Bachelor of Psychological

3 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

University of New South Wales

Program Overview

The Bachelor of Psychological Science at University of New South Wales is a three-year accredited degree that explores how the brain works, why people think and behave the way they do, and how psychology applies to real-world issues. It is ideal for students interested in mental health, human behaviour, or careers in psychology, business, or healthcare, offering both scientific foundations and practical application of psychological principles.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1
You begin with a strong scientific foundation in psychology, building core knowledge about human behaviour and research methods. You will explore introductory concepts through units such as Psychology 1A, Psychology 1B, and Measuring Mind and Behaviour, which help you understand how psychological data is collected and interpreted.

Year 2
In the second year, your learning becomes more specialised, focusing on key domains of psychology. You will study areas such as Social and Developmental Psychology, Perception and Cognition, and Learning and Physiological Psychology, gaining insight into how people think, learn, and interact in different environments.

Year 3
Your final year deepens your expertise and prepares you for real-world application or further study. You will engage with advanced topics like Clinical and Cognitive Neuroscience, Health Psychology, and Multivariate Data Analysis for Psychology, alongside opportunities such as Psychology Work Placement, allowing you to apply your knowledge in practical settings.

Focus Areas (in a string):

Biological psychology, cognitive psychology, developmental psychology, social psychology, abnormal psychology, forensic psychology, mental health, research methods

Learning Outcomes (in a string):

Understanding human behaviour and mental processes, applying psychological theories to real-world issues, developing research and analytical skills, enhancing communication and critical thinking abilities

Professional Alignment (Accreditation):

Accredited by the Australian Psychology Accreditation Council (APAC), forming the first step toward becoming a registered psychologist

Reputation (Employability & Rankings):

Ranked #2 in Australia and among the top globally for psychology (QS World University Rankings by Subject 2025), with strong employability outcomes and recognition for producing future-ready graduates

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

At the University of New South Wales, the Bachelor of Psychological Science is designed to go beyond theory, giving students hands-on exposure to how psychology works in real-world contexts. Throughout the program, students actively engage in research, data analysis, and applied psychology tasks using industry-relevant tools and facilities. From early exposure to research methods to advanced data analysis and optional work placements, the program ensures students build practical, job-ready skills:

Access to dedicated psychology research laboratories for behavioural and cognitive experiments
Training in statistical analysis using software such as SPSS and other research tools
Participation in real psychological research studies and experiments
Opportunity to undertake Psychology Work Placement in the final year
Use of advanced facilities within the School of Psychology, including computer labs and experimental spaces
Development of research projects involving data collection, analysis, and interpretation
Exposure to interdisciplinary applications of psychology across health, business, and society

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates from this program develop a strong foundation in understanding human behaviour, analytical thinking, and research skills, opening pathways across multiple industries. Many students pursue careers in roles such as psychology assistant, human resources officer, behavioural analyst, or research assistant, while others continue towards professional psychology pathways:

Career support through UNSW Employability services, including career coaching, workshops, and job readiness programs
Access to internships and industry connections through university partnerships
Pathway to becoming a registered psychologist through further accredited study (Honours + postgraduate)
Strong global recognition of UNSW graduates, enhancing employability across sectors
Transferable skills applicable in business, healthcare, education, and government sectors

Further Academic Progression:
After completing this degree, students can progress to an Honours year in Psychology, which is required for professional accreditation pathways. This can then lead to postgraduate programs such as a Master of Psychology (Clinical, Educational, or Organisational) or research degrees like a PhD, ultimately enabling registration as a professional psychologist.