Key details
Duration
Intake
Locations
Entry requirements
View full entry requirementsCredit points required
240Course code
Overview
In the Bachelor of Psychological Science, you will develop an integrated understanding of human behaviour including social-cultural perspectives, motivations, health and psychopathology as well as the fundamental premise of psychology as an empirically based science.
Key study areas include:
- abnormal psychology
- introduction to forensic psychology
- counselling
- learning and motivation
- cognitive psychology
- the biological bases of behaviour
- research methods
- social psychology
The Bachelor of Psychological Science will also prepare you for the Honours program, as well as postgraduate professional coursework.
Career opportunities
In addition to a first step on the route to clinical psychology practice, students graduating from this course also find career opportunities in child and family services, child protection, community health and welfare, drug and alcohol, disability and rehabilitation services, health service management, research and evaluation, policy and planning, human resources management, advertising and marketing.
Professional recognition
This course is accredited by the Australian Psychology Accreditation Council (APAC) and will prepare you for entry into an Honours year in psychology. During your studies, you will also be eligible to join the Australian Psychological Society.
Credit transfers and advanced standing
Pathways
Pathways for VET to Higher Education
Credit transfer arrangements are available to students commencing a bachelor degree at Charles Darwin University with completed Certificate IV, Diploma, Advanced Diploma or Associate Degree qualifications in the same field or discipline, subject to meeting criteria. Students who hold completed qualifications should refer to the additional information provided about Advanced Standing and Credit Transfer and Pathways using the links below:
Pathways for Higher Education to Higher Education
For information about credit transfer available to students with complete or incomplete study at this or other Institutions refer to Pathways for Higher Education to Higher Education
Credit transfer
For further information on credit transfer and how to apply visit ASK CDU
Credit transfers and advanced standing
Credit transfer
For further information on credit transfer and how to apply visit ASK CDU
Fees
Commonwealth supported places
Commonwealth Supported places are available in this course to students who meet one of the following residency requirements:
(a) be an Australian citizen, who will complete some of your course of study while resident in Australia; or
(b) a New Zealand citizen; or an Australian permanent visa holder; or an eligible former permanent humanitarian visa holder; who studies the entire course while living in Australia.
Further information about fees and charges can be found at Fees and Payments.
International tuition fees
The annual tuition fee for full time study in 2025 is AUD $30,192.00. This equates to $ $3,774.00 per 10 credit point unit (0.125 EFTSL).
These fees are subject to increases annually, effective at the start of each calendar year.
You can find a list of International fees and payments you can expect to pay as part of your studies in Australia.
CDU offers a number of scholarships to international students to assist with the cost of study.
Why study psychology at CDU?
Gain a deeper understanding of human behaviour and make a positive impact on the lives of other people when you study psychology with us. Becoming a psychologist is only one of many potential careers, with graduates finding a wide variety of roles in government organisations, community services, advertising and marketing, preventative health, and more.
- #1 in Australia for psychology employment outcomes (GUG 2024)
- Choose to study online, on campus, part-time or full-time as it suits you
Why study Psychology at CDU?
Gain a deeper understanding of human behaviour and make a positive impact on the lives of other people when you study psychology with us. Becoming a psychologist is only one of many potential careers, with graduates finding a wide variety of roles in government organisations, community services, advertising and marketing, preventative health, and more.
- #1 in Australia for psychology employment outcomes (GUG 2024)
Why study psychology at CDU?
Gain a deeper understanding of human behaviour and make a positive impact on the lives of other people when you study psychology with us. Becoming a psychologist is only one of many potential careers, with graduates finding a wide variety of roles in government organisations, community services, advertising and marketing, preventative health, and more.
- #1 in Australia for psychology employment outcomes (GUG 2024)
- Choose to study online, on campus, part-time or full-time as it suits you
Why study Psychology at CDU?
Gain a deeper understanding of human behaviour and make a positive impact on the lives of other people when you study psychology with us. Becoming a psychologist is only one of many potential careers, with graduates finding a wide variety of roles in government organisations, community services, advertising and marketing, preventative health, and more.
- #1 in Australia for psychology employment outcomes (GUG 2024)
What will I study?
The first year provides a general introduction to psychology and the research methods that underpin psychology. In the first year, students will also cover ethics, indigenous protocols and intercultural sensitivity which are essential skills for psychological practice. In the second year, students will explore the main areas of psychology, such as social and cognitive psychology, in more detail, while in the third year these basic principles will be applied to higher level topics such as abnormal psychology and personality. Throughout the course, there are opportunities for students to take specialist electives.
Course structure
A candidate must successfully complete units totalling 240 credit points (cp) as detailed below. All units are valued at 10 credit points unless otherwise indicated.
| Unit type | Credit Points | Specific requirements |
| Core Units (18 units) | 180cp | Compulsory Core units totalling 180 credit points as detailed below. HSC132 Introduction to Health Promotion |
| Specialist Electives (6 units) | 60cp | Specialist Elective units totalling 60 credit points from the units listed below. HSC119 Counselling Theory and Micro Skills |
| 240cp | Total Credit Points |
Course Rules (unless otherwise indicated in the above course structure) (240cp)
- A maximum of 100 credit points may be taken from 100 level units.
- A minimum of 60 credit points must be taken from 300 level units or above.
- See the Higher Education Course Rules (Award Requirements) in the Units and Courses Policy.
If course commenced prior to 2023:
No more than 20 credit points shall be counted with a grade of "PC" in a Bachelor AQF Level 7 course award and no more than 10 credit points at "PC" may be received at the highest level of the program of learning.
Study plan
STUDENTS COMMENCING IN SEMESTER 1
The Recommended Study Plan provided below is suitable for a student enrolling in a full-time study load. Students entering this course with advanced standing, or wishing to vary their study plan due to work, personal, financial or other reasons should use the table as a guide to create an individual study plan.
When designing an individual study plan:
- maintain the basic order in which units are to be attempted; and
- check the prerequisite and assumed knowledge for each unit as some units assume you have completed foundation unit/s in the unit area at a lower level.
| Legend: | CO = Core Unit | SE = Specialist Elective |
Full-Time Study Plan
| Semester 1 | Semester 2 | ||
| Year 1 | |||
| PSY150 Introduction to Psychology A | CO | PSY151 Introduction to Psychology B | CO |
| HSC132 Introduction to Health Promotion | CO | PSY101 Introduction to Research Skills | CO |
| PSY116 Intercultural Sensitivity and Psychological Communication | CO | IAS142 Ethics and Protocols in Indigenous Contexts | CO |
| Specialist Elective | SE | Specialist Elective | SE |
| Year 2 | |||
| PSY228 Neuroscience and Biological Bases of Behaviour | CO | PSY246 Cognition, Language, and Perception | CO |
| PSY219 Social Psychology | CO | PSY203 Developmental Psychology | CO |
| PSY248 Research Design and Analysis | CO | HSC220 Society, Culture and Health: A Sociological Introduction | CO |
| Specialist Elective | SE | Specialist Elective | SE |
| Year 3 | |||
| PSY307 Theories of Individual Differences and Personality | CO | PSY330 Theories of Learning and Memory | CO |
| PSY365 Applied Community and Health Psychology | CO | PSY337 Advanced Research Design and Analysis | CO |
| PSY356 Motivation and Emotion | CO | PSY363 Abnormal Psychology | CO |
| Specialist Elective | SE | Specialist Elective | SE |
_____________________________________
STUDENTS COMMENCING IN SEMESTER 2
The Recommended Study Plan provided below is suitable for a student enrolling in a full-time study load. Students entering this course with advanced standing, or wishing to vary their study plan due to work, personal, financial or other reasons should use the table as a guide to create an individual study plan.
When designing an individual study plan:
- maintain the basic order in which units are to be attempted; and
- check the prerequisite and assumed knowledge for each unit as some units assume you have completed foundation unit/s in the unit area at a lower level.
| Legend: | CO = Core Unit | SE = Specialist Elective |
Full-Time Study Plan
| Semester 1 | Semester 2 | ||
| Year 1 | |||
| PSY151 Introduction to Psychology B | CO | ||
| PSY101 Introduction to Research Skills | CO | ||
| IAS142 Ethics and Protocols in Indigenous Contexts | CO | ||
| Specialist Elective | SE | ||
| Year 2 | |||
| PSY150 Introduction to Psychology A | CO | PSY246 Cognition, Language, and Perception | CO |
| HSC132 Introduction to Health Promotion | CO | PSY203 Developmental Psychology | CO |
| PSY116 Intercultural Sensitivity and Psychological Communication | CO | HSC220 Society, Culture and Health: A Sociological Introduction | CO |
| Specialist Elective | SE | Specialist Elective | SE |
| Year 3 | |||
| PSY228 Neuroscience and Biological Bases of Behaviour | CO | PSY330 Theories of Learning and Memory | CO |
| PSY219 Social Psychology | CO | PSY337 Advanced Research Design and Analysis | CO |
| PSY248 Research Design and Analysis | CO | PSY363 Abnormal Psychology | CO |
| Specialist Elective | SE | Specialist Elective | SE |
| Year 4 | |||
| PSY307 Theories of Individual Differences and Personality | CO | ||
| PSY365 Applied Community and Health Psychology | CO | ||
| PSY356 Motivation and Emotion | CO | ||
| Specialist Elective | SE | ||
____________________________________________
STUDENTS COMMENCING IN SUMMER SEMESTER
The Recommended Study Plan provided below is suitable for a student enrolling in a full-time study load. Students entering this course with advanced standing, or wishing to vary their study plan due to work, personal, financial or other reasons should use the table as a guide to create an individual study plan.
When designing an individual study plan:
- maintain the basic order in which units are to be attempted; and
- check the prerequisite and assumed knowledge for each unit as some units assume you have completed foundation unit/s in the unit area at a lower level.
Note: There is no advantage to summer semester enrolment as it will still require three years to complete the WPSYS1. Students can complete general electives in summer semester but this will not reduce the completion time.
| Legend: | CO = Core Unit | SE = Specialist Elective |
Full-Time Study Plan
| Semester 1 | Semester 2 | Summer Semester | |||
| Year 1 | |||||
| PSY101 Introduction to Research Skills | CO | ||||
| PSY150 Introduction to Psychology A | CO | ||||
| PSY151 Introduction to Psychology B | CO | ||||
| Specialist Elective | SE | ||||
| Year 2 | |||||
| HSC220 Society, Culture and Health: A Sociological Introduction | CO | PSY246 Cognition, Language, and Perception | CO | ||
| PSY116 Intercultural Sensitivity and Psychological Communication | CO | IAS142 Ethics and Protocols in Indigenous Contexts | CO | ||
| HSC132 Introduction to Health Promotion | CO | PSY203 Developmental Psychology | CO | ||
| Specialist Elective | SE | Specialist Elective | SE | ||
| Year 3 | |||||
| PSY228 Neuroscience and Biological Bases of Behaviour | CO | PSY330 Theories of Learning and Memory | CO | ||
| PSY219 Social Psychology | CO | PSY337 Advanced Research Design and Analysis | CO | ||
| PSY248 Research Design and Analysis | CO | PSY363 Abnormal Psychology | CO | ||
| Specialist Elective | SE | Specialist Elective | SE | ||
| Year 4 | |||||
| PSY365 Applied Community and Health Psychology | CO | ||||
| PSY356 Motivation and Emotion | CO | ||||
| PSY307 Theories of Individual Differences and Personality | CO | ||||
| Specialist Elective | SE | ||||
Entry requirements
Admission criteria
Admission requirements are met by one of the following:
- Successful completion of the Northern Territory Certificate of Education and Training (or equivalent) and the awarding of an Australian Tertiary Admissions Rank (ATAR) of at least 60*.
- Successful completion of a national qualification at Certificate III level or higher.
- Successful completion of at least 0.5 year of full-time study (or equivalent) of a higher education degree/diploma.
- Overseas secondary or tertiary qualifications considered equivalent to the above Australian qualifications.
- Attainment of a STAT Multiple Choice score of 140.
- Successful completion of the Tertiary Enabling Program, the Preparation for Tertiary Success courses, or other recognised tertiary preparation course.
- Submission of an acceptable personal competencies statement and/or employment experience.
- Defence members with service of 1 year or more at the following ranks (or higher) meet the academic entry requirement for this course:
- Navy: Seaman, Able Seaman, Leading Seaman
- Air Force: Aircraftmen/Aircraftwoman, Leading Aircraftman/Aircraftwoman, Corporal
- Army: Private, Lance Corporal, Corporal
- Current School Leaver Pathways:
- Best of 3 Year 12 subject grades
- School recommendation program
* After any applicable adjustment factors have been applied.
International entry pathway
International applicants who have completed the CDU Foundation Studies Program and achieved a minimum mark of 65% in the Foundation English units A and B are eligible to apply.
Essential requirements
English language requirements
DOMESTIC STUDENTS
To gain entry into Charles Darwin University, all Higher Education applicants must satisfy the University's English Language Proficiency Requirements for their chosen course of study. From 2025 all applicants will be required to supply evidence of this at the time of application.
The minimum English language requirement for this course can be met by evidencing of one of the following:
| Year 12 | Successful completion of Year 12 within Australia, or an equivalent qualification from an approved country where English is the official language (refer to our approved standard and extended lists included below). |
| 0.5 FTE Higher Education Study | Successful completion of at least 0.5FTE of higher education study from Australia or an approved country where English is the official language (refer to our approved standard and extended lists included below). If studies were completed from a country on the extended list, they must have been completed within the past five (5) years. |
| CDU Enabling Course | Successful completion of a Charles Darwin University enabling program of at least 0.5FTE (40 credit points). |
| TAFE Qualification | Successful completion of a recognised TAFE qualification at a Certificate III level or higher from Australia. |
| AHPRA Registration | Current AHPRA registration as a Division 1 or Division 2 nurse. Registration must be current at the time of course commencement. |
| English Test^ | Completion of an approved English test within two years of commencement, meeting the minimum scores outlined in the table below. |
^ Minimum Requirements for English Tests:
| Postgraduate requirements | Undergraduate requirements | |
| CDU ELICOS - English for Academic Purposes | Successful completion of EAP004 | Successful completion of EAP003 |
| International English Language Testing System (IELTS) Academic test | Overall minimum: 6.5 No band below: 6.0 | Overall minimum: 6.0 No band below 6.0 |
| Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE) | Overall minimum: 176 No skill below: 169 | Overall minimum: 169 No skill below 169 |
| Pearson Tests of English (PTE) Academic | Overall minimum: 58 No score below 50 | Overall minimum: 50 No score below: 50 |
| Test of English as a Foreign language | Overall minimum: 79 Minimum writing score: 21 | Overall minimum: 60 Minimum writing score: 21 |
IELTS One Skill Retake is accepted, allowing candidates to retake a single skill within 60 days of sitting their initial test. One Skill Retake results are valid for two years from the date of the first test (not from the date of the Retake test) to the date of commencement at CDU.
CDU accepts combined results from two test sittings of IELTS Academic, PTE Academic, or TOEFL, taken within a six-month period, if:
- Both tests were under the same testing system; and
- The overall score in both tests meets the overall minimum; and
- The applicant achieved the section minimum for each section in at least one test.
Recognised English-speaking countries:
| Standard List | Antigua and Barbuda, Australia, Barbados, British Virgin Islands, Canada, Ireland, New Zealand, Singapore, South Africa, United Kingdom, United States of America. |
| Extended List | Bermuda, Botswana, Cayman Islands, Ethiopia, Fiji, Kenya, Malawi, Malta, Mauritius, Seychelles, St Vincent and the Grenadines, Tanzania, Trinidad and Tobago, Vanuatu, Zimbabwe. |
For further details on the English requirements for CDU courses, please refer to the CDU English Language Proficiency Policy.
INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS
To gain entry into Charles Darwin University, all Higher Education applicants must satisfy the University's English Language Proficiency Requirements for their chosen course of study.
The minimum English language requirement for this course is met by either undertaking previous education from an English-speaking country or undertaking one of the following English language tests and obtaining the minimum requirements listed below.
| CDU English for Academic Purposes 3 (ZEAP30) | Successful completion of EAP003 English for Academic Purposes 3 |
| IELTS Academic Module (including One Skill Retake) | A minimum overall score of 6.0 with no band less than 6.0. |
| Cambridge Advanced English (CAE) | A minimum overall score of 169, with no skill below 169. |
| Common European Framework Certificate of English Proficiency | A minimum overall grade of B2. |
| Pearson Test of English (PTE) Academic module | A minimum overall score of 50 with no score lower than 50. |
| TOEFL Internet-based Test (iBT) | A minimum overall score of 60 and a minimum writing score of 21. |
* All tests are valid for two years from the date of the test to the date of commencement at CDU, unless otherwise specified.
* Where applicable, international applicants must also satisfy the Department of Home Affairs (DHA) English language requirements for student visa applications.
Do you have a question regarding English requirements at CDU? Please email: international@cdu.edu.au.
ATAR profile
The following table represents the ATAR and selection rank profile for applicants offered a place on the basis of their ATAR in semester 1, 2024
| ATAR based offers only | ATAR (excluding adjustment factors) | Selection Rank (ATAR plus any adjustment factors) |
|---|---|---|
| Lowest rank to receive an offer | 55.65 | 60.05 |
| Median rank to receive an offer | 67.33 | 72.53 |
| Highest rank to receive an offer | 96.10 | 97.50 |
Notes
"<5" indicates less than 5 ATAR-based offers were made.
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CDU graduates have the best career and employment prospects. International students have ranked CDU 1st in Australia for learning and living experience
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CDU has been doing online study for so long they're really good at it. At CDU, everyone, online and on campus, is just a student.
Michelle
CDU student
CDU graduates have the best career and employment prospects. International students have ranked CDU 1st in Australia for learning and living experience
Hema
CDU student
Course details
Accreditation
This course is accredited by the University in accordance with the Higher Education Standards.
Inherent Requirements
There are inherent requirements for this course. Students must read and understand the requirements for this course.
Australian qualification framework
This course is recognised in the Australian Qualifications Framework at Level 7.
Student profile
The table below gives an indication of the likely peer cohort for new students in this course. It provides data on students that commenced this course and passed the census date in Semester 1, 2024.
| Applicant background (Semester one intake 2024) | No. of Students | % of all Students |
|---|---|---|
| A. Higher education study (includes a bridging or enabling course) | 47 | .0 |
| B. Vocational education and training (VET) study | 21 | .0 |
| C. Work and life experience (Admitted on the basis of previous achievement not in the other three categories) | 10 | .0 |
D. Recent secondary education
(regardless of whether this includes the consideration of adjustment factors such as equity or subject bonus points) | 11 | .0 |
(e.g. portfolio, audition, extra offer conditional on minimum ATAR) | <5 | N/P |
(e.g. special consideration, audition alone, schools recommendation scheme with no minimum ATAR requirement) | <5 | N/P |
| International students | <5 | N/P |
| All students | 89 | .0 |
Notes
"<5" - the number of students is less than 5
N/A - Students not accepted in this category
N/P - Not published: the number is hidden to prevent calculation of numbers in cells with less than 5 students.
Additional information
Contact details
For further information about the course, enrolment procedures, closing dates and other administrative issues please contact Student Central on:
You make CDU
Together we are a positive force for change in our communities and the world.
You make CDU
Our students choose to study with us because we share the same vision – to make a positive change. Whatever your motivation is, we can guide you in the right direction.
You make CDU
Together we are a positive force for change in our communities and the world.
You make CDU
Our students choose to study with us because we share the same vision – to make a positive change. Whatever your motivation is, we can guide you in the right direction.
How to apply
There are many ways to apply to CDU. The method you use depends on your course type, where you live and whether you are a new or returning student to CDU.
Remember to apply early for your best chance at securing an offer to study with us.
SATAC
SATAC is the application channel for residents of NT, ACT, SA, WA, QLD, VIC, NSW or TAS.
MyNextCourse
Direct applications are available to students who have completed a CDU or BIITE course at a Certificate III level or higher. Most CDU and BIITE enabling programs are also accepted through this process.
International applications
Applications must be submitted online through our application portal, Studylink. You'll need a valid email address to create your online account. Once you have started your application, you will be able to save it and resume it later. There is no application fee when you apply online.
You may be able to lodge a direct application; however, there may be restrictions on your geographic location. If you cannot submit a direct application via the application portal, please apply through one of our registered agents.
Apply through StudyLink or through an Agent.
International applicants currently studying year 12 in Australia should apply via SATAC.
If you do not meet any of the criteria above please visit Pathways to study to view the options available to you.
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