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Bachelor of Science (Psychology)

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Focus on science. This degree allows you to study psychology and core sciences at the same time. You will learn about human behaviour, motivation, relationships and communication in one of today’s fastest growing disciplines.

You will also acquire important skills and knowledge in key areas of science, such as:

  • biology
  • physiology
  • anatomy
  • chemistry
  • wellness

This course offers you a more scientific approach to the Bachelor of Psychology. By selecting appropriate combinations of elective units, you may obtain a specialisation in psychology together with a second science specialisation from Human Bioscience, Chemistry, Biochemistry or Nutrition.

Our Psychology degrees are accredited by the Australian Psychological Society (APS).

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

  • psychologist
  • scientist
  • counsellor
  • academic researcher
  • market researcher

The Bachelor of Science (Psychology) provides preparation for a fourth year of study in psychology for graduates wishing to achieve professional accreditation and Associate Membership with the Australian Psychological Accreditation Council (APAC), and professional accreditation with the Psychology Board of Australia (PBA).

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

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Course Objectives

Graduates of this course will be able to: 1. Demonstrate a broad knowledge and critical awareness of theories and principles underlying science and psychology, which will prepare students for work in professional scientific or human services contexts, or entry into a fourth year of study in either science or psychology; 2. Apply skills to review, analyse, consolidate, and synthesise knowledge and research in the science and psychology disciplines; 3. Apply cognitive, technical, and problem solving skills in planning and executing scientific and social research (under appropriate supervision); 4. Use communication skills that enable a clear, coherent, and independent presentation and evaluation of knowledge and ideas; 5. Adapt knowledge and skills with initiative and judgment in planning, problem solving, and decision making within diverse work contexts, including practical scientific or human services settings; and 6. Demonstrate communication and interpersonal skills when working with others in an environmentally, socially, and culturally sensitive and responsible manner.

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Units and electives

To be awarded the Bachelor of Science (Psychology), students must have successfully completed a total of 288 credit points. Students must complete the psychology specialisation which consists of 8 compulsory psychology units across the three years, 1 psychology elective in 2nd year, and the capstone unit APP3023 Psychological Issues in the Workplace in 3rd year. The two social research methods units APP2030 and APP2040 must also be completed in 2nd year. Finally, students must complete 4 compulsory and 2 elective science units in 1st year, 2 science electives in 2nd year, and 4 science electives in 3rd year. Students may wish to consult their course coordinator regarding their choice of science electives if they wish to focus on a particular area of science.

Plus one 1st year science elective

Plus one 1st year science elective

Plus one 2nd year science elective

Plus one 2nd year science elective

Plus one psychology elective

Plus two 3rd year science electives

Plus two 3rd year science electives

Psychology elective unit options

All electives are Year 2 or 3 - they may be available St Albans or Footscray Park.

Only a selection of these units are offered each year.

FIRST-YEAR SCIENCE ELECTIVE UNIT OPTIONS

These are offered as a guide only. Check science timetable to confirm availability.

Please note that this is not an exhaustive list - students may choose ANY first-year science electives. Check course handbook or VU website for options.

Second year science elective unit options

These are offered as a guide only. Check science timetable to confirm availability.

Third year science elective unit options

These are offered as guide only. Check science timetable to confirm availability.

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 pathways are available from a range of VET courses
  • Year 12: VCE with minimum study score of 20 in English units 3 and 4 (any) or equivalent plus one Year 12 Science unit. VCE Biology is not a formal prerequisite but students will find a background in biology is very helpful.
  • 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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