page for more information.

General Entry Requirements

Admission to undergraduate courses at the University of Tasmania requires the completion of qualifications equivalent to a 12th year of education in Australia.

Please review the equivalent undergraduate entry requirements to see the minimum requirement relevant to your country. The ATAR information for this course is located in the “For Domestic Students” section of the entry requirements on this page.

You can also meet the General Entry Requirement for this course with the following qualifications or prior studies:

  • Completion of an equivalent AQF Certificate IV or above
  • Complete or incomplete (minimum 25 credit points) of previous tertiary study at Bachelor level or higher
  • To be eligible for an offer into the graduate entry pathway you must have completed a Bachelor degree (or equivalent) or higher in any discipline in the past 10 years.

Course Specific Requirements

This course does not have any course specific requirements.

Applications for credit can be made in your course application. Find out more information about how to apply for a credit transfer/advanced standing at Recognition of Prior Learning.

Talk to us on 13 8827 or enquire online about your credit transfer.

This course has an articulation pathway for Arts and Science students who have completed four first year units in the existing accredited Psychology sequence will be eligible to transfer to the BPsySc in their second year of study. Entrance to the M4Y BPsySc Honours degree (APAC-accredited) will be by application and competitive entry. Students must have completed the full APAC-accredited three-year sequence and will typically have a 70% average or better in the second-year and third-year core units of the Psychological Science degree.

If you aren’t eligible for an offer to this course yet, don’t worry! Our pathway programs are designed give you access to undergraduate courses by equipping you with the skills and knowledge you need to succeed.
Visit the Pathways to University page to find out more.

Detailed admissions information and advice for all undergraduate courses, including comprehensive, course-level student profiles, is available from UTAS Admissions.

Fees & scholarships

Domestic students

Commonwealth supported places (CSP) are available for this course. For eligible domestic students, this means your fees will be subsidised by the Australian Government. You’ll only need to pay the student contribution amount for each unit you study within the course.

Commonwealth Supported Place indicative annual fee: $10,592

How is this calculated?

This is an estimate. The calculation is based on the average full-time enrolment for this course in 2026. All figures are indicative only for 2027. Actual tuition fees will depend on specific unit enrolment, and are subject to annual increases each year. You can find the complete fee details for each unit of study on the individual unit pages. The units for this course are found in the course structure section of this page.

These figures do not include other costs such as the Student Services and Amenities Fee (SSAF). For further information, please visit Scholarships, fees and costs.

HECS-HELP loans

You may be able to defer payment of the student contribution amount by accessing a HECS-HELP loan from the Government. If eligible, you’ll only have to pay your tuition fees once you start earning above a specific amount.

Further information on student loans and a CSP eligibility checker can be found at Australian Government Study Assist.

International students

2027 annual international student tuition fee: $41,950 AUD

The standard year of study for this course is 100 credit points.

Indicative total tuition fee for international students: $ 132,247 AUD.

This total tuition fee is indicative only. Please visit fees and costs for further information on how this is calculated.

International students are charged the Student Services and Amenities Fee but this fee is incorporated in the annual rate. International students do not have to make any additional SSAF payments.

Domestic scholarships

For information on general scholarships available at the University of Tasmania, please visit the scholarships website.

Course year 2027

View 2026 course information

View 2025 course information

View previous years course information

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How can we help?

Do you have any questions about choosing a course or applying? Get in touch.

Domestic

13 8827 (13 UTAS)

International

+61 3 6226 6200

Email

Course.Info@utas.edu.au

Online

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