Bachelor of Psychological Science (53F)

Overview  2022

Entry Requirements

See entry requirements

Duration

Minimum 3 Years, up to a maximum of 7 Years

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
Launceston
Semester 1, Semester 2
Distance Hobart
Semester 1, Semester 2

Entry Requirements

See entry requirements

Duration

Minimum 3 Years, up to a maximum of 7 Years

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.

Entry requirements

Location

Hobart
Semester 1, Semester 2
Launceston
Semester 1, Semester 2
Distance Hobart
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."

Hear more of Rosalind's story

Dr Rosalind Woodworth, psychology graduate
PLEASE NOTE: The first year of this course is available at Cradle Coast Campus in Burnie. When applying please select Launceston or Hobart, once you have accepted your offer you will be able to enrol in units delivered in Burnie. If you would like to discuss, please enquire now.

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. These include:

  • counselling
  • criminal justice
  • neuroscience
  • health services support e.g. drug and alcohol, cancer, disability, rehabilitation
  • aged, family and child services
  • probation and parole services
  • policy and planning
  • business
  • marketing
  • education
  • public affairs
  • human resources, and numerous other areas

The outcomes of the course are framed by the Australian Qualification Framework (AQF) and by the threshold learning outcomes of the Australian Learning and Teaching Council, and comply with the Australian Psychology Accreditation Council (APAC) accreditation standards of quality and competence. However, the course extends beyond such standards by introducing discipline- and area-specific units and skills-based training.

  • 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.
  • Learn beyond the classroom

    Studying in Tasmania, our whole Island becomes your campus. Speak with your unit coordinator about how you can gain practical experience by volunteering in research initiatives, becoming an ambassador, or taking part in a work experience program.

    The University of Tasmania is integrated into all areas of industry locally, nationally and internationally be it through research or work placement programs. Talk to your course coordinator about finding an opportunity to take part in a work experience, placement, or extracurricular activities during your degree.

    Career outcomes

    It is easy to feel rushed for time, as though we only have one shot at getting something right; however, this is not the case. Lifelong learning requires making mistakes and sometimes even realising that despite how far you’ve come, it’s now time to try something different.

    Rob Kirkis, Bachelor of Psychological Science with Honours

    There are many career pathways available for students who have completed a degree in psychology, including:

    • Counselling
    • 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.

    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. 

    Course structure

    If you are starting in 2023 you can find your course planner here – this helps you plan what units to enrol in and when.

    24 units (300 credit points) consisting of 16 core units and 8 elective units.
    In addition to the four core units you should study four elective units in Year 1.

    In today’s information-rich world it is essential to be able to interpret and critically evaluate empirical and popular reports of psychological research, as well as research findings more broadly. We need to be able to recognise the characteristics of valid…

    Credit Points: 12.5

    LocationStudy periodAttendance optionsAvailable to
    HobartSemester 1
    LauncestonSemester 1
    Cradle CoastSemester 1

    Key: On-campus    Off-Campus    International students    Domestic students

    Brain and Behaviour provides an introduction to key topics in psychology with an emphasis on their biological basis. Topics include biological psychology, sensation and perception, learning, motivation, emotion, human development, language, and states of consciousness. Key theories and related research…

    Credit Points: 12.5

    LocationStudy periodAttendance optionsAvailable to
    HobartSemester 1
    LauncestonSemester 1
    Cradle CoastSemester 1

    Key: On-campus    Off-Campus    International students    Domestic students

    Human behaviour is not universal. Why do individuals behave the way they do? Lecture content will introduce and explore theoretical descriptions of individual differences such as personality and intelligence that can impact behaviour in a variety of contexts, as well…

    Credit Points: 12.5

    LocationStudy periodAttendance optionsAvailable to
    HobartSemester 2
    LauncestonSemester 2
    Cradle CoastSemester 2

    Key: On-campus    Off-Campus    International students    Domestic students

    How do humans perceive the world around them, learn, and make decisions? Under what conditions do we do these things well? When and why do things go a bit “pear-shaped”? How can we be better? This unit introduces the study…

    Credit Points: 12.5

    LocationStudy periodAttendance optionsAvailable to
    HobartSemester 2
    LauncestonSemester 2
    Cradle CoastSemester 2

    Key: On-campus    Off-Campus    International students    Domestic students

    In addition to the four core units you should study four elective units in Year 2

    The lectures examine aspects of overt social behaviour, such as two-person encounters, behaviour in small and large groups and inter-group relations. Research in social cognition, which studies people’s perceptions and interpretations of the social world, will also be presented. Lecture…

    Credit Points: 12.5

    LocationStudy periodAttendance optionsAvailable to
    HobartSemester 2
    LauncestonSemester 2
    Cradle CoastSemester 2

    Key: On-campus    Off-Campus    International students    Domestic students

    The field of psychology has an aim that, on the surface, appears straightforward: to understand human behaviour. However, human behaviour is varied and complex, and achieving this goal presents a considerable challenge. Researchers must be familiar with and adhere to…

    Credit Points: 12.5

    LocationStudy periodAttendance optionsAvailable to
    HobartSemester 1
    LauncestonSemester 1
    Cradle CoastSemester 1

    Key: On-campus    Off-Campus    International students    Domestic students

    This unit introduces students to major theoretical and empirical perspectives on the psychology of health and wellbeing. It examines the psychosocial determinants of health and wellness as well as psychological theories of health protection and illness prevention. Issues relating to…

    Credit Points: 12.5

    LocationStudy periodAttendance optionsAvailable to
    HobartSemester 1
    LauncestonSemester 1
    Cradle CoastSemester 1

    Key: On-campus    Off-Campus    International students    Domestic students

    This unit provides intermediate level coverage of material introduced in Brain and Behaviour (PSY112) and Psychological Processes (PSY125). Lectures will extend upon introductory material related to the biological basis of behaviour, including the structure and function of the nervous system,…

    Credit Points: 12.5

    LocationStudy periodAttendance optionsAvailable to
    HobartSemester 2
    LauncestonSemester 2
    Cradle CoastSemester 2

    Key: On-campus    Off-Campus    International students    Domestic students

    This unit provides coverage of human development over the lifespan (infancy to old age) including cognitive and social-emotional domains of development. The major periods of development are examined, including infancy, childhood, adolescence and adulthood, emphasising predominant developmental aspects for different…

    Credit Points: 12.5

    LocationStudy periodAttendance optionsAvailable to
    HobartSemester 1
    LauncestonSemester 1

    Key: On-campus    Off-Campus    International students    Domestic students

    This unit aims to introduce students to a range of psychiatric disorders includingpsychological symptoms, theoretical models, assessment and evidence-basedtreatments. Consideration is given to a range of cognitive-behavioural strategiesemployed by clinical psychologists in the treatment of various mental healthconditions. Students will…

    Credit Points: 12.5

    LocationStudy periodAttendance optionsAvailable to
    HobartSemester 2
    LauncestonSemester 2

    Key: On-campus    Off-Campus    International students    Domestic students

    Psychology, the study of human behaviour, is wondrous in its complexity. Individual behaviour is affected and influenced by many factors, including biological, neurological, psychological and cultural. Psychologists can and do measure all of these factors and understand that the relationships…

    Credit Points: 12.5

    LocationStudy periodAttendance optionsAvailable to
    HobartSemester 1
    LauncestonSemester 1

    Key: On-campus    Off-Campus    International students    Domestic students

    This unit will provide an introduction to psychology and law. The progression of lecture topics in this unit will roughly follow the course of an investigation and trial of a criminal case, covering issues such as eyewitness memory; false memories;…

    Credit Points: 12.5

    LocationStudy periodAttendance optionsAvailable to
    HobartSemester 2
    LauncestonSemester 2

    Key: On-campus    Off-Campus    International students    Domestic students

    This unit offers a systematic approach to understanding psychological assessment and measurement. Consideration is given to a range of psychological assessment strategies and how these can be applied across a range of contexts . This unit is designed to provide…

    Credit Points: 12.5

    This unit is currently unavailable.

    This advanced unit builds on the intermediate material covered in PSY224 (Behavioural and Cognitive Neuroscience) which forms a basis for understanding neuropsychological and neuropsychiatric disorders. Lectures in neuropsychology will cover the neuroscience of major neuropsychological disorders and syndromes (e.g., neurodegenerative…

    Credit Points: 12.5

    LocationStudy periodAttendance optionsAvailable to
    HobartSemester 1
    LauncestonSemester 1

    Key: On-campus    Off-Campus    International students    Domestic students

    Language is what makes us human. It influences our thoughts and affects our lives in even more ways that we might expect. In this advanced unit, students are introduced to the most important and strongly debated issues in the psychology…

    Credit Points: 12.5

    LocationStudy periodAttendance optionsAvailable to
    HobartSemester 2
    LauncestonSemester 2

    Key: On-campus    Off-Campus    International students    Domestic students

    Extreme environments are so named due to the unique challenges they pose to human performance. In this online unit you will learn about the factors that characterise an environment as extreme, and how living and/or working in an extreme environment…

    Credit Points: 12.5

    LocationStudy periodAttendance optionsAvailable to
    HobartSemester 1

    Key: On-campus    Off-Campus    International students    Domestic students

    Choose 100 credit points (8 units) of electives.
    Graduate Entry Pathway - complete 16 core units plus 100 cp Advanced Standing

    In today’s information-rich world it is essential to be able to interpret and critically evaluate empirical and popular reports of psychological research, as well as research findings more broadly. We need to be able to recognise the characteristics of valid…

    Credit Points: 12.5

    LocationStudy periodAttendance optionsAvailable to
    HobartSemester 1
    LauncestonSemester 1
    Cradle CoastSemester 1

    Key: On-campus    Off-Campus    International students    Domestic students

    Brain and Behaviour provides an introduction to key topics in psychology with an emphasis on their biological basis. Topics include biological psychology, sensation and perception, learning, motivation, emotion, human development, language, and states of consciousness. Key theories and related research…

    Credit Points: 12.5

    LocationStudy periodAttendance optionsAvailable to
    HobartSemester 1
    LauncestonSemester 1
    Cradle CoastSemester 1

    Key: On-campus    Off-Campus    International students    Domestic students

    Human behaviour is not universal. Why do individuals behave the way they do? Lecture content will introduce and explore theoretical descriptions of individual differences such as personality and intelligence that can impact behaviour in a variety of contexts, as well…

    Credit Points: 12.5

    LocationStudy periodAttendance optionsAvailable to
    HobartSemester 2
    LauncestonSemester 2
    Cradle CoastSemester 2

    Key: On-campus    Off-Campus    International students    Domestic students

    How do humans perceive the world around them, learn, and make decisions? Under what conditions do we do these things well? When and why do things go a bit “pear-shaped”? How can we be better? This unit introduces the study…

    Credit Points: 12.5

    LocationStudy periodAttendance optionsAvailable to
    HobartSemester 2
    LauncestonSemester 2
    Cradle CoastSemester 2

    Key: On-campus    Off-Campus    International students    Domestic students

    The lectures examine aspects of overt social behaviour, such as two-person encounters, behaviour in small and large groups and inter-group relations. Research in social cognition, which studies people’s perceptions and interpretations of the social world, will also be presented. Lecture…

    Credit Points: 12.5

    LocationStudy periodAttendance optionsAvailable to
    HobartSemester 2
    LauncestonSemester 2
    Cradle CoastSemester 2

    Key: On-campus    Off-Campus    International students    Domestic students

    The field of psychology has an aim that, on the surface, appears straightforward: to understand human behaviour. However, human behaviour is varied and complex, and achieving this goal presents a considerable challenge. Researchers must be familiar with and adhere to…

    Credit Points: 12.5

    LocationStudy periodAttendance optionsAvailable to
    HobartSemester 1
    LauncestonSemester 1
    Cradle CoastSemester 1

    Key: On-campus    Off-Campus    International students    Domestic students

    This unit introduces students to major theoretical and empirical perspectives on the psychology of health and wellbeing. It examines the psychosocial determinants of health and wellness as well as psychological theories of health protection and illness prevention. Issues relating to…

    Credit Points: 12.5

    LocationStudy periodAttendance optionsAvailable to
    HobartSemester 1
    LauncestonSemester 1
    Cradle CoastSemester 1

    Key: On-campus    Off-Campus    International students    Domestic students

    This unit provides intermediate level coverage of material introduced in Brain and Behaviour (PSY112) and Psychological Processes (PSY125). Lectures will extend upon introductory material related to the biological basis of behaviour, including the structure and function of the nervous system,…

    Credit Points: 12.5

    LocationStudy periodAttendance optionsAvailable to
    HobartSemester 2
    LauncestonSemester 2
    Cradle CoastSemester 2

    Key: On-campus    Off-Campus    International students    Domestic students

    This unit provides coverage of human development over the lifespan (infancy to old age) including cognitive and social-emotional domains of development. The major periods of development are examined, including infancy, childhood, adolescence and adulthood, emphasising predominant developmental aspects for different…

    Credit Points: 12.5

    LocationStudy periodAttendance optionsAvailable to
    HobartSemester 1
    LauncestonSemester 1

    Key: On-campus    Off-Campus    International students    Domestic students

    This unit aims to introduce students to a range of psychiatric disorders includingpsychological symptoms, theoretical models, assessment and evidence-basedtreatments. Consideration is given to a range of cognitive-behavioural strategiesemployed by clinical psychologists in the treatment of various mental healthconditions. Students will…

    Credit Points: 12.5

    LocationStudy periodAttendance optionsAvailable to
    HobartSemester 2
    LauncestonSemester 2

    Key: On-campus    Off-Campus    International students    Domestic students

    Psychology, the study of human behaviour, is wondrous in its complexity. Individual behaviour is affected and influenced by many factors, including biological, neurological, psychological and cultural. Psychologists can and do measure all of these factors and understand that the relationships…

    Credit Points: 12.5

    LocationStudy periodAttendance optionsAvailable to
    HobartSemester 1
    LauncestonSemester 1

    Key: On-campus    Off-Campus    International students    Domestic students

    This unit will provide an introduction to psychology and law. The progression of lecture topics in this unit will roughly follow the course of an investigation and trial of a criminal case, covering issues such as eyewitness memory; false memories;…

    Credit Points: 12.5

    LocationStudy periodAttendance optionsAvailable to
    HobartSemester 2
    LauncestonSemester 2

    Key: On-campus    Off-Campus    International students    Domestic students

    This unit offers a systematic approach to understanding psychological assessment and measurement. Consideration is given to a range of psychological assessment strategies and how these can be applied across a range of contexts . This unit is designed to provide…

    Credit Points: 12.5

    This unit is currently unavailable.

    This advanced unit builds on the intermediate material covered in PSY224 (Behavioural and Cognitive Neuroscience) which forms a basis for understanding neuropsychological and neuropsychiatric disorders. Lectures in neuropsychology will cover the neuroscience of major neuropsychological disorders and syndromes (e.g., neurodegenerative…

    Credit Points: 12.5

    LocationStudy periodAttendance optionsAvailable to
    HobartSemester 1
    LauncestonSemester 1

    Key: On-campus    Off-Campus    International students    Domestic students

    Language is what makes us human. It influences our thoughts and affects our lives in even more ways that we might expect. In this advanced unit, students are introduced to the most important and strongly debated issues in the psychology…

    Credit Points: 12.5

    LocationStudy periodAttendance optionsAvailable to
    HobartSemester 2
    LauncestonSemester 2

    Key: On-campus    Off-Campus    International students    Domestic students

    Extreme environments are so named due to the unique challenges they pose to human performance. In this online unit you will learn about the factors that characterise an environment as extreme, and how living and/or working in an extreme environment…

    Credit Points: 12.5

    LocationStudy periodAttendance optionsAvailable to
    HobartSemester 1

    Key: On-campus    Off-Campus    International students    Domestic students

    100 points will be granted from previous study

    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.

    Domestic applicants who recently completed secondary education (completed in the past two years)

    Applicants are ranked by ATAR and offers made based on the number of places available. In 2022, the lowest ATAR to receive an offer into this course was 68.15. 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 (or equivalent). Applicants must have completed at least two units of study (equivalent to 25 UTAS 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

    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.

    If you do not meet the minimum requirements, we offer the Foundation Studies Program.

    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 1300 363 864 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.

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

    Fees & scholarships

    Domestic students

    Options for this course

    Cost shouldn’t get in the way of you studying.

    If you’re a domestic student, you may be eligible for a Commonwealth Supported Place in this course. 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.

    You may also 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 is available at Scholarships, fees and costs.

    Student contribution

    Student contribution amounts are charged for each unit of study. This means that how much you’ll pay will depend on which units you choose. Find out more about student contribution amounts.

    Further information

    Detailed fee information for domestic students is available at Scholarships, fees and costs, including additional information in relation to the compulsory Student Services and Amenities Fee (SSAF).

    International students

    2022 Total Course Fee (international students): $102,350 AUD*.

    Course cost based on a rate of $32,950 AUD per standard, full-time year of study (100 credit points).

    * Please note that this is an indicative fee only.

    International students

    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.

    Scholarships

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

    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
    Online enquiries

    Next steps