Australian residents
International students
Intakes: 

2023: February, May, July

Duration: 
3 years
Location: 
Footscray Park
Fees: 

2023: A$15,500*
* fee per semester

Application due dates:
We are currently accepting applications for this course.
Apply

Overview

Understand human behaviour – how we reason, react and relate – through studies in psychology, one of Victoria University’s most popular subjects.

In this psychology course you’ll study everything to do with people - from why we behave in the way that we do, to the different ways we communicate in our relationships.

Our Bachelor of Psychological Studies covers fascinating topics related to thinking and behaviour, including memory, learning, motivation and emotion. You'll explore pyschological and personality disorders, and come to understand the importance of sleep, healthy living, and stress management. By exploring different approaches to counselling, you'll develop a deep understanding of the strengths and limitations of clinical practice.

You'll have the opportunity apply your learning in a community, government service or education setting, through our placement program.

Our psychology degree will prepare you for a career in diverse areas including community services, marketing, employee support and development, or teaching.

This accredited psychology degree allows you to combine studies in psychology with an arts or health minor of your choice. Minors include:

  • gender studies
  • history
  • sociology
  • health
  • interpersonal organisational skills
  • applied health nutrition.

The interpersonal organisational skills minor was designed to complement studies in psychology. You’ll gain hands-on experience in interviewing and active listening i.e., basic counselling skills.

You’ll also gain skills in working within groups to further your understanding of how organisations work. Regardless of what career you pursue, skills in working with individuals and groups will be important for your professional development.

Psychology students complete a fieldwork unit, which gives you the opportunity to gain experience in a field related to your studies.

Students have completed placements within:

  • the Department of Health and Human Services (Child Protection)
  • family and carer support services
  • arts and cultural organisations
  • refugee and asylum seeker support services
  • public and private health services
  • school settings.

At VU you can spend part of your degree studying overseas all while gaining credits towards your course.

Immerse yourself in a new culture and learn from a new perspective, while building experiences that will help you to stand out in the competitive job market.

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Careers in psychology

A degree in Psychological Studies can help you understand yourself and others, complement other learning and develop your analytical skills.

You can start a career in fields such as:

  • welfare
  • community services
  • human resources
  • marketing
  • research
  • policy-making
  • counselling.

You can also undertake further study to qualify as a teacher, social worker or registered psychologist. As a psychologist, you could be employed in one of several thriving industries including health care, public administration or education.

Salaries

See the average salary for psychologists in Australia via Labour Market Insights. Starting salaries for graduates may be different.

Placement in VU's Psychology Clinic

If you continue on to postgraduate studies in psychology, you will work with clients in the VU Psychology Clinic. The Clinic provides discounted psychological services to the community.

Assessment and treatment for anxiety, learning difficulties and difficult life events are provided by provisional psychologists who are supervised by experienced clinical psychologists.

Employment growth

More people are reaching out to psychologists and counsellors, as the benefits of cognitive therapy and psychoanalysis over traditional practices and medication become evident.

Australian Psychological Accreditation Council (APAC) Accredited Course logo

Our Bachelor of Psychological Studies is accredited by the Australian Psychological Accreditation Council (APAC).

Course structure

To attain the Bachelor of Psychological Studies, students will be required to complete 288 credit points, consisting of:

  • 96 credit points of Core First Year studies;
  • 120 credit points of Core Psychology studies;
  • 24 credit points of Psychology Elective studies, and;
  • 48 credit points of Minor studies.

First Year Core Units

Year 2

Semester 1

Plus

12 credit points of Minor studies

Semester 2

Plus

12 credit points of Psychology Elective studies

12 credit points of Minor studies

Year 3

Semester 1

Plus

12 credit points of Minor studies

Semester 2

Plus

12 credit points of Psychology Elective studies

12 credit points of Minor studies

Psychology Electives

Minors

We are the first Australian university to use a 'block' model of learning, where you study one unit at a time rather than juggling several at once.

Introduced in 2018, the VU Block Model has improved our student results and achievements, and has won awards for innovation and excellence. Initially for first-year students, it now applies to all students studying at our Melbourne campuses.

You'll study in short bursts, called blocks, of three 2-3 hour face-to-face teaching sessions per week.

Each block focuses on one unit (subject) and is only four weeks long, with up to four days between. Our two semesters have four blocks each, and there are optional blocks over winter and summer where you can catch up on a missed unit.

Some courses have labs and pracs too, and these are generally scheduled on the same days as teaching sessions. There are also workshops where you'll develop your study skills and prepare for your future career.

Find out more about the VU Block Model.

On successful completion of this course, students will be able to:

  1. Elucidate and apply a broad knowledge of psychological theory and social research methods;  
  2. Exercise skills in independent research, theoretical analysis and critical evaluation in psychology and health;  
  3. Critically reflect on how broader systemic factors have an impact on and help inform human behaviour and wellbeing;  
  4. Exhibit advanced interpersonal and collaborative skills, consistent with professional, ethical and culturally sensitive practice, when working with people from diverse backgrounds;  
  5. Interpret and coherently communicate knowledge and ideas using a range of media; and  
  6. Demonstrate independence, self-reflection and creativity to meet goals and challenges in professional and academic pursuits.  

What's a unit?

A unit or 'subject' is the actual class you'll attend in the process of completing a course.

Most courses have a mixture of compulsory 'core' units that you need to take and optional elective units that you can choose to take based on your area of interest, expertise or experience.

Credits

Each unit is worth a set amount of study credits based on the amount of time you study. Generally, 1 credit is equal to 1 hour of study per week.

Admissions

Victoria University is committed to providing a transparent admissions process. Find out more about how to apply for our courses, and our commitment to admissions transparency.

Applicants for this course will need to have met the academic requirements and prerequisites for this course outlined below.

Meeting the minimum admission criteria does not guarantee entry into this course. Past academic performance may be considered.

Entry requirements

Completion of an Australian Senior Secondary Certificate (VCE or equivalent) including Units 3 and 4: a study score of at least 25 in English (EAL) or 20 in any other English (or equivalent).
OR:
Completion of an Australian Advanced Diploma or Diploma (or equivalent).
PLUS:
IELTS (or equivalent): Overall score or 6.0 (with no band less than 6.0 in Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking).
OR:
Completion of a Foundation course or equivalent.

Find out if you meet the entry requirements, including English language and academic requirements.

Pathways & credits

There are many ways you can start your education journey at VU. Pathways offer an easy transition between courses at different levels, so that you can start with a certificate and progress right through to postgraduate study.

If you have completed any of the following course(s), you will be guaranteed a place in this course. In some cases you may receive credit for your previous study, reducing the time it takes to complete your course.

Certificate IV in Mental Health CHC43315

You will be guaranteed entry only.

Foundations at VU JYAC

You will be guaranteed entry only.

International Foundations at VU (Extended) JQAH

You will be guaranteed entry only.

International Foundations at VU JQAG

You will be guaranteed entry only.

Find out more about pathways and credits.

Use our credit calculator to find out how much credit you could get towards your course, based on your previous study.

If you have completed study with another university or institution and believe you are eligible to receive credit for skills and past study, you can apply for advanced standing.

Applications for advanced standing can be made after a discussion with your course chair or academic adviser.

Credit Calculator

Find out how much credit you could get towards your course, based on your previous study.

CALCULATE YOUR CREDIT

How to apply

We are currently accepting international applications, and we welcome you to apply for this course.

Click 'apply' to begin, and we will guide you through the application process.

Apply

If you have questions, please get in touch:

Information and fees listed above are for non-resident students. Fees are accurate at the time of viewing and will be subject to annual increases. Some courses require students to purchase equipment or clothing that they will need in the course. These equipment or clothing costs are not included in the course fees listed above – check your Letter of Offer for an estimate on non-tuition-fee-related expenses.

VU takes care to ensure the accuracy of this course information, but reserves the right to change or withdraw courses offered at any time. Please check that course information is current with the Student Contact Centre.