University of Canberra
Bachelor of Science in Psychology
- Delivery: Face to Face
- Study Level: Undergraduate
- Duration: 3 years
Accredited by Australian Psychology Accreditation Council and opens opportunities for further study.
Course overview
Discover the science behind how and why people think, feel, and behave the way they do with the UC Bachelor of Science in Psychology. In this course, you will learn how to use science and evidence-based practice to understand human behaviour in a wide range of settings.
In only three years, you will learn the foundations of psychology and gain the knowledge, understanding and contacts to go on to explore a range of career and study opportunities once you graduate
This course is especially advantageous to those studying double degrees in law, business, and sport & exercise science – alternatively you can choose to do a secondary major in many areas, including counselling, health science, and sports.
UC also offers extensive Work Integrated Learning opportunities including placements in local, national and international organisations - if available.
This course is accredited by the Australian Psychology Accreditation Council and opens opportunities for further study in psychology at honours and masters levels.
Study a Bachelor of Science in Psychology at UC and you will:
- Be introduced to the latest theory, practice, and research in a diverse range of areas of psychology including developmental, physiological, social, and cognitive.
- Focus on applied psychology and research.
- Be able to choose elective units in sport and performance psychology, health psychology, and forensic psychology.
- Gain transferable skills that are highly sought after by a diverse range of employers including critical analysis, communication, problem solving, teamwork, and research.
- Graduate from a fully accredited course and be eligible for entry into professional postgraduate training courses in clinical and other areas of psychology.
Work Integrated Learning
Work-integrated learning (WIL) is an integral component of the Bachelor of Science in Psychology journey as it gives students the opportunity to gain valuable hands-on experience and build professional relationships through real work, or work-like placements.
This, in turn, enhances each student’s confidence, employability and reinforces our commitment to preparing professional and highly employable graduates with the right mix of skills, knowledge, and experience.
In this course, you will undertake a minimum of 120 hours of practical education where you will work with, and alongside experienced and skilled industry mentors within a local, national or international working environment.
Career opportunities
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
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
26th May, 2025
28th July, 2025
What you will study
The Bachelor of Science in Psychology comprises 16 core units and seven electives:
- Professional Orientation (Psychology)
- Psychology Across the Life-Span
- Understanding People and Behaviour
- Foundations of Psychology
- Introduction to Research in the Health Sciences
- Experimental Psychology
- Learning and Cognition
- Personality and Individual Differences
- Physiological Psychology
- Professional Practice (Health)
- Industry and Community Engagement (Health)
- Psychopathology
- Survey Research and Design in Psychology
- Motivation and Emotion
- Professional Evidence (Psychology)
- Social Psychology
The UC Bachelor of Science in Psychology course is accredited by the Australian Psychology Accreditation Council. Registration to work as a psychologist requires further study beyond the bachelor’s degree. For students commencing this course, there are two pathways to registration.
- Complete an accredited one-year honours course in psychology (or equivalent), followed by an accredited one-year master of professional psychology course, followed by one-year’s supervised professional experience.
- Complete an accredited one-year honours course in psychology (or equivalent), followed by an accredited two-year master of clinical psychology course, or a two-year accredited course in another area of professional psychology (e.g. forensic, organisational, educational, clinical neuropsychology, or sports psychology).
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 qualification
- work experience
- overseas qualification
The university offers a number of entry initiatives that give you the opportunity to gain entry via an alternate pathway programs and admissions schemes.
For Work Integrated Learning (WIL), students may require a Working with Vulnerable People card.
Learning outcomes
- 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 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.
- Understanding and application of values, research and professional ethics in psychological research and other professional contexts.
- Demonstrate interpersonal skills and teamwork.
- 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.
Fees & CSP
Student fees shown are subject to change. You may also be required to pay student amenities fees. Contact the university directly to confirm.
The fees shown are per unit. The number of units are listed on this page. Together, they indicate the total fees for the course.
HECS-HELP loans are available to assist eligible full-fee paying domestic students with the cost of a university course.
Commonwealth Supported Places
The Australian Government allocates a certain number of Commonwealth Supported Places to the University of Canberra each year, which are then distributed to students based on merit.
If you receive CSP for UC, you'll only need to pay a portion of your tuition fees. This is known as the student contribution amount – the balance once the government subsidy is applied. This means your costs are much lower.
Most domestic students who have been admitted to an undergraduate degree are offered a CSP.
Your student contribution amount is:
- calculated per unit you're enrolled in
- dependent on the study areas they relate to
- reviewed and adjusted each year