Undergraduate course
Bachelor of Psychological Science
The University of Newcastle
CRICOS provider number: 00109J \ TEQSA provider ID: PRV12056
Courses included
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This course has been cancelled
About
Psychological science is a fascinating area that examines human behaviour, the human brain and its effect on the way we act and why. This area of study covers a broad range of areas such as mental illness, interventions, the biology of the brain, memory, decision making, as well as developmental, social and personality studies.
Your study of psychology will help you become an expert in human behaviour and give you the skills to make a positive impact in the lives of others.
The Bachelor of Psychological Science can be applied in a broad range of industry sectors, enabling you to choose the career path that’s right for you.
Areas of study
Clinical and abnormal behaviour, cognition and information processing, developmental psychology, neuroscience, perceptual processes and learning theory, psychopharmacology, research methodology, social psychology and personality, statistics.
Career opportunities
Practising psychologist (with additional years of study), case worker, mediator, case manager, careers counsellor, market researcher, juvenile justice officer.
Professional recognition
This course is accredited by the Australian Psychology Accreditation Council (APAC) and approved by the Psychology Board of Australia. Upon completion of an APAC accredited undergraduate degree, students who go on to complete either the Honours or postgraduate study in Psychology will be eligible for provisional registration as a psychologist with the Psychology Board of Australia. Please note that after completion of an APAC accredited undergraduate degree, a further minimum of three years education and training in psychology is required to register as a psychologist in Australia.
Practical experience
Our Newcastle (Callaghan) and Central Coast (Ourimbah) campuses offer psychology labs that are stocked with equipment to enhance your practical skills and theoretical studies.
The degree includes a pre-professional strand of courses each year, which will help you prepare for professional practice. These courses involve guest lectures from practicing psychologists, problem-based workshops, and video material to provide an accurate picture of the range of areas within psychology.
Additional work integrated learning and research integrated learning opportunities may include cross-institutional collaboration, Psychology Biomedical Science and HMRI Research labs, the University of Newcastle Psychology Community Clinic, and external professional agencies.
Honours
Available as an additional year (or part-time equivalent) to students based on merit.
Fees and charges
Admission criteria
Applicants with recent secondary education
Assumed knowledge: Mathematics Advanced.
Recommended studies: Biology.
If you have not previously studied one or more of these subjects or your knowledge is limited, we encourage you to undertake bridging courses. NUPrep Bridging offers academic preparation and support short courses, which are free and can be completed on campus or online before you start your degree.
Explore NUPrep Bridging Courses
Applicants with higher education study
If you completed or partially completed higher education studies, your grade point average can be converted to a selection rank for admission purposes.
Applicants with vocational education and training (VET) study
If you completed or partially completed competency-based vocational education and training (such as TAFE, a private Registered Training Provider, or vocational studies undertaken in high school), this can be used to determine your eligibility for admission.
Studies completed at an AQF Level 4 (Cert IV) or higher provide Guaranteed Entry into many of our undergraduate programs.
Applicants with work and life experience
If you do not have an ATAR (or equivalent) or formal qualification, Newcastle University offers a range of pathways toward your dream degree. No matter what your age or experience, there is a place for you.
Advanced standing
If you have undertaken previous studies at another higher education institution or registered training organisation, you may be awarded credit towards your undergraduate degree. You must apply for admission before applying for credit.
Further information
View all details of this course on the University of Newcastle website.
University of Newcastle degrees
The academic content of all programs is subject to routine review.
ATAR profile
ATAR-based offers only (semester 1, 2022)
Use all ATAR profile data as a guide only; it provides a broad overview of the ATARs and selection ranks of previous Year 12 students admitted into that course. ATARs and selection ranks required for entry in 2023 may be different. If you are unsure about including a course among your preferences, contact the relevant institution.
- This ATAR profile table is in line with Commonwealth Government transparency requirements. It is based on offers to recent school leavers (ie completed Year 12 in the last 2 years) who were selected solely or partly on their ATAR. Note that some institutions further differentiate this information on their websites.
- The ATAR values exclude any adjustment factors.
- The selection ranks include the ATAR and any adjustment factors.
Abbreviations
– = data is not available.<5 = less than 5 ATAR-based offers were made.
N/A = no offers were made on the basis of ATAR.
NC = new course
NP = Not provided by institution
NR = No reportable profile
NS = No Semester 1 offers
NN = Unavailable (other)
NO = Entry on other criteria
Student profile
Course updates
Courses are added and cancelled throughout the admissions year and course details are subject to change. Check the UAC course search regularly.
Review of programs
The academic content of all programs is subject to routine review. For up-to-date details, visit University of Newcastle degrees.
Honours
Applicants should note that under the revised Australian Qualifications Framework some programs are four-year programs available with direct entry. Other programs are three-year Bachelor degree programs. Meritorious students have the option to apply for an additional one-year end-on component after graduation. Check the course descriptions carefully.