Bachelor of Psychological Science (BPSYSC) (061357K)

The Bachelor of Psychological Science provides a thorough grounding in psychology. Students study more Psychology courses as they progress through each year of the course. This provides an opportunity to explore other areas of interest in the early years of their degree but achieve a thorough grounding in Psychology by the time they graduate. The result is a balanced education, as well as a specialization in Psychology. The degree includes Psychology units as diverse as Social Psychology (the study of human social behaviour), Biopsychology (the study of the brain), Psychological Assessment (conducting tests of human abilities and skills), and Psychopathology (the study of mental illness). In addition, an optional Major in Counselling or Minor in Criminology is available within the course.

Combining online study with mandatory intensive schools and counselling placements, the Major in Counselling is ideally suited to individuals wishing to gain industry-based experience in a blended learning format. Accreditation for the Major in Counselling is being sought with the Australian Counselling Association (ACA), a national peak association, and Australia's largest single registration body for counsellors and psychotherapists. Upon completion of an ACA accredited award, graduates can apply for professional membership as a Registered Counsellor with this association

Graduates who have achieved sufficient grades in Psychology units are eligible to apply for the Bachelor of Arts with Honours in Psychology or the Graduate Diploma in Psychology (Advanced). Graduates also have a direct pathway into post-graduate study in Counselling at UNE (ie: the Graduate Diploma in Counselling and the Master of Counselling).

The Bachelor of Psychological Science allows students to apply for employment positions that use psychological knowledge. Positions are available in a wide range of public, private and non-profit settings. Examples include human service organizations, employment agencies, counselling services, personnel management, market research, health and community services. For those who want to engage in more specialist work within psychology, the Bachelor of Psychological Science can provide the entry requirement into advanced courses in psychology.

Students who choose to study the optional Major in Counselling within this course have enhanced employment opportunities as Registered Counsellors within the public, private and community counselling, health, education and human services sectors as well as private practice.