Bachelor of Arts (Psychology)

3 Year On Campus Bachelors Program

Deakin University

Program Overview

The Bachelor of Arts (Psychology) at Deakin gives you a deep understanding of why people think, feel, and behave the way they do, while letting you explore your passions in the arts. This program suits curious, creative minds who want to blend science and creativity, building skills that are highly valued by employers worldwide.

Curriculum Structure:
Year 1: You’ll start with the foundations of human behaviour, exploring units like Introduction to Psychology: Human Behaviour and Introduction to Psychology: Individual and Social Development. These first-year studies help you understand core concepts and start applying critical thinking, while also exploring your chosen arts discipline to broaden your perspective.

Year 2: This year is about discovery and research. Units like Psychology Research Methods (Introductory), Developmental Psychology (Child and Adolescent), and Cognitive Psychology give you hands-on experience with experiments and analysis, helping you see how theories translate into real-world understanding. You’ll also continue advancing your arts studies, connecting creative insights with psychological science.

Year 3: In your final year, you dive deeper into specialised areas with units such as Personality Psychology, Psychopathology, and Biological Psychology (Brain and Behaviour). You’ll also have the opportunity to undertake the Psychology at Work (Internship), gaining 140 hours of practical industry experience that strengthens your career readiness and confidence.

Focus Areas: Human behaviour, cognitive processes, social and developmental psychology, arts integration.
Learning Outcomes: Critical thinking, research skills, practical application of psychological knowledge, and strong communication abilities.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation): This degree is recognised by the Australian Psychology Accreditation Council (APAC), meaning it provides the foundation for further study towards becoming a registered psychologist.

Reputation (Employability Rankings): Deakin is the #1 university in Victoria for graduate employment, giving you confidence that your degree opens doors to meaningful career opportunities.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

The Bachelor of Arts (Psychology) at Deakin is designed to turn your curiosity about human behaviour into real, career-ready skills through hands-on experiences. From the start, you'll engage in learning that goes beyond the classroom, combining psychology with an arts major to broaden your perspective and employability. You’ll develop critical thinking, communication, and teamwork skills while gaining practical exposure through industry placements and work-integrated learning. By your final year, you can choose the Psychology at Work internship, giving you direct insight into professional environments and preparing you to step confidently into the workforce:

Psychology at Work (Internship): 140-hour practical industry placement in your final year.
Work-integrated learning: Collaborative projects and research activities that mirror real-world problems.
Team-based learning: Opportunities to work in groups, reflecting workplace collaboration.
International experiences: Exposure to diverse cultural and professional contexts to build global awareness.
Specialist arts projects: Apply critical, creative, and strategic thinking to practical challenges in your chosen arts discipline.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates of Deakin’s Bachelor of Arts (Psychology) leave with a strong blend of scientific insight and practical skills that employers value across industries. You could step into roles such as Human Resources Officer, Research Assistant, Community Support Worker, or Behavioural Consultant, using your understanding of human behaviour and personality to make an impact. The degree equips you to solve problems confidently, communicate effectively, and navigate real-world challenges.

Here’s what this means for you:

Dedicated employability support: Deakin offers lifetime career services, including one-on-one guidance, workshops, and networking events to connect you with employers.
Hands-on experience: The Psychology at Work internship provides 140 hours of practical industry placement, giving you real-world exposure before graduation.
Strong industry partnerships: Collaborations with hospitals, government agencies, and public and private organisations ensure your skills are relevant and in demand.
Accreditation and long-term value: Recognised by the Australian Psychology Accreditation Council (APAC), your degree supports pathways to professional registration as a psychologist.
Graduate outcomes: Deakin is ranked #1 in Victoria for graduate employment, reflecting strong employment prospects for students like you.

Further Academic Progression:
After completing this degree, you can continue your studies with a fourth-year honours or graduate diploma in psychology, preparing you for provisional registration as a psychologist. From there, Deakin offers pathways into advanced programs such as the Master of Psychology (Clinical), Master of Psychology (Organisational), Master of Professional Psychology, or Doctor of Psychology (Clinical), enabling you to pursue a fully registered professional career.