Bachelor of Psychological Science

An exploration of the workings of the human mind is not just fascinating – it is key to understanding what motivates us and how we act, learn and relate to others.

The Southern Cross University Bachelor of Psychological Science takes students on a journey through the brain to dissect behavior and cognition, and equip you with a grounding in psychological principles and theory.

You will develop strong analytical and problem-solving skills, as well as proficiency in research and statistics, to ensure you are able to apply scientific approaches in professional settings.

Graduates will have opportunities for a career in a broad range of fields concerned with human behavior including human services and social sciences or continue with further study towards registration as a clinical psychologist.

Career Opportunities

In government departments, particularly those connected with health, social and disability services, youth services, corrective services, the armed services, research agencies such as the CSIRO, and in education. Private industry is also a large employer of those with psychology degrees who receive further specialized training for work in management, human resources, and corporate consultancy services.

Professional Recognition

The course has Australian Psychology Accreditation Council (APAC) accreditation for entrance into postgraduate training.

Major Areas of Study

The course aims to equip students with analytical skills in solving human, organizational and community-wide problems; competency in the design of research and interpretation of research findings; and a comprehensive understanding of statistical methods.

The structure moves from basic theory to application, with a strong emphasis on acquisition of an understanding of the scientific principles leading to effective professional practice. Some second and third-year units involve applied skills (e.g. personal reflection, demonstration of testing methods and other assessment techniques and methods for facilitating behavior change) while others emphasize areas in experimental psychology, statistics, and research methods.

Assessment methods

The assessment methods used in this course vary from unit to unit and may include written assignments, oral presentations, research papers, video or audio presentations, and written examinations.

Teaching methods

On-campus students experience a variety of teaching approaches including lectures, tutorials, online activities and video-linked or podcast virtual classes. The method of teaching may vary from unit to unit. All of the core units are taught in converged delivery mode and are available to online students.

Facts, figures, rankings and awards

Southern Cross University is a progressive, young and connected regional research university, with vibrant campuses in northern New South Wales and the southern Gold Coast. We offer undergraduate and postgraduate degrees and many are available in a dynamic online form. Whether studying on-campus, online, or both, we deliver exciting, contemporary and high-quality learning experiences.

Why SCU?

Times Higher Education Young University Rankings 20Bold, progressive and just 23 years of age – Southern Cross University is one of the Asia-Pacific’s Top 100 Universities and one of the world’s Top 50 Generation Y Universities .

Our contemporary campuses, with purpose-built state-of-the-art facilities, are located on the east coast of Australia, at the Gold Coast in Queensland, and in Lismore and Coffs Harbour in New South Wales. All are unique regions renowned for their natural beauty and ecological diversity, providing living laboratories for learning and creative hubs for artistic endeavour.

Branch campuses in Sydney, Melbourne and Perth are operated in collaboration with EduCo on behalf of Southern Cross University. The University also operates The Hotel School Sydney and Melbourne in partnership with Mulpha Australia. We also deliver degrees with collaborators in China, Papua New Guinea and New Zealand.

We have a large and diverse range of courses available online, offering interactive and immersive learning experiences wherever our students are.

Whether studying on-campus, online, or both, we deliver exciting, contemporary and high-quality learning experiences.

We aim to produce graduates who are career ready, world ready and digitally literate, and who experience an academic environment distinctive for its personal approach.

The University has a strong focus on industry and community collaboration to produce engaged teaching and research outcomes.

This connectivity is seeing Southern Cross University lead the $13.8m national Farming Together Pilot Program, partnering with the Northern Rivers Co-operatives Alliance and the Australian Government. The University has also introduced an important new Centre for Organics Research with the NSW Department of Primary Industries.

In the latest Excellence in Research for Australia report, Southern Cross achieved outstanding ratings of 'at world standard' or above in 24 research fields. In nine research fields, the University was evaluated at the highest possible classification of 'well above world standard'. This was achieved in the fields of Geochemistry, Oceanography, Environmental Science and Management, Zoology, Agricultural and Veterinary Sciences, Crop and Pasture Production, Forestry Sciences, Nursing, Complementary and Alternative Medicine.

Campuses

Southern Cross University is a vibrant, contemporary Australian university with beautiful campuses on the Gold Coast, Lismore and Coffs Harbour.

Sydney, Melbourne and Perth branch campuses (International students)

Southern Cross University's branch campuses at Sydney, Melbourne, and Perth are conveniently located in the central business districts.

Studying at SCU Sydney, Melbourne or Perth gives international students the opportunity to complete undergraduate or postgraduate degrees in three of the world's most liveable cities. Southern Cross University collaborates with EduCo Sydney Branch Pty Ltd for the operation of the SCU Sydney, Melbourne and Perth branch campuses.