Australian residents
International students
ATAR:
Not required*
*Offers made in 2022. More about ATAR
Duration: 
4 years full time or longer for part time
Location: 
Footscray Park
Delivery mode: 
In person
Start date:
31 July 2023
Application due dates:
Direct applications are due on 23 July 2023 for our next intake which starts on 31 July 2023.
Apply

Overview

Combine psychology studies with a business specialisation to develop insights into people’s behaviour on an individual and organisational level, in a Bachelor of Psychological Studies/Bachelor of Business at Victoria University.

This double degree will help you apply key psychology principles in the workplace, giving you the confidence and expertise to understand and manage a range of stakeholders from teammates and clients to customers and employers.

Through VU’s Bachelor of Psychological Studies/Bachelor of Business, you’ll learn how to:

  • establish employee development programs
  • advise management on employee relations
  • lead organisational change
  • analyse consumer behaviour.

These skills will help you further your career opportunities within:

  • community service organisations
  • human resource departments
  • marketing research agencies
  • banking and financial institutions
  • government departments.

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 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.

Our strong network within industry means you’ll have plenty of opportunities for sought-after industry-based experience through practical work placements.

If you choose to continue on to postgraduate studies, you’ll be able to take up professional training at VU’s Psychology Clinic, providing discounted psychological services to the community.

You can personalise your learning with both a psychology and business specialisation.

Business specialisations include:    

  • accounting
  • banking and finance
  • financial risk management
  • global logistics and transport
  • human resource management
  • international business
  • international trade
  • management and marketing
  • music industry
  • retail and commerce
  • small business and entrepreneurship.

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 back

VU's Psychology Clinic specialises in cognitive-behavioural therapy and psychodynamic therapy.

Careers in psychology and business

Graduates of VU’s Bachelor of Psychological Studies/Bachelor of Business have the specialist knowledge and confidence to apply psychology principles within organisations.

This double degree leads to employment in several sectors from community services or marketing to finance or government.

Typical roles include:

  • organisational development consultant
  • financial analyst
  • human resources manager
  • marketing officer
  • policy advisor.

Salaries

See the average salary for psychologists in Australia via Labour Market Insights.  

See the average salary for ICT business and systems analysts in Australia via Labour Market Insights. 

Starting salaries for graduates may be different.

Psychology pathway

This course puts you on track to becoming a registered psychologist, with graduates eligible to gain entry into a fourth year of psychology, followed by a master program.

Career focus pays off

Career focus pays off

Sam’s career journey looking for greater employment prospects brought him to VU. He found focus, motivation and support.

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Australian Psychological Accreditation Council (APAC) Accredited Course logo

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

Course structure

To attain the Bachelor of Psychological Studies/Bachelor of Business, students will be required to complete 384 credit points consisting of:

  • 96 credit points of Core First Year studies;
  • 108 credit points of Core Psychological studies;
  • 24 credit points of Psychology Elective studies;
  • 48 credit points of Core Business studies;
  • 96 credit points of specialised studies selected from one of the Business Majors;
  • 12 credit points of Work Integrated Learning studies (APP3028 Fieldwork or BSK3001 Workplace Learning).

First Year Units

Year 2

Plus

12 credit points of Psychology Elective studies

Year 3

Plus

48 credit points of Business Major studies

Year 4

Select 12 credit points from either:

Plus

12 credit points of Psychology Elective studies

48 credit points of Business Major studies

Psychology Electives

Majors

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. Exhibit skills in independent research, theoretical analysis and critical evaluation in psychology and business fields;  
  3. Analyse and reflect upon the application of psychological and business theory in addressing contemporary challenges at an individual, interpersonal and organisational level;  
  4. Interpret and coherently communicate knowledge and ideas using a range of media;  
  5. Employ advanced interpersonal and collaborative skills, consistent with professional, culturally appropriate and ethical practice when working with people from diverse backgrounds;  
  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:

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

ATAR+

We consider both ATAR and other criteria

NA

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.

Special admission programs

Our special admission programs cover a range of access and equity schemes that allow applicants from participating schools or disadvantaged social, economic or cultural environments to receive additional consideration. These include:

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).

Special admission programs

Our special admission programs cover a range of access and equity schemes that allow applicants from participating schools or disadvantaged social, economic or cultural environments to receive additional consideration. These include:

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.

Special admission programs

Our special admission programs cover a range of access and equity schemes that allow applicants from participating schools or disadvantaged social, economic or cultural environments to receive additional consideration. These include:

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, Business, Commerce 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).

Special admission programs

Our special admission programs cover a range of access and equity schemes that allow applicants from participating schools or disadvantaged social, economic or cultural environments to receive additional consideration. These include:

Selection criteria assistance

Let us know which qualifications you have studied and we will help you find the admission information that most applies to you.

Which of the following qualifications have you studied, or are currently studying?

Still not sure? Make an enquiry and one of our advisors can assist.

Student profile

Take a look at a student profile to get an overview of students who have previously enrolled in this course.

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.

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

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.

Apply direct to VU

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

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Get help

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.