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Overview

Understand the human mind and how it drives behaviour. La Trobe's Bachelor of Psychological Science will prepare you for a career as a professional psychologist, or in a psychology-related field across industries from clinical psychology to human services and marketing. Elective subjects with a choice of minor sequences in Human … For more content click the Read more button below. You'll learn:Analytical, research and communication skillsLearn skills that are essential to your future career in psychology.Clinical and health psychologyGain an understanding of how to help people cope with mental and physical disorders.Developmental and social psychologyUnderstand how environmental factors contribute to peoples' psychological makeup.Psychological assessment, intervention and researchBecome familiar with methods to understand and measure people's psychological state.Learn when and how to intervene and how to conduct research.

Portfolio

Office of the Provost

Course coordinator

Matthew Hale

Location(s)

On-Line

Course instance contact

Matthew Hale

Course duration (full time)

3 years

Course duration (part time)

6 years

Study level

Undergraduate

AQF level

Level 7 - Bachelor Degree

Available only as an exit award

No

Study options

Domestic

Completion requirements

To qualify for the award of Bachelor of Psychological Science, students must complete 360 credit points in total consisting of: 180 core credit points  The remaining 180 credit points can be completed in several ways, for example Electives One major and one minor One major and electives Up to two … For more content click the Read more button below.

Additional explanatory information

The course allows you to complete a major or minor which can be selected from the open-access major and minor list.  Recommended Psychological Science minors are:  

  • Neuroscience 
  • Human relationships

Course structure
360 credit points

Course intended learning outcomes

On successful completion you will be able to:
1.
Acquire, assess, and apply a broad and coherent body of knowledge of psychology, with depth of understanding of underlying principles, theories and concepts
2.
Collect, analyse, and evaluate information and ideas and solve problems using a scientific approach
3.
Demonstrate awareness of cultural differences and show sensitivity to the diversity across people, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, when applying knowledge and skills of psychology
4.
Analyse and critique theory and research in the discipline of psychology and communicate effectively in written and oral formats
5.
Distinguish appropriate values and ethics in psychology
6.
Employ interpersonal skills and teamwork

Course features

Work based learning (placement) requirements

Elective placement opportunities (Work Based Learning)
During this course, you will have the opportunity to participate in a Work Based Learning (WBL) placement experience, designed to allow you to extend your formal academic learning beyond the classroom. The WBL experience will provide the opportunity to bring your learning from the university into a work environment and test out your knowledge in a professional real-world environment. Some courses include compulsory WBL subjects, however, we also offer a range of elective WBL subjects, both cross-discipline and subject-specific. La Trobe University will source placements for some subjects, while others will require you to source your own placement. If you are required to source your own placement, dedicated staff will guide and support you through the process. Elective WBL subjects generally involve an application process and Subject Coordinator approval. The location and number of hours undertaken can vary considerably depending on the activity and the discipline area. Please refer to the individual subject entries for more information. Regional students are eligible to access additional support under the Regional Reward program

Work integrated learning opportunities

Industry presentations, Career development learning

Other opportunities

Student exchange and overseas short programs offer a unique opportunity for a meaningful learning and educational experience abroad. La Trobe University encourages all students to make the world their campus by participating in an exchange or overseas short program that fits within your degree structure.

Career outcomes

As a graduate, you'll have flexible pathways toward careers that include:

  • Clinical psychologist
    • Assess people's psychological state.
    • Diagnose and develop a management plan for treatment and recovery.
    • Manage caseloads and referrals.
    • Counsel patients, document sessions, report to management and liaise with government departments when necessary.
  • Public health worker
    • Use your knowledge and expertise to support your patients and their communities.
    • Monitor people's health, inform, educate and empower people to improve their quality of life.
    • Document cases and develop strategies to solve health problems.
  • Rehabilitation worker
    • Work with people suffering from addiction and help them achieve meaning and stability in their lives.
  • Youth worker
    • Work with youth to help them stay healthy, happy and well adjusted.

Professional recognition

The Bachelor of Psychological Science is accredited with conditions by the Australian Psychology Accreditation Council (APAC). Professional registration with the Psychology Board of Australia will require an APAC-accredited fourth year and additional or ongoing requirements beyond the completion of the degree as well as an application to the professional body. Please contact the relevant professional body for details.

Graduates of the Bachelor of Psychological Science may apply for membership with the Australian Psychological Society (APS). Membership may be subject to additional or ongoing requirements beyond completion of the degree. Please contact the relevant professional body for details.

Partner provider

This course is also available through Open Universities Australia (OUA)

Internal course relationships

Related honours

Bachelor of Psychology (Honours)

External pathways

External pathways into this course