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.
Minors
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 field placement program
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.
Study overseas while earning course credits
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.
Need some advice?
Request a call back from one of our experienced VUHQ course advisers to get your questions answered.
Request a call backCareers 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.
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.
Course structure and units
First Year Core Units
-
- Unit code
- ABA1003
- Credits
- 12
-
- Unit code
- APP1012
- Credits
- 12
-
- Unit code
- APP1013
- Credits
- 12
-
- Unit code
- APP1015
- Credits
- 12
-
- Unit code
- APP1016
- Credits
- 12
-
- Unit code
- ASX1003
- Credits
- 12
-
- Unit code
- HHB1104
- Credits
- 12
-
- Unit code
- HHH1000
- Credits
- 12
Year 2
Semester 1
-
- Unit code
- APP2013
- Credits
- 12
-
- Unit code
- APS2030
- Credits
- 12
-
- Unit code
- HPP2001
- Credits
- 12
Plus
12 credit points of Minor studies
Semester 2
-
- Unit code
- APP2014
- Credits
- 12
-
- Unit code
- APS2040
- Credits
- 12
Plus
12 credit points of Psychology Elective studies
12 credit points of Minor studies
Year 3
Semester 1
-
- Unit code
- APP3028
- Credits
- 12
-
- Unit code
- APP3035
- Credits
- 12
-
- Unit code
- APP3034
- Credits
- 12
Plus
12 credit points of Minor studies
Semester 2
-
- Unit code
- APP3023
- Credits
- 12
-
- Unit code
- APP3037
- Credits
- 12
Plus
12 credit points of Psychology Elective studies
12 credit points of Minor studies
Psychology Electives
-
- Unit code
- APP3015
- Credits
- 12
-
- Unit code
- APP3016
- Credits
- 12
-
- Unit code
- APP3018
- Credits
- 12
-
- Unit code
- APP3019
- Credits
- 12
-
- Unit code
- APP3020
- Credits
- 12
-
- Unit code
- APP3026
- Credits
- 12
-
- Unit code
- APP3027
- Credits
- 12
Minors
-
- Unit code
- AMIGEN
-
- Unit code
- AMIHIS
-
- Unit code
- AMISLY
-
- Unit code
- HMIHLT
-
- Unit code
- HMIIOS
-
- Unit code
- HMIATN
Achieve more with the VU Block Model
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.
Learning outcomes
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.
Fees & scholarships
Fee type for this course: Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP)
Fee type definitions
The amount you pay for your course depends on whether you’re offered a Commonwealth supported place (CSP) or a full fee-paying place.
Students who enrol in a:
- Commonwealth supported place pay tuition fees that are partly subsidised by the Australian government
- full fee-paying place need to pay the full amount for all enrolled units before census each study period.
In addition to your tuition fees, you may also be charged a Student Services & Amenities Fee (SSAF).
Scholarships & assistance
Apply for a scholarship to help with your study costs.
We can help with fee assistance and advice.
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.
Admission criteria
The minimum criteria for admission varies depending on your education background. If you’re not sure which criteria applies to you, use the help tool on this page or make an enquiry and we can assist.
Applicants with recent secondary education (within the last 2 years)
- Australian Senior Secondary Certificate (e.g. VCE) or
- an Australian or overseas equivalent or
- an International Baccalaureate (IB).
Importance of ATAR for this course
We consider both ATAR and other criteria
ATAR is not a consideration. We use other criteria
Admission criteria
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.
Why is ATAR not applicable?
You will not need an ATAR score to meet the admission requirements for this course. Only the successful completion of your secondary school studies, and any additional prerequisites. Our courses and support programs are designed to prepare students from diverse cultures for success, regardless of their prior experience, ATAR, age, socioeconomic or educational background.
Applicants with vocational education and training (VET/TAFE) study
This information is for people who have completed an accredited award at an Australian Registered Training Organisation.
Admission criteria
Completion of an Australian Advanced Diploma or Diploma (or equivalent).
OR:
Completion of the Certificate IV in Tertiary Preparation (or equivalent).
Applicants with higher education study
This information is for people whose highest level of study since leaving secondary education is a higher education course.
Admission criteria
Full or partial completion of an Australian Higher Education award (or equivalent).
OR:
Completion of two units of Higher Education studies.
OR:
Completion of a bridging or enabling course eg. Foundation course or equivalent.
Applicants with work & life experience
This information is for applicants who left secondary school more than two years ago and who have not undertaken VET or higher education study since then.
Admission criteria
Five years (minimum) work/life experience in Human or Health Services or similar.
OR:
Applicants that completed an Australian Senior Secondary Certificate more than two years ago.
PLUS:
Units 3 and 4: a study score of at least 25 in English (EAL) or 20 in any other English (or equivalent).
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.
Pathways from VU courses
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.
You will be guaranteed entry only.
You will be guaranteed entry only.
You will be guaranteed entry only.
You will be guaranteed entry only.
Find out more about pathways and credits.
Credit for skills and past study
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.
How to apply
Available start dates:
- 31 July 2023
Before you apply
Before applying, you should consider whether you also want to apply for:
- Special admission programs: Depending on your life circumstances you may be eligible for special consideration of your application.
- Advanced standing: If you have significant experience or studies elsewhere you may be eligible for credit for some units of your course and not have to undertake them.
Find out more about applying for our courses.
Apply direct to VU
Direct applications are due on 23 July 2023 for our next intake which starts on 31 July 2023.
Already a VU student?
If you are already a VU student, apply direct to VU using our Admissions centre to transfer into this course. Remember it’s best to be accepted into your new course before withdrawing from your current one.
After you apply
- It’s important to check for emails from us (which may go to your spam/junk folder).
- Complete any requests for information by the given dates, otherwise your application may not be considered
Enquire now
Please fill out the form below, and we'll get back to you shortly.
Get help
- Visit a student service centre
- 1300 VIC UNI (1300 842 864)
- Request a call back
- Visit the glossary
At Victoria University, we aim to display accurate and complete course information online. However, we are unable to guarantee that every course change is currently displayed. You may contact the University directly on +61 3 9919 6100 to confirm the most up-to-date course fees, pathways and credit transfer, recognition of prior learning, admission and enrolment procedures, examinations and services available to our students.
