The aim of this course is to give you a comprehensive overview of the scientific discipline of psychology and its applications. The course is delivered in accordance with the foundational (level one) competencies for three-year undergraduate psychology programs as specified by the Australian Psychology Accreditation Council (APAC). You will acquire an understanding of the underlying principles, theories and concepts within the discipline. In addition, you will develop knowledge of the range of core research areas that make up the discipline, and an understanding of the methodologies and statistical techniques used by researchers for information gathering and analysis. There will be opportunities for you to explore applied and professional uses of psychology. In addition, you will be introduced to psychological theory, research, and applied and professional uses of psychology in an ethical and culturally responsive context.

Upon completion of this course, you will have a highly marketable qualification. This course is universally acknowledged as an indication of competence and achievement in understanding human thought and behaviour that can be applied in a variety of people-oriented vocations. Graduating with this qualification, however, will not allow you to call yourself a 'psychologist'. This requires further study involving an honours course (4th year of study) and then an accredited Psychology Board of Australia pathway.

Successful completion of an accredited three-year psychology sequence of study will mean you are eligible to apply for a competitive entry position in the 4th year of study through our honours course (CC42). Honours level study will prepare you for either the coursework necessary for conditional registration as a psychologist in Australia and/or research higher degree studies in psychology.

If you have successfully completed the first year of the course, but do not wish to continue in the course you may request to exit the course with a Diploma in Behavioural Science.

Note: If you already have an existing bachelor's degree and wish to obtain an accredited three-year psychology sequence, consider enrolling in CF59 Bachelor of Science (Psychology).

Professional Recognition

The CQUniversity Bachelor of Psychological Science is accredited by the Australian Psychology Accreditation Council and as such, successful completion of this course will mean that you are qualified to apply for an APAC accredited 4th year honours course in Psychology.

Career Outcomes

Not everyone with a psychology degree goes on to work as a psychologist and people with a psychology degree are employed in a wide band diverse range of areas including:

• management
• industry
• child safety officer
• clinical work
• counselling
• neuropsychology
• child development
• education
• forensic
• health
• coaching
• school guidance officer

In order to use the title Psychologist, you must first take a 4 year honours level course, such as our Bachelor of Psychological Science (Honours) and then either seek work based training or apply for admission onto a specialised higher degree.