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Psychology
Undergraduate

Bachelor of Psychological Science

Key details

Duration

3 year/s full-time
6 year/s part-time
3 year/s full-time

Intake

Semester 1, Semester 2, Summer Semester
On campus - Semester 1, Semester 2
Online - No
Important Dates

Locations

Casuarina campus, Online
Casuarina campus

Credit points required

240

Course code

WPSYS2
SATAC codes
MyNextCourse

Overview

In the Bachelor of Psychological Science, you will develop an integrated understanding of human behaviour including social-cultural perspectives, motivations, health and psychopathology as well as the fundamental premise of psychology as an empirically based science.

Key study areas include:

  • abnormal psychology
  • introduction to forensic psychology
  • counselling
  • learning and motivation
  • cognitive psychology
  • the biological bases of behaviour
  • research methods
  • social psychology

The Bachelor of Psychological Science will also prepare you for the Honours program, as well as postgraduate professional coursework.



Professional recognition

This course is accredited by the Australian Psychology Accreditation Council (APAC) and will prepare you for entry into an Honours year in psychology. During your studies, you will also be eligible to join the Australian Psychological Society.

Credit transfers and advanced standing

Pathways

Pathways for VET to Higher Education

Guaranteed credit transfer arrangements are available to students commencing a bachelor degree at Charles Darwin University with completed Certificate IV, Diploma, Advanced Diploma or Associate Degree qualifications in the same field or discipline. Students who hold completed qualifications should refer to the additional information provided about Advanced Standing and Credit Transfer and Pathways using the links below:


Pathways for Higher Education to Higher Education

For information about credit transfer available to students with complete or incomplete study at this or other Institutions refer to Pathways for Higher Education to Higher Education

Credit transfer

For further information on credit transfer and how to apply visit ASK CDU

Credit transfers and advanced standing

Credit transfer

For further information on credit transfer and how to apply visit ASK CDU

Fees

Commonwealth supported places

Commonwealth Supported places are available in this course to students who meet one of the following residency requirements:

(a) be an Australian citizen, who will complete some of your course of study while resident in Australia; or

(b) a New Zealand citizen; or an Australian permanent visa holder; or an eligible former permanent humanitarian visa holder; who studies the entire course while living in Australia.

Further information about fees and charges can be found at Fees and Payments.

International tuition fees

The annual tuition fee for full time study is AUD $30,192.00. This equates to $ $3,774.00 per 10 credit point unit (0.125 EFTSL).
These fees are subject to increases annually, effective at the start of each calendar year.

You can find a list of International fees and payments you can expect to pay as part of your studies in Australia.

CDU offers a number of scholarships to international students to assist with the cost of study.

CDU Social Work and Psychology program

Why study psychology at CDU?

Gain a deeper understanding of human behaviour and make a positive impact on the lives of other people when you study psychology with us. Becoming a psychologist is only one of many potential careers, with graduates finding a wide variety of roles in government organisations, community services, advertising and marketing, preventative health, and more. 

  • #1 in Australia for psychology employment outcomes (GUG 2024)
  • Choose to study online, on campus, part-time or full-time as it suits you
Social Work CDU Event

Why study Psychology at CDU?

Gain a deeper understanding of human behaviour and make a positive impact on the lives of other people when you study psychology with us. Becoming a psychologist is only one of many potential careers, with graduates finding a wide variety of roles in government organisations, community services, advertising and marketing, preventative health, and more.

  • #1 in Australia for psychology employment outcomes (GUG 2024)
CDU Social Work and Psychology program

Why study psychology at CDU?

Gain a deeper understanding of human behaviour and make a positive impact on the lives of other people when you study psychology with us. Becoming a psychologist is only one of many potential careers, with graduates finding a wide variety of roles in government organisations, community services, advertising and marketing, preventative health, and more. 

  • #1 in Australia for psychology employment outcomes (GUG 2024)
  • Choose to study online, on campus, part-time or full-time as it suits you
Social Work CDU Event

Why study Psychology at CDU?

Gain a deeper understanding of human behaviour and make a positive impact on the lives of other people when you study psychology with us. Becoming a psychologist is only one of many potential careers, with graduates finding a wide variety of roles in government organisations, community services, advertising and marketing, preventative health, and more.

  • #1 in Australia for psychology employment outcomes (GUG 2024)

What will I study?

The first year provides a general introduction to psychology and the research methods that underpin psychology. In the first year, students will also cover ethics, indigenous protocols and intercultural sensitivity which are essential skills for psychological practice. In the second year, students will explore the main areas of psychology, such as social and cognitive psychology, in more detail, while in the third year these basic principles will be applied to higher level topics such as abnormal psychology and personality. Throughout the course, there are opportunities for students to take specialist electives.

Course structure


A candidate must successfully complete units totalling 240 credit points (cp) as detailed below. All units are valued at 10 credit points unless otherwise indicated.

Unit typeCredit PointsSpecific requirements
 Core Units

 (18 units)
 180cpCompulsory Core units totalling 180 credit points as detailed below. 

HSC132 Introduction to Health Promotion

IAS142 Ethics and Protocols in Indigenous Contexts

PSY101 Introduction to Research Skills

PSY116 Intercultural Sensitivity and Psychological Communication 

PSY150 Introduction to Psychology A

PSY151 Introduction to Psychology B

HSC220 Society, Culture and Health: A Sociological Introduction

PSY203 Developmental Psychology Across the Lifespan

PSY219 Social Psychology

PSY228 Neuroscience and Biological Bases of Behaviour

PSY246 Cognition, Language and Perception

PSY248 Research Design and Analysis

PSY307 Theories of Individual Differences and Personality 

PSY330 Learning and Memory

PSY337 Advanced Research Design and Analysis

PSY356 Motivation and Emotion

PSY363 Abnormal Psychology

PSY365 Applied Community and Health Psychology

 Specialist  Electives

 (6 units)
 60cpSpecialist Elective units totalling 60 credit points from the units listed below. 

HSC119 Counselling Theory and Micro Skills

IAS101 Indigenous Australia

PSY144 Traumatology Assessment and Intervention

SWK101 Introduction to Human Services

SWK102 Communication Skills

AOD202 Alcohol and Other Drugs Studies

HSC203 Perspectives of Indigenous Health (no longer offered)

HSC211 Mental Health and Wellbeing

SPE206 Health, Exercise and Sport Psychology

SWK201 Human Service Organisations

SWK202 Dynamics of Group Work

AOD311 Counselling/Interventions in Alcohol and Other Drugs

IAS355 Indigenous Knowledges and Wellbeing

PSY311 Introduction to Forensic Psychology

PSY390 Counselling

SPE351 Psychology and Sport

  240cp Total Credit Points

Course Rules (unless otherwise indicated in the above course structure) (240cp)

  • A maximum of 100 credit points may be taken from 100 level units.
  • A minimum of 60 credit points must be taken from 300 level units or above.
  • See the Higher Education Course Rules (Award Requirements) in the Units and Courses Policy.

If course commenced prior to 2023:

No more than 20 credit points shall be counted with a grade of "PC" in a Bachelor AQF Level 7 course award and no more than 10 credit points at "PC" may be received at the highest level of the program of learning.



 

Study plan


Students commencing in Semester 1

The Recommended Study Plan provided below is suitable for a student commencing in semester 1 and enrolling in a standard full-time load. Students entering this course with advanced standing, or wishing to reduce or vary their study plan due to work, personal, financial or other reasons should use the table as a guide to create an individual study plan.

When designing an individual study plan:

  • maintain the basic order in which units are to be attempted; and
  • check the assumed knowledge for each unit as some 200 and 300 level units assume you have completed foundation unit/s in the unit area at a lower level. 200 level units have the unit code which includes a number starting with 200 ie SBI270.
Legend:CO = Core UnitSE = Specialist Elective
Semester 1Semester 2
Year 1
PSY150 Introduction to Psychology ACOPSY151 Introduction to Psychology BCO
HSC132 Introduction to Health PromotionCOPSY101 Introduction to Research SkillsCO
PSY116 Intercultural Sensitivity and Psychological CommunicationCOIAS142 Ethics and Protocols in Indigenous ContextsCO
Specialist ElectiveSESpecialist ElectiveSE
Year 2
PSY228 Neuroscience and Biological Bases of BehaviourCOPSY246 Cognition, Language, and PerceptionCO
PSY219 Social PsychologyCOPSY203 Developmental PsychologyCO
PSY248 Research Design and AnalysisCOHSC220 Society, Culture and Health: A Sociological IntroductionCO
Specialist ElectiveSESpecialist ElectiveSE
Year 3
PSY307 Theories of Individual Differences and PersonalityCOPSY330 Theories of Learning and MemoryCO
PSY365 Applied Community and Health PsychologyCOPSY337 Advanced Research Design and AnalysisCO
PSY356 Motivation and EmotionCOPSY363 Abnormal PsychologyCO
Specialist ElectiveSESpecialist ElectiveSE



Students commencing in Semester 2

The Recommended Study Plan provided below is suitable for a student commencing in semester 2 and enrolling in a standard full-time load. Students entering this course with advanced standing, or wishing to reduce or vary their study plan due to work, personal, financial or other reasons should use the table as a guide to create an individual study plan.

When designing an individual study plan:

  • maintain the basic order in which units are to be attempted; and
  • check the assumed knowledge for each unit as some 200 and 300 level units assume you have completed foundation unit/s in the unit area at a lower level. 200 level units have the unit code which includes a number starting with 200 ie SBI270.
Legend:CO = Core UnitSE = Specialist Elective
Semester 1Semester 2
Year 1
  PSY151 Introduction to Psychology BCO
  PSY101 Introduction to Research SkillsCO
  IAS142 Ethics and Protocols in Indigenous ContextsCO
  Specialist ElectiveSE
Year 2
PSY150 Introduction to Psychology ACOPSY246 Cognition, Language, and PerceptionCO
HSC132 Introduction to Health PromotionCOPSY203 Developmental PsychologyCO
PSY116 Intercultural Sensitivity and Psychological CommunicationCOHSC220 Society, Culture and Health: A Sociological IntroductionCO
Specialist ElectiveSESpecialist ElectiveSE
Year 3
PSY228 Neuroscience and Biological Bases of BehaviourCOPSY330 Theories of Learning and MemoryCO
PSY219 Social PsychologyCOPSY337 Advanced Research Design and AnalysisCO
PSY248 Research Design and AnalysisCOPSY363 Abnormal PsychologyCO
Specialist ElectiveSESpecialist ElectiveSE
Year 4
PSY307 Theories of Individual Differences and PersonalityCO  
PSY365 Applied Community and Health PsychologyCO  
PSY356 Motivation and EmotionCO  
Specialist ElectiveSE  

 

Students commencing in Summer Semester

The Recommended Study Plan provided below is suitable for a student commencing in summer semester and enrolling in a standard load Students entering this course with advanced standing, or wishing to reduce or vary their study plan due to work, personal, financial or other reasons should use the table as a guide to create an individual study plan.



When designing an individual study plan:

-    ensure Common Units are completed in the first year of study;

-    maintain the basic order in which units are to be attempted; and

-    check the assumed knowledge for each unit as some 200 and 300 level units assume you have completed foundation unit/s in the subject area at a lower level. 200 level units have the unit code which includes a number starting with 200.



 Note: There is no advantage to summer semester enrolment as it will still require three years to complete the WPSYS1. Students can complete general electives in summer semester but this will not reduce the completion time.

Legend:CU = Common UnitCO = Core UnitSE = Specialist ElectiveE = Elective

 

Semester 1Semester 2Summer Semester
Year 1
    PSY101 Introduction to Research SkillsCO
    PSY150 Introduction to Psychology ACO
    PSY151 Introduction to Psychology BCO
    Specialist ElectiveSE
Year 2
HSC220 Society, Culture and Health: A Sociological IntroductionCOPSY246 Cognition, Language, and PerceptionCO  
PSY116 Intercultural Sensitivity and Psychological CommunicationCOIAS142 Ethics and Protocols in Indigenous ContextsCO  
HSC132 Introduction to Health PromotionCOPSY203 Developmental PsychologyCO  
Specialist ElectiveSESpecialist ElectiveSE  
Year 3
PSY228 Neuroscience and Biological Bases of BehaviourCOPSY330 Theories of Learning and MemoryCO  
PSY219 Social PsychologyCOPSY337 Advanced Research Design and AnalysisCO  
PSY248 Research Design and AnalysisCOPSY363 Abnormal PsychologyCO  
Specialist ElectiveSESpecialist ElectiveSE  
Year 4
PSY365 Applied Community and Health PsychologyCO    
PSY356 Motivation and EmotionCO    
PSY307 Theories of Individual Differences and PersonalityCO    
Specialist ElectiveSE    

Entry requirements

Admission criteria

Admission requirements are met by one of the following:

  • Successful completion of the Northern Territory Certificate of Education and Training (or equivalent) and the awarding of an Australian Tertiary Admissions Rank (ATAR) of at least 60*.
  • Successful completion of a national qualification at Certificate III level or higher.
  • Successful completion of at least 0.5 year of full-time study (or equivalent) of a higher education degree/diploma.
  • Overseas secondary or tertiary qualifications considered equivalent to the above Australian qualifications.
  • Attainment of a STAT Multiple Choice score of 140.
  • Successful completion of the Tertiary Enabling Program, the Preparation for Tertiary Success courses, or other recognised tertiary preparation course.
  • Submission of an acceptable personal competencies statement and/or employment experience.
  • Defence members with service of 1 year or more at the following ranks (or higher) meet the academic entry requirement for this course:
    • Navy: Seaman, Able Seaman, Leading Seaman
    • Air Force: Aircraftmen/Aircraftwoman, Leading Aircraftman/Aircraftwoman, Corporal
    • Army: Private, Lance Corporal, Corporal
  • Current School Leaver Pathways:
    • Best of 3 Year 12 subject grades
    • School recommendation program

* After any applicable adjustment factors have been applied.

Essential requirements

English language requirements

To gain entry into Charles Darwin University, all Higher Education applicants must satisfy the University's English Language Proficiency Requirements for their chosen course of study. International applicants will be required to supply evidence of this at the time of application.

The minimum English language requirement for this course is met by either undertaking previous education in an English-speaking country or undertaking one of the following English language tests and obtaining the minimum requirements listed below.

CDU English for Academic Purposes 3 (ZEAP30)Successful completion of EAP003 English for Academic Purposes 3
IELTS Academic ModuleA minimum overall score of 6.0 with no band less than 6.0.
Cambridge Advanced English (CAE)A minimum overall score of 169, with no skill below 169.
Common European Framework Certificate of English ProficiencyA minimum overall grade of B2.
Pearson Test of English (PTE) Academic moduleA minimum overall score of 50 with no score lower than 50.
TOEFL Internet-based Test (iBT)A minimum overall score of 60 and a minimum writing score of 21.

* All tests are valid for two years from the date of the test to the date of commencement at CDU, unless otherwise specified.

* Where applicable, international applicants must also satisfy the Department of Home Affairs (DHA) English language requirements for student visa applications.

Do you have a question regarding English requirements at CDU? Please email: international@cdu.edu.au.

 

ATAR profile

The following table represents the ATAR and selection rank profile for applicants offered a place on the basis of their ATAR in semester 1, 2023

ATAR based offers onlyATAR
(excluding adjustment factors)
Selection Rank
(ATAR plus any adjustment factors)
Lowest rank to receive an offer 55.65 60.05
Median rank to receive an offer 67.33 72.53
Highest rank to receive an offer 96.10 97.50

Notes
"<5" indicates less than 5 ATAR-based offers were made.

CDU has been doing online study for so long they're really good at it. At CDU, everyone, online and on campus, is just a student.

Michelle

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CDU graduates have the best career and employment prospects. International students have ranked CDU 1st in Australia for learning and living experience

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CDU student

hema giri

CDU has been doing online study for so long they're really good at it. At CDU, everyone, online and on campus, is just a student.

Michelle

CDU student

CDU Nursing student Michelle on the top of a roof in Sydney

CDU graduates have the best career and employment prospects. International students have ranked CDU 1st in Australia for learning and living experience

Hema

CDU student

hema giri

Course details

Accreditation

This course is accredited by the University in accordance with the Higher Education Standards.

Inherent Requirements

There are inherent requirements for this course. Students must read and understand the requirements for this course.

Australian qualification framework

This course is recognised in the Australian Qualifications Framework at Level 7.

Student profile

The table below gives an indication of the likely peer cohort for new students in this course. It provides data on students that commenced this course and passed the census date in Semester 1, 2023.

Applicant background (Semester one intake 2023)No. of Students% of all Students
A. Higher education study
(includes a bridging or enabling course)
47 .0
B. Vocational education and training (VET) study 21 .0
C. Work and life experience
(Admitted on the basis of previous achievement not in the other three categories)
10 .0
D. Recent secondary education
  • Admitted solely on the basis of ATAR

(regardless of whether this includes the consideration of adjustment factors such as equity or subject bonus points)

11 .0
  • Admitted where both ATAR and additional criteria were considered

(e.g. portfolio, audition, extra offer conditional on minimum ATAR)

<5N/P
  • Admitted on the basis of other criteria only and ATAR was not a factor

(e.g. special consideration, audition alone, schools recommendation scheme with no minimum ATAR requirement)

<5N/P
International students<5N/P
All students 89 .0

Notes
"<5" - the number of students is less than 5
N/A - Students not accepted in this category
N/P - Not published: the number is hidden to prevent calculation of numbers in cells with less than 5 students.

Additional information

Can offers be deferred?
Yes
Award
Bachelor of Psychological Science
Faculty/College
Faculty of Health
Sector
HE
Area of study
Psychology, Health

Contact details

For further information about the course, enrolment procedures, closing dates and other administrative issues please contact Student Central on:

Email:Student.Central@cdu.edu.auPhone:1800 061 963 (free call)

You make CDU

Together we are a positive force for change in our communities and the world.

You make CDU

Our students choose to study with us because we share the same vision – to make a positive change. Whatever your motivation is, we can guide you in the right direction.

You make CDU

Together we are a positive force for change in our communities and the world.

You make CDU

Our students choose to study with us because we share the same vision – to make a positive change. Whatever your motivation is, we can guide you in the right direction.

How to apply

There are many ways to apply to CDU. The method you use depends on your course type, where you live and whether you are a new or returning student to CDU.

Remember to apply early for your best chance at securing an offer to study with us.

SATAC

SATAC is the application channel for residents of NT, ACT, SA, WA, QLD, VIC, NSW or TAS.

MyNextCourse

Direct applications are available to students who have completed a CDU or BIITE course at a Certificate III level or higher. Most CDU and BIITE enabling programs are also accepted through this process.

International applications

Applications must be submitted online through our application portal, Studylink. You'll need a valid email address to create your online account. Once you have started your application, you will be able to save it and resume it later. There is no application fee when you apply online.

You may be able to lodge a direct application; however, there may be restrictions on your geographic location. If you cannot submit a direct application via the application portal, please apply through one of our registered agents.

Apply through StudyLink or through an Agent.

International applicants currently studying year 12 in Australia should apply via SATAC.

If you do not meet any of the criteria above please visit Pathways to study to view the options available to you.

SATAC codes

Location
SATAC Code
Casuarina campus (CSP)
104871
Online (CSP)
104871
* CSP = Commonwealth supported place
FF = Full fee

CRICOS codes

Location
CRICOS Code
Casuarina campus
107547J

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