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Bachelor of Psychological Studies

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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.

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

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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.

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

She has won the following awards:

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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.

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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.

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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

English language requirements

Find out if you meet the entry requirements, including English language and academic requirements.

Admission requirements in your country

Find out if you meet the minimum academic (international qualification) requirements to be eligible to apply for this course by reviewing the academic entry requirements listed by country.
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How to apply for this course

Apply online

If you have questions about your application, you can:

Get in touch

Contact us to discuss your course options:

Ring us on +61 3 9919 1164

Find answers and ask questions at GOTOVU

Information and fees listed above are for non-resident students starting the course in 2013. Fees are subject to approval and may change. In some courses students must buy equipment or clothing that they will need in the course. These equipment or clothing costs are not included in the course fees listed above and we recommend you seek advice from the relevant faculty.

VU takes care to ensure the accuracy of this course information, but reserves the right to change or withdraw courses offered at any time. Please check that course information is current with the Student Contact Centre.

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