A Bachelor of Psychological Studies is an undergraduate degree that provides students with a thorough grounding in the scientific study of human behaviour, cognition, emotion, and mental health. The course is designed to develop an integrated understanding of how people think, feel, and act — individually and within social and cultural contexts — using psychology as an empirically based science. Students explore a wide range of psychological disciplines, including social psychology, developmental psychology, cognitive psychology, abnormal psychology, neuropsychology, and personality theory, gaining both theoretical knowledge and applied skills. Most Australian programs are accredited by the Australian Psychology Accreditation Council (APAC), making them a recognised first step on the pathway to professional registration as a psychologist.

This degree suits a diverse range of students — from school leavers passionate about understanding people, to graduates from other fields seeking an accredited psychology qualification. Some institutions offer a 'Graduate Entry' version of the degree specifically designed for those who already hold a bachelor's degree in another discipline and wish to pivot into psychology. The course prepares students for careers across mental health, community services, human resources, education, marketing, research, and public policy. Employers who hire psychology graduates include public hospitals, private psychology clinics, community health centres, government agencies, schools, corporate organisations, and not-for-profit services.

Upon completion of a three-year bachelor's degree, graduates may choose to enter the workforce directly in a range of support and coordination roles, or continue their education through an Honours year and then a postgraduate Masters or Doctorate program to pursue registration as a psychologist with the Psychology Board of Australia. This pathway is essential for those wishing to practise as a registered clinical, organisational, forensic, or educational psychologist in Australia.

For domestic students entering directly from Year 12, most Australian universities require completion of an Australian Year 12 qualification (or equivalent) with an ATAR typically ranging from around 65 to 85 depending on the institution and location. Some universities have no minimum ATAR requirement and assess applications holistically, considering educational achievements, work experience, and personal attributes. English language is generally required, with most programs asking for a minimum study score in English (e.g., a VCE study score of at least 25 in English or equivalent). Applicants may also be assessed via the Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT) if they do not hold a recent Year 12 qualification. Non-school leavers can have previous qualifications, TAFE study, and professional experience assessed as equivalent entry criteria. Many universities also offer pathway or enabling programs for students who do not initially meet the standard requirements.

For international students, English language proficiency is typically demonstrated through IELTS (Academic), with a common minimum overall band score of 6.5 (with no sub-score below 6.0), or equivalent scores in TOEFL, PTE Academic, or Cambridge English. Some programs may require higher scores for clinical or placement-focused components. Graduate Entry versions of the Bachelor of Psychological Studies require applicants to hold a completed bachelor's degree in a discipline other than an Australian-accredited psychology program, and may also require completion of prerequisite or qualifying topics in introductory psychology before commencing second-year units. Prior to undertaking clinical or placement components, students may also be required to obtain a Working With Children Check and a Nationally Coordinated Criminal History Check.