University of Canberra
Bachelor of Science in Psychology
- Delivery: Face to Face
- Study Level: Undergraduate
- Duration: 3 years
Explore the science behind human behaviour through developmental, cognitive, social and physiological psychology, with research-focused study, practical experience and an APAC-accredited pathway to further psychology training.
Course overview
The University of Canberra’s Bachelor of Science in Psychology explores the science behind how people think, feel and behave. You’ll build a foundation in psychological theory, research and evidence-based practice while developing an understanding of human behaviour across a range of contexts.
Study key areas including developmental, cognitive, physiological and social psychology, alongside personality, motivation, emotion and psychopathology. You’ll also develop skills in psychological research, experimental methods, survey design and the evaluation of evidence, connecting scientific approaches with contemporary psychological practice.
The 72-credit-point course combines a core major in psychology with a specialist major in psychological science and 24 credit points of open electives. You can use the elective component to broaden your studies through individual units, a breadth minor or a breadth major. The course also includes a minimum of 120 hours of practical education through work-integrated learning.
Study on campus at Bruce, Canberra, with the standard course completed in three years full-time or the part-time equivalent. The course is accredited by the Australian Psychology Accreditation Council and provides a foundation for further accredited study in psychology, including honours and postgraduate professional training. Further study is required to become a registered psychologist.
CSP Subsidised Fees Available
This program has a limited quota of Commonwealth Supported Places (CSP). The indicative CSP price is calculated based on first year fees for EFT. The actual fee may vary if there are choices in electives or majors.
Key facts
7th June, 2027
9th August, 2027
What you will study
To complete the Bachelor of Science in Psychology, students must complete 72 credit points (24 units). Each standard unit is worth three credit points.
Core Major in Psychology – 24 credit points
Students must complete 21 credit points from the following required units:
- Industry and Community Engagement (Health)
- Foundations of Psychology
- Psychology Across the Life-Span
- Professional Evidence (Psychology)
- Introduction to Research in the Health Sciences
- Understanding People and Behaviour
- Professional Orientation (Psychology)
Students must also complete three credit points from one of the following restricted-choice units:
- Health Psychology and Behaviour
- Forensic and Criminal Psychology
- Professional Practice (Health) 1
Specialist Major in Psychological Science – 24 credit points
Students must complete:
- Experimental Psychology
- Physiological Psychology
- Personality and Individual Differences
- Motivation and Emotion
- Social Psychology
- Survey Research and Design in Psychology
- Psychopathology
- Learning and Cognition
Open Electives – 24 credit points
Students must complete 24 credit points of open electives from across the University. These may be completed as a breadth major, breadth minor and/or individual units.
Entry requirements
Admission to this course is based on an entrance rank. A rank can be achieved by the following means:
- Year 12 ATAR
- Other Australian qualifications
- Work experience
- Overseas qualification
The university offers a number of entry initiatives that give you the opportunity to gain entry via alternative pathway programs and admissions schemes.
For Work-Integrated Learning (WIL), students may need a Working with Vulnerable People card.
English language requirements
An IELTS Academic score of 6.0 overall, with no band score below 6.0 (or equivalent).
Recognition of Prior Learning
If you have previous studies or professional work experience that is relevant to your intended field of study at UC, you can gain credit towards your degree. This reduces the number of units you must take to complete your course, meaning you could finish your studies sooner and save money too.
For more information, please get in touch with the university or visit its website.
Outcomes
Learning outcomes
- Demonstrate self-directed pursuit in scholarly inquiry in psychology.
- Analyse and critique theory and research in the discipline of psychology and communicate these in written and oral formats.
- Understanding and application of values, research and professional ethics in psychological research and other professional contexts.
- Comprehend and apply theories and concepts in the discipline, using a scientific approach, as required by the Australian Psychology Accreditation Council.
- Knowledge of the research methods used by psychologists and the ability to apply these methods to design and conduct studies, analyse and interpret results and write research reports.
- Apply knowledge and skills of psychology in a manner that is reflexive, culturally appropriate and sensitive to the diversity of individuals.
- Demonstrate interpersonal skills and teamwork.
Career outcomes
A Bachelor of Science in Psychology degree from UC opens many doors and can lead to a diverse range of study and career options in any of the following areas:
- Psychologist (subject to further studies)
- Human resources
- Policy and research
- Health and welfare
- Public relations
- Media
- Marketing and advertising
- Disability support
- Community health
- Counselling
Fees and CSP
Indicative CSP fee in 2027: From $1,235 per standard unit
Indicative annual CSP fee in 2027: From $9,880
The indicative fee is based on the 2027 Band 2 student contribution rate for Professional Pathway Psychology and a standard full-time study load of 24 credit points. Actual fees may vary depending on the units and electives studied, as each unit is charged according to its discipline area and EFTSL.
Student fees may vary depending on:
- The number of units studied.
- The discipline area of each unit.
- The electives selected.
- Credit received for previous study.
- Annual changes to student contribution rates.
You may also be required to pay the Student Services and Amenities Fee.
Student fees are subject to change. Contact the University of Canberra directly to confirm current fees.
Commonwealth Supported Places
The Australian Government subsidises part of the tuition fees for students enrolled in a Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP). Students pay the remaining amount, known as the student contribution amount.
Most eligible domestic undergraduate students at UC are offered a CSP.
Your student contribution amount is:
- Calculated for each unit you enrol in.
- Based on the discipline area and EFTSL of the unit.
- Reviewed and adjusted each year.
Eligible Commonwealth supported students may be able to use HECS-HELP to defer payment of their student contribution amount.
