Bachelor of Psychological Science
La Trobe's Bachelor of Psychological Science will prepare you for a career as a professional psychologist, or in a psychology-related field across industries from clinical psychology to human services and marketing.
Course information for: for year 2021 at
Overview
| Award | Bachelor of Psychological Science |
|---|---|
| ATAR range (Melbourne campus) |
55.00 - Lowest selection rank (including adjustment factors) 97.30 - Hghest ATAR offered (excluding adjustment factors) You may be able to boost your ATAR to give you the best possible chance of entry to this course depending on the subjects you've studied, and the marks you've attained. Enter subjects and recalculate ATAR |
| Pathway programs for entry |
Graduate Diploma in Psychological Science, |
| Start dates |
Semester 1 (March 2021), Semester 2 (July 2021) |
| Duration | 3 years full-time or part-time equivalent |
| Prerequisite | English (Please refer to admission requirements for details) |
| Fees and scholarships | Estimated cost per year if studying full time $6,684 (CSP). Learn more about Fees and scholarships. |
| VTAC code |
2100320551 (CSP) |
|
*N/A: Students not accepted in this category, NC: New course, N/P: Not published (includes categories with less than five students). |
|
Understand the human mind and how it drives behaviour.
La Trobe's Bachelor of Psychological Science will prepare you for a career as a professional psychologist, or in a psychology-related field across industries from clinical psychology to human services and marketing.
You'll learn:
- Analytical, research and communication skills
-
- Learn skills that are essential to your future career in psychology.
- Clinical and health psychology
-
- Gain an understanding of how to help people cope with mental and physical disorders.
- Developmental and social psychology
-
- Understand how environmental factors contribute to peoples' psychological makeup.
- Psychological assessment, intervention and research
-
- Become familiar with methods to understand and measure people's psychological state.
- Learn when and how to intervene and how to conduct research.
Sample course structure
Please note, the following course structure is indicative and subject to change depending on your course’s location, offer year or how you tailor your course with specialisations, majors, minors and electives. Structures for the following year are not finalised until October, so the sample provided is based on the most recently approved structure. For more information, please refer to the La Trobe University Handbook.
| Subject name | Subject code | Credit points |
|---|---|---|
| Academic Integrity Module (online)* | LTU0AIM | 0 |
| Wominjeka La Trobe: Indigenous Cultural Literacy for Higher Education (online) ** | ABS0WOM | 0 |
| Experimental Foundations of Psychological Science | PSY1EFP | 15 |
| History, Philosophy and Methodology of Psychological Science | PSY1HPM | 15 |
| Clinical Foundations of Psychological Science | PSY1CFP | 15 |
| Students must select 60 credit points of first year electives offered anywhere within the University. PSY1BNA and PSY1BNB are highly recommended | 60 | |
| Statistics for Psychology | STA1PSY | 15 |
|
Key: * LTU0AIM
is a not-for-credit subject that you are
required to complete at the commencement of your first semester. The subject is
designed to
enhance your knowledge and awareness of issues concerning academic
integrity. |
||
| Subject name | Subject code | Credit points |
|---|---|---|
| Cognition | PSY2COG | 15 |
| Psychological Research Methods | PSY2PRM | 15 |
| Abnormal, Clinical and Health Psychology | PSY2ACH | 15 |
| Developmental Psychology | PSY2DEV | 15 |
| Social Psychology | PSY2SOC | 15 |
| Students must select 45 credit points of second or third year electives offered anywhere within the University. Highly recommended subjects are listed in the following table | 45 | |
| Subject name | Subject code | Credit points |
|---|---|---|
| Clinical Neuroscience and Neuropsychology1 | PSY3CNN | 15 |
| Psychology of Human-Animal Relationships1 | PSY3HAR | 15 |
| Neural Bases of Consciousness1 | PSY3NBC | 15 |
| Close Relationships: Theory and Practice1 | PSY3RTP | 15 |
| Psychology of Culture, Communities and Global Citizenship 1 | PSY3CCG | 15 |
| Understanding and Support of Autism1 | PSY3ASD | 15 |
| Psychology Field Placement | PSY3PFP | 30 |
| Subject name | Subject code | Credit Points |
|---|---|---|
| Psychological Assessment | PSY3PAS | 15 |
| Research Project in Psychology A | PSY3RPA | 15 |
| Psychological Interventions | PSY3PIN | 15 |
| Research Project in Psychology B | PSY3RPB | 15 |
| Students must select 60 credit points of third year electives offered anywhere within the University. Highly recommended subjects are listed in the following table | 60 | |
| Subject name | Subject code | Credit points |
|---|---|---|
| Clinical Neuroscience and Neuropsychology1 | PSY3CNN | 15 |
| Psychology of Human-Animal Relationships1 | PSY3HAR | 15 |
| Neural Bases of Consciousness1 | PSY3NBC | 15 |
| Close Relationships: Theory and Practice1 | PSY3RTP | 15 |
| Psychology of Culture, Communities and Global Citizenship 1 | PSY3CCG | 15 |
| Understanding and Support of Autism1 | PSY3ASD | 15 |
| Psychology Field Placement | PSY3PFP | 30 |
|
Key: 1 These subjects will be available in alternate years and will be available as electives in the second or third year in the Bachelor of Psychological Science. |
||
See La Trobe University Handbook for more details
The Handbook contains detailed course information designed for enrolled students, including course structures, electives and options. The delivery of this course can vary between campuses.
Course details for Melbourne (Bundoora)
To view other campus handbook course details, please select relevant campus in the drop down.
Key features
- Study autism spectrum disorders at the Olga Tennison Autism Research Centre – the first of its kind in Australia.
- Eligible students will access field-placement opportunities through our partnership with the Victorian Department of Health and Human Services.
- Study at a university rated ‘well above world class’ for psychology and ‘above world class’ for neuroscience.1
- Learn from world-leading academics like Professor Cheryl Dissanayake, founding director of Olga Tennison Autism Research Centre.
1 Excellence in Research for Australia (ERA), ERA Outcomes, 2018.
Entry requirements
Prerequisite
VCE: Units 3 and 4: a study score of at least 25 in English (EAL) or at least 20 in English other than EAL.
HSC: One of English Standard, English Advanced (Band 2), English as an Additional Language or Dialect (Band 3).
Meeting minimum prerequisites does not guarantee an offer of a place. Entry into all La Trobe courses is based on competitive selection and there may be limited places available.
Admission criteria
ATAR (Compulsory)
This course uses the ATAR as part of its selection considerations.
| ATAR range (Melbourne campus) |
55.00 - Lowest selection rank (including adjustment factors) 97.30 - Hghest ATAR offered (excluding adjustment factors) |
|---|---|
|
*N/A: Students not accepted in this category, NC: New course, N/P: Not published (includes categories with less than five students). |
|
Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT) (Current year 12 students exempt)
It is recommended that the STAT Multiple Choice test be completed by applicants who have either:
- not completed Year 12 (or equivalent), VET or University studies, or work experience that can be considered for entry; or
- do not meet the minimum entry requirements for the program.
Refer to the STAT webpage for further information.
Work Recognition (Current year 12 students exempt)
Applicants seeking consideration via Work Recognition must complete all requirements listed on the La Trobe University Work Recognition webpage and submit a Personal Statement, including relevant work experience and reasons for applying for this course.
Selection rank adjustments
Subject adjustments
VCE: A study score of 25 in Health And Human Development, any Information Technology, Maths: Mathematical Methods, Maths: Specialist Mathematics or any Science equals 4 aggregate points per study. A study score of 20 in any LOTE equals 4 aggregate points per study. Overall maximum of 12 points.
HSC: Applicants who successfully complete one of the following HSC or equivalent Year 12 subjects will have their selection rank increased by one point per study: Performance Band 3 in Personal Development, Health and Physical Education (PDHPE); Mathematics Extension 1; Mathematics Extension 2; Biology; Chemistry; Earth and Environmental Science; Physics; Investigating Science; Design and Technology; Information Processes and Technology; Software Design and Development; any language other than English (Band 2). Overall, selection ranks can be increased by a maximum of five points.
Special Access Schemes
For information on adjustment factors that may be applicable, such as those through Special Entry and Access Schemes (SEAS) and other La Trobe special access schemes see: Special access schemes
Prerequisite
Subject proficiency: Demonstrated proficiency equivalent to stated Year 12 prerequisites.
Meeting minimum prerequisites does not guarantee an offer of a place. Entry into all La Trobe courses is based on competitive selection and there may be limited places available.
Admission criteria
Entire Academic Record (Compulsory)
This course uses the entire academic record as part of its selection considerations.
Personal Statement
Applicants can complete and submit a Personal Statement if they wish other information to be considered during the selection process. This may include information such as work or community experience or reasons for applying. Applicants may wish to provide other documentation in support of their application.
Work Recognition
Applicants seeking consideration via Work Recognition must complete all requirements listed on the La Trobe University Work Recognition webpage and submit a Personal Statement, including relevant work experience and reasons for applying for this course.
Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT)
It is recommended that the STAT Multiple Choice test be completed by applicants who have either:
- not completed Year 12 (or equivalent), VET or University studies, or work experience that can be considered for entry; or
- do not meet the minimum entry requirements for the program.
Refer to the STAT webpage for further information.
English Language Test Selection
Applicants who have undertaken studies in a language other than English must demonstrate that they have achieved the required minimum scores in the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) (Academic) or equivalent. Refer to Language requirements for further information.
Selection rank adjustments
Special Access Schemes
For information on adjustment factors that may be applicable, such as those through Special Entry and Access Schemes (SEAS) and other La Trobe special access schemes see: Special access schemes
Prerequisite
Subject proficiency: Demonstrated proficiency equivalent to stated Year 12 prerequisites.
Meeting minimum prerequisites does not guarantee an offer of a place. Entry into all La Trobe courses is based on competitive selection and there may be limited places available.
Admission criteria
Entire Academic Record (Compulsory)
This course uses the entire academic record as part of its selection considerations.
Personal Statement
Applicants can complete and submit a Personal Statement if they wish other information to be considered during the selection process. This may include information such as work or community experience or reasons for applying. Applicants may wish to provide other documentation in support of their application.
Work Recognition
Applicants seeking consideration via Work Recognition must complete all requirements listed on the La Trobe University Work Recognition webpage and submit a Personal Statement, including relevant work experience and reasons for applying for this course.
Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT)
It is recommended that the STAT Multiple Choice test be completed by applicants who have either:
- not completed Year 12 (or equivalent), VET or University studies, or work experience that can be considered for entry; or
- do not meet the minimum entry requirements for the program.
Refer to the STAT webpage for further information.
English Language Test Selection
Applicants who have undertaken studies in a language other than English must demonstrate that they have achieved the required minimum scores in the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) (Academic) or equivalent. Refer to Language requirements for further information.
Selection rank adjustments
Special Access Schemes
For information on adjustment factors that may be applicable, such as those through Special Entry and Access Schemes (SEAS) and other La Trobe special access schemes see: Special access schemes
Prerequisite
Subject proficiency: Demonstrated proficiency equivalent to stated Year 12 prerequisites.
Meeting minimum prerequisites does not guarantee an offer of a place. Entry into all La Trobe courses is based on competitive selection and there may be limited places available.
Admission criteria
Entire Academic Record (Compulsory)
This course uses the entire academic record as part of its selection considerations.
Personal Statement
Applicants can complete and submit a Personal Statement if they wish other information to be considered during the selection process. This may include information such as work or community experience or reasons for applying. Applicants may wish to provide other documentation in support of their application.
Work Recognition
Applicants seeking consideration via Work Recognition must complete all requirements listed on the La Trobe University Work Recognition webpage and submit a Personal Statement, including relevant work experience and reasons for applying for this course.
Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT)
It is recommended that the STAT Multiple Choice test be completed by applicants who have either:
- not completed Year 12 (or equivalent), VET or University studies, or work experience that can be considered for entry; or
- do not meet the minimum entry requirements for the program.
Refer to the STAT webpage for further information.
English Language Test Selection
Applicants who have undertaken studies in a language other than English must demonstrate that they have achieved the required minimum scores in the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) (Academic) or equivalent. Refer to Language requirements for further information.
Selection rank adjustments
Subject adjustments
VCE: A study score of 25 in Health And Human Development, any Information Technology, Maths: Mathematical Methods, Maths: Specialist Mathematics or any Science equals 4 aggregate points per study. A study score of 20 in any LOTE equals 4 aggregate points per study. Overall maximum of 12 points.
HSC: Applicants who successfully complete one of the following HSC or equivalent Year 12 subjects will have their selection rank increased by one point per study: Performance Band 3 in Personal Development, Health and Physical Education (PDHPE); Mathematics Extension 1; Mathematics Extension 2; Biology; Chemistry; Earth and Environmental Science; Physics; Investigating Science; Design and Technology; Information Processes and Technology; Software Design and Development; any language other than English (Band 2). Overall, selection ranks can be increased by a maximum of five points.
Special Access Schemes
For information on adjustment factors that may be applicable, such as those through Special Entry and Access Schemes (SEAS) and other La Trobe special access schemes see: Special access schemes
Advanced standing - credit for prior study
Advanced Standing is the recognition of previous study or learning that can be counted towards a qualification. This can reduce the number of subjects required to complete your course. The amount of credit received depends on the level and relevance of your previous tertiary study and the number of subjects completed. The University will designate courses where there is only admission into Year 1 of the course. In these cases, there is limited advanced standing.
To check if this course is available for advanced standing, please visit the Advanced standing webpage.
Defer
Pathways
Compltion awards 60 credit points to the 360 point Bachelor's degree.
Undegraduate Certificate of of Psychological Science
This offers you entry into the field allowing you to develop core knowledge into the principals of the psychological science …
| ATAR: | 65.40 |
|---|---|
| Start dates: | Semester 1 (March 2020), Term 4 (July 2020), Semester 2 (July 2020), Term 5 (September 2020), Term 6 (November 2020), Summer (November 2020) |
| Duration: | 3 years full-time or part-time equivalent |
| ATAR: | 65.40 |
|---|---|
| Start dates: | Semester 1 (March 2020), Term 4 (July 2020), Semester 2 (July 2020), Term 5 (September 2020), Term 6 (November 2020), Summer (November 2020) |
| Duration: | 3 years full-time or part-time equivalent |
| ATAR: | 65.40 |
|---|---|
| Start dates: | Semester 1 (March 2020), Term 4 (July 2020), Semester 2 (July 2020), Term 5 (September 2020), Term 6 (November 2020), Summer (November 2020) |
| Duration: | 3 years full-time or part-time equivalent |
Compltion awards 60 credit points to the 360 point Bachelor's degree.
Diploma of Psychology
This offers you entry into the field allowing you to develop core knowledge into the principals of the psychological science …
| ATAR: | 65.40 |
|---|---|
| Start dates: | Semester 1 (March 2020), Term 4 (July 2020), Semester 2 (July 2020), Term 5 (September 2020), Term 6 (November 2020), Summer (November 2020) |
| Duration: | 3 years full-time or part-time equivalent |
| ATAR: | 65.40 |
|---|---|
| Start dates: | Semester 1 (March 2020), Term 4 (July 2020), Semester 2 (July 2020), Term 5 (September 2020), Term 6 (November 2020), Summer (November 2020) |
| Duration: | 3 years full-time or part-time equivalent |
| ATAR: | 65.40 |
|---|---|
| Start dates: | Semester 1 (March 2020), Term 4 (July 2020), Semester 2 (July 2020), Term 5 (September 2020), Term 6 (November 2020), Summer (November 2020) |
| Duration: | 3 years full-time or part-time equivalent |
Career outcomes
As a graduate, you'll have flexible pathways toward careers that include:
- Clinical psychologist
-
- Assess people's psychological state.
- Diagnose and develop a management plan for treatment and recovery.
- Manage caseloads and referrals.
- Counsel patients, document sessions, report to management and liaise with government departments when necessary.
- Public health worker
-
- Use your knowledge and expertise to support your patients and their communities.
- Monitor people's health, inform, educate and empower people to improve their quality of life.
- Document cases and develop strategies to solve health problems.
- Rehabilitation worker
-
- Work with people suffering from addiction and help them achieve meaning and stability in their lives.
- Youth worker
-
- Work with youth to help them stay healthy, happy and well adjusted.
Professional recognition
The Bachelor of Psychological Science is accredited by the Australian Psychology Accreditation Council (APAC).
Professional registration with the Psychology Board of Australia will require an APAC-accredited fourth year and additional or ongoing requirements beyond the completion of the degree as well as an application to the professional body. Please contact the relevant professional body for details.
Graduates of the Bachelor of Psychological Science may apply for membership with the Australian Psychological Society (APS). Membership may be subject to additional or ongoing requirements beyond completion of the degree. Please contact the relevant professional body for details.
Facts and figures
- Depending on experience, clinical psychologists in Australia can earn as much as A$102,946 per year.1
Fees and scholarships
| 2021 rate | Commonwealth Supported Place |
|---|---|
| Estimated fees per year if studying full-time | AUD $6,684 |
| Estimated amenities fee per year if studying full-time | AUD $308 |
The estimated fees are indicative only. The tuition fees you pay will depend on the subjects you choose to study, with each subject having its own cost. In some cases, your course fees may be higher than the indicated fees because of the subjects you choose.
To get a more accurate estimation, you can use the fee calculator to calculate your course fees and study load (EFTSL: Equivalent full-time study load)
The tuition fees you pay will depend on the subjects you choose to study, with each subject having its own cost. This estimated cost is provided as a guide only – the actual cost will vary depending on:
- the subjects you choose
- the time it takes to do your course based on your study load (full-time/part-time)
- approved credit for prior learning
If part-time study is permitted, your annual fees will be proportionally lower based on the number of subjects taken per semester.
In a Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP), your tuition fees are subsidised by the Australian Government. Your share of the fee (the student contribution), is set each year by the government and is determined by the discipline areas (bands) of your individual subjects, not the overall course.
As a CSP student, you may be eligible to apply for a HECS-HELP loan, which allows you to defer payment of up to 100% of your student contribution.
Scholarships
Scholarships are available for both current and future students. Find out what La Trobe scholarship opportunities might be available to you.
Note: You must first have an offer to study at La Trobe before you are eligible to apply for a La Trobe scholarship.
How to apply
How to apply for a Bachelor's degree at Melbourne and Victorian regional campuses
Note: Some courses start earlier than the standard semester, term or study period date and applications for these courses close one week prior. Always check your course's start date to ensure your application is submitted in time.
Check when course applications close
To find out more about this course and studying at La Trobe:
- ask us a question
- book a one on one consultation
- chat online
- visit our FAQ page
- connect with us on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram
- call us on 1300 135 045
Additional information
You can study this course through our Regional Reward. Learn more.