Bachelor of Psychological Science

3 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

University of Tasmania

Program Overview

The Bachelor of Psychological Science at University of Tasmania is a three-year degree focused on understanding human behaviour through scientific thinking and psychological theory. It is ideal for students interested in psychology, mental health, or human behaviour, providing a strong foundation for diverse careers and a pathway toward becoming a registered psychologist.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1
You begin with core foundations in psychology, building essential knowledge of how the brain and behaviour are connected. Units such as Transferable Skills in Psychology, Brain and Behaviour, and Mental Health and Individual Differences introduce key concepts while developing critical thinking and research skills.

Year 2
In the second year, your learning becomes more specialised, focusing on how behaviour develops and how research is conducted. You will study areas such as Social Psychology, Research Skills in Psychology, and Health and Psychological Wellbeing, alongside Behavioural and Cognitive Neuroscience, strengthening both theoretical and analytical understanding.

Year 3
Your final year focuses on advanced and applied psychology, preparing you for professional pathways or further study. You will explore subjects such as Lifespan Developmental Psychology, Clinical Psychology, Forensic Psychology, and Advanced Research Skills in Psychology, while developing deeper research and practical capabilities.

Focus Areas (in a string):

Biological psychology, cognitive neuroscience, social psychology, developmental psychology, clinical psychology, forensic psychology, mental health, research methods

Learning Outcomes (in a string):

Understanding human behaviour through scientific methods, applying psychological theories to real-world contexts, developing research and analytical skills, enhancing critical thinking and communication abilities

Professional Alignment (Accreditation):

This degree forms the first three years of the Australian Psychology Accreditation Council (APAC) pathway, leading to Honours and postgraduate study required for psychologist registration

Reputation (Employability & Outcomes):

The University of Tasmania emphasises hands-on, practical learning with smaller class sizes and personalised support, helping students develop strong employability skills and industry-ready capabilities.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

At University of Tasmania, the Bachelor of Psychological Science is designed to give students meaningful, hands-on experience alongside academic learning. The program integrates research, applied psychology, and practical skill-building, ensuring students understand how psychological concepts work in real-world settings. With a strong focus on research training and applied learning, students gradually build the confidence to design studies, analyse behaviour, and interpret data:

Access to psychology laboratories supporting behavioural, cognitive, and neuroscience research
Training in research design, data collection, and statistical analysis using industry-relevant tools
Progressive development of research skills through units like Research Skills in Psychology and Advanced Research Skills in Psychology
Opportunities to engage in applied learning through real-world case studies and scenario-based assessments
Hands-on experience in designing experiments and interpreting psychological findings
Use of university learning spaces and research environments that support collaborative work
Development of communication and teamwork skills through group-based academic projects

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates of this program develop strong analytical, research, and interpersonal skills, making them well-suited to a wide range of careers. Many move into roles such as community support worker, human resources officer, research assistant, or behavioural support practitioner, while others continue toward becoming professional psychologists:

Career support through university employability services, including career guidance, job-readiness workshops, and networking opportunities
Strong research foundation supporting entry into academic, healthcare, and social sector roles
Pathway toward becoming a registered psychologist through further accredited study (Honours + postgraduate)
Transferable skills applicable across healthcare, education, business, and government sectors
Preparation for roles in mental health, community services, policy, and organisational settings

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