Deakin University's Bachelor of Psychological Science covers many aspects of human behaviour and personality, and prepares students for a range of careers in the fast-growing health sector. The course also sets them up to pursue further study towards provisional registration as a psychologist. They will have the option of undertaking 140 hours of real-world experience with an industry placement that strengthens their employment prospects and helps them graduate work-ready.
The flexible trimester system means students can fast-track the course over two years of full-time study. Deakin University is also the only university in Victoria where students can study specialist psychology majors during their undergraduate degree, so they can pursue their interests early on with a major in Child and Family, Organisational Studies or Forensic Studies.
Deakin University’s School of Psychology is one of the largest in Victoria. It has strong partnerships with industry, including collaborative activities with government agencies, public and private organisations, hospitals and other universities. These partnerships ensure that the degree remains relevant to industry and workforce needs. Students will be in high demand by employers who want graduates that are ready to face real-world problems with confidence.
This course recognises the importance of, and relationships between, a range of human factors students will encounter in their future career. They will explore diverse areas of psychology, including:
- behavioural and clinical neuroscience
- child and adolescent psychology
- human social behaviour
- cognitive psychology
- forensic psychology
Students will also have the opportunity to develop their counselling and coaching skills through a suite of specialised elective units, or further explore topics including addiction and cognitive neuroscience.
The Bachelor of Psychological Science is recognised for registration purposes by the Psychology Board of Australia and enables them to undertake additional study in pursuit of professional registration as a psychologist. The course is also accredited by the Australian Psychology Accreditation Council (APAC).
If students want to become a psychologist, this course is a pathway to a fourth year of study (honours or graduate diploma level). After completing a fourth year of study, they will be eligible to apply to register as a provisional psychologist. Students wishing to become fully registered psychologists can then apply to continue their studies by undertaking one of the following:
- Master of Psychology (Clinical)
- Master of Psychology (Organisational)
- Master of Professional Psychology
- Doctor of Psychology (Clinical).
