This is your very first step in making the dream come true of becoming a Registered Psychologist.
The program takes an in depth look at our mental processes and helps you understand why people think, feel and behave as they do. The training is scientifically and ethically based to teach you types of behaviour, examine personality and to do formal personality assessments.
- Only a full-time option is available to international students on a Student visa. Online programs are not available to Student visa holders.
- * Estimated tuition fees are based on 2025 rates. Refer to international fees for more information.
- Not all majors/minors and elective options are available at every campus. You should refer to the What Can I Study tab, and the proposed study sequence for your chosen campus and intake for further information.
- ** Subject to successful full-time progression and electives chosen. Applies to the first three years full-time study in the Bachelor of Social Science (Psychology) and Bachelor of Psychology (Honours) Programs only and presumes no break in study or credit transfer.
- ** Subject to successful full-time progression and electives chosen. Applies to the first three years full-time study in the Bachelor of Social Science (Psychology) and Bachelor of Psychology (Honours) Programs only and presumes no break in study or credit transfer.
The program takes an in depth look at our mental processes and helps you understand why people think, feel and behave as they do. The training is scientifically and ethically based to teach you types of behaviour, examine personality and to do formal personality assessments.
You cover theoretical understanding and do practical training in the treatments for abnormal behaviours and psychological disorders. The program gives you high level statistical and research skills and there’s an opportunity to do an advanced research project in your Honours year.
And, the really great news is that when you finish this degree you are eligible to apply for provisional registration with the Psychology Board of Australia. Now, that’s a healthy thought…
Please visit Study in Psychology for more information.
Career opportunities
You can work in many private and government agencies that help people mentally function better, including organisations that work with children, teenagers and adults of all ages. Your skills are in demand in countless areas of life, from health and community care to sporting organisations.
Membership
Graduates are eligible to apply for provisional registration with the Psychology Board of Australia. Graduates are also eligible to apply for entry to psychology postgraduate training programs.
Accredited pathway to becoming a psychologist
Our honours program is an APAC accredited fourth-year course in psychology, giving you a highly recognised qualification and eligibility for registration as a provisional psychologist with the Psychology Board of Australia (PsyBA) *.
Our Master of Psychology (Clinical) is an approved pathway to registration as a general psychologist with PsyBA. If you wish to undertake this program you will need to attain a minimum result of Class 2 (Division 1) honours.
* In order to practise as a psychologist in Australia you must legally be registered with PsyBA.
Program structure
Bachelor
Introductory courses (4)
COR109 Introduction to Screenwriting: The Art of Visual Storytelling
PSY100 Editing for the Communications Professional
PSY101 Writing for Young Adults
PSY102 Creative Writing for the Illustrated Book
Advanced courses (14)
PSY200 Writing the Short Story
PSY201 Writing Poetry
PSY202 Writing Your Novel
PSY203 Creative Writing and Editing for e-Publication
PSY204 Professional Creative Writing Practice B: Industry Engagement
PSY205 Creativity, Design and Communication Project*
PSY300 Communication and Thought
PSY301 Introduction to Psychology A
PSY302 Introduction to Psychology B
PSY303 Current Directions in Psychology
PSY304 Research Methods in Psychology A
PSY305 Research Methods in Psychology B
PSY306 Physiological Psychology
PSY307 Introduction to Human Development
Elective courses (6)
Select 6 elective courses from either faculty (Arts and Business or Science, Health, Education and Engineering).
Honours
Coursework (4)
PSY400 Social Psychology
PSY401 Motivation and Emotion
PSY402 Advanced Methods in Psychology
PSY403 Cognitive and Perceptual Psychology
Dissertation (2)
PSY404 Intercultural and Indigenous Psychologies
PSY405 Personality and Assessment
Note: Not all USC courses are available on every USC campus.
Total units: 384
Recommended study sequences
Program requirements and notes
Program requirements
Requirements for the first 3 Years of the Program:
- Complete 18 required courses
- Complete 6 electives
- Complete no more than 10 introductory (100 coded) courses
- Register any selected Minors with Student Central.
Requirements for the 4th Year of the Program:
Entry to the fourth year of the Bachelor of Psychology (Honours) is based on a student’s grade point average (GPA) in the advanced level (200/300 coded) PSY courses.
- Complete 4 required advanced level (400 coded) courses (48units)
- Complete the Thesis component (48 units)
Program notes
- A minimum GPA of 5.5 must be achieved at the end of third year for a student to be automatically allowed to continue to the fourth year honours component. Students who do not meet this requirement will be exited from the Bachelor of Psychology (Honours) into the Bachelor of Social Science (Psychology) with full credit for all studies successfully completed.
- Completing this program within the specified (full-time) duration is based on studying 48 unit points per semester (normally 4 courses).
- Courses within this program are assessed using a variety of assessment methods including essays, seminar presentations, reports, in-class tests and examinations. Not all courses will necessarily include all methods.
- As part of your USC program, you may apply to Study Overseas to undertake courses with an overseas higher education provider. It is advisable to contact your Faculty Program Advisor to discuss timing and course issues.
- Only a full-time study option is available to international students on a Student Visa.