Bachelor of Psychological Studies

On this page

Psychology is the study of people: their motivations, how they think, react and interact. It is one of the fastest growing disciplines and one of the most popular university subjects.

This course will help you develop an understanding of human behaviour, motivation, relationships, communication  and cognitive processes. You will perform analytical research in our state-of-the-art facilities which include:

  • collaborative learning space computer laboratories with industry specific software
  • interaction laboratories which allow multiple small groups of students to practice interview techniques one-to-one with video recording facilities, enabling you to receive feedback from lecturers and students

You can study psychology in combination with Arts electives and upon completion you will be eligible to apply for a fourth year (Honours year) of study in Psychology. 

This degree is accredited by the Australian Psychology Accreditation Council.

Course Essentials

How to apply

We are currently accepting applications for this course. Applications close on 25 January 2013

Methods of applying:

  • You can apply direct to VU

Please note that part-time study may not be available at all campuses.

Already a VU student?

You can transfer into this course through our internal transfer process.

For more info contact the
College of Arts

Careers

Our graduates find employment in:

  • counsellor
  • local government human services
  • federal and state government
  • hospitals and community health centres
  • non-government and community-managed human services organisations

Graduates can also apply for an Honours year of study in Psychology.

Learn more about your career options on the Australian government's Career Information and Resources website.

Hooked on the brain

Hasret Niazi’s volunteer placements and supportive VU staff have helped her make industry connections.

She has won the following awards:

  • 2008 Australian...

Course Objectives

This degree is designed to give students a strong foundation in the scientist-practitioner model of Psychology. It will prepare them to pursue professional studies in Psychology, or to use the theoretical, practical and research skills gained to pursue a wide range of career and study options.

Units and electives

All students must complete a total of 288 credit points. Students must complete 24 semester-length units of study as follows:

  • A specialisation in Psychology (10 sequential semester units of study);
  • Qualitative Social Research Methods and Quantitative Social Research Methods;
  • Foundations of Psychological Research and Foundations of Social Science Research (Compulsory first-year units);
  • The Capstone Unit APP3023 Psychological Issues in the Workplace;
  • Eight electives which must include a specialisation;
  • No more than eight first-year units of study can be counted towards the 24 units of study required for the degree.

Plus Elective 1

Plus Elective 2

Plus Elective 3

Plus Elective 4

Plus Elective 5

Plus Psychology Elective 1

Plus Elective 6

Plus Psychology Elective 2

Plus Elective 7

Plus Elective 8

Psychology elective unit options

- may be available at St Albans and/or Footscray Park campus

- only a selection of these units will be offered each year

What's a unit?

A unit or 'subject' is the actual class you'll attend in the process of completing a course.

Most courses have a mixture of compulsory 'core' units that you need to take, and optional 'elective' units that you can choose to take based on your area of interest, expertise or experience.

Credits

Each unit is worth a set amount of study credits based on the amount of time you study. Generally, 1 credit is equal to 1 hour of study per week.

Admission Information

  • TAFE: VET applicants will be considered and a pathway is available.
  • Year 12: VCE with minimum study score of 20 in English units 3 and 4 (any) or equivalent
  • International: Completion of a secondary school qualification equivalent to Australia’s year 12 or VCE qualification. IELTS minimum 6.0 (no band less than 6) or equivalent
  • Mature: Applicants with relevant work, education and/or community experience may be considered on the basis of equivalence

How to apply for this course

We are currently accepting applications for this course.

You can apply direct to VU. Applications close on 25 January 2013.

When you're ready to apply:

  1. Read the Advice to applicants (contains details about how to apply for your course, extra requirements, what happens when you submit your application and other important information).
  2. Complete the Higher education direct entry application form.
  3. As part of the application you may need to complete extra requirements such as:
    • submit supplementary forms
    • attend an interview, audition, information session or workshop
    • submit a folio
    • sit a test

Details about extra requirements are available from the College of Arts.

You need to complete all extra requirements by the given dates, otherwise your application may not be considered.

Transferring between VU courses

Want to transfer into this course from another VU course? Complete the Victoria University internal course application form and check whether you need to complete any extra requirements, listed above.

You can also contact us directly:

Get in touch

Contact us to discuss your course options:

Ring us on +61 3 9919 6100

Find answers and ask questions at GOTOVU

At Victoria University, we make every reasonable effort to make sure the information displayed online about our courses is accurate and complete. We continually look to provide innovative courses. Those courses are shaped by a number of things including your feedback and changes in Government funding arrangements. As a result there may be changes to the courses we deliver and fees charged. We will update the website regularly to reflect any changes.

Information about course fees, articulation and credit transfer, recognition of prior learning, admission and enrolment procedures, examinations, and services available to students can be accessed on the University’s website or by contacting the University directly on +61 3 9919 6100.