Overview
Understand human behaviour and gain the foundations for a career following your passion with a Bachelor of Psychological Studies at Victoria University (VU).
In this psychology course, you’ll learn valuable skills and knowledge that you can use in work, community and personal settings.
Gain a professional understanding of how humans reason, react and relate, covering fascinating topics related to thinking and behaviour, including:
- memory
- learning
- motivation and emotion
- cognition
- lifespan development.
Explore psychological and personality disorders and 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.
With this psychological studies degree that includes 60 hours of work placement, you can choose your career path from a diverse range of areas including community services, marketing, teaching, or employee support and development.
As a psychology graduate, you’ll have the in-demand transferable skills that employers desire, including critical thinking, problem-solving, ethics, communication and respect for diversity.
Less-competitive entry to support your success
Study many of the same subjects as your classmates in the competitive Bachelor of Psychology (Honours) without the need to rely on a high ATAR score.
We look at other aspects to assess your application because 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.
As one of VU’s most popular subjects, psychological studies will see you studying with others in degrees as diverse as law, business and sport.
Gain 60 hours of practical work experience
As a Bachelor of Psychological Studies student, you’ll get the valuable opportunity in your third year of study to complete a fieldwork unit, which includes 60 hours of work placement.
Choose to complete your placement in an organisation that aligns with your area of interest, such as these examples experienced by our students:
- community organisations, such as Autism Camp Australia
- mental health organisations and general practice, such as Orygen and private psychology clinics
- sport-based organisations
- public and private health services
- school settings.
Find out more about VU’s psychology fieldwork program.
Complement your studies with a minor that aligns with your passions
Enjoy combining your psychological studies with an arts or health minor of your choice, such as:
- gender studies
- history
- sociology
- health
- interpersonal organisational skills
- applied health nutrition.
If you prefer a strong focus on psychology, you can choose the interpersonal organisational skills minor, which was designed to complement studies in psychology. You’ll gain hands-on experience in interviewing and active listening, which are basic counselling skills.
Prepare for further study to become a psychologist
If you dream of becoming a clinical psychologist, you can use your Bachelor of Psychological Studies as a step towards further study.
Choose to continue on to one of Victoria University's honours or masters programs:
- honours year in psychological studies
- Master of Applied Psychology (Clinical Psychology)
- Master of Professional Psychology
- Master of Counselling
- Master of Mental Health and Child Mental Health.
Alternatively, you might consider a Master of Teaching (Secondary Education).
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
Your psychological studies degree can help you understand yourself and others, complement other learning and develop your analytical skills.
You’ll be ready to start a career in fields such as:
- welfare
- community services
- human resources
- marketing
- research
- policy-making
- counselling.
You may also choose to continue on to further study to qualify as a teacher, social worker or registered psychologist.
The number of jobs for psychologists is expected to grow strongly over the next five years. As a psychologist, you could be employed in one of several thriving industries including health care, public administration or education.
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:
Year 2, 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
- APP3023
- Credits
- 12
-
- Unit code
- APP3034
- Credits
- 12
-
- Unit code
- APP3035
- Credits
- 12
Plus
12 credit points of Minor studies:
Year 3, Semester 2
-
- Unit code
- APP3028
- 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
- 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. | Exhibit 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. | Exemplify 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. | Exhibit 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.
Inherent Requirements
'Inherent requirements' are the abilities, attributes, skills and behaviours needed to meet the learning outcomes of a course. These should be met while preserving the academic integrity of the university’s learning, assessment and accreditation processes.
You need to be able to demonstrate that you hold, or can acquire, the inherent requirements for this degree.
We may be able to make reasonable adjustments to help you manage circumstances that impact your studies – provided these don't fundamentally change the academic integrity of the degree.
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.
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:
- 20 January 2025
- 24 February 2025
- 28 July 2025
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 through VTAC
Apply through VTAC if any of the following apply to you:
- you are applying for more than one course
- you are completing Year 12 in 2023
- you have an existing VTAC application to study in 2024
VTAC very late applications are due 14 January 2025.
Apply via VTACSpecial Entry Access Scheme
You can apply for consideration of your life circumstances during the application process by submitting a VTAC Special Entry Access Scheme (SEAS) application.
Apply direct to VU
Apply directly to VU if any of the following apply to you:
- you are a current VU student
- you are only applying for this course and are not completing Year 12 in 2023
Direct applications are due on 12 January 2025 for our next intake which starts on 20 January 2025.
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.
