Bachelor of Psychological Science

James Cook University

CRICOS Institution Code 00117J

Duration

156 weeks

Delivery

On-campus

Study Load

Full time / Part time

Intakes

Townsville: February

Course Overview

About This Course

Gain expertise in analytical thinking and scientific research methods relevant to a broad range of careers and further study. Study a core program in Psychology along with additional electives to suit your interests. Choose from a range of specialised subjects, including forensic psychology, memory and cognition, cognitive neuroscience, psychopathology, intercultural psychology, and social psychology. Your knowledge of psychological theory is highly applicable to professional practice in numerous areas including behaviour insights, marketing, experimental science, data interpretation and more. Combine this degree with business to broaden your skillset. JCU Psychological Science graduates are innovative, critical thinkers who are widely-skilled and contribute valuably in their chosen fields. IMPORTANT Please view the full six year pathway to becoming a Clinical Psychologist here. To be eligible to enrol into the 4th year Bachelor of Psychological Science (Honours) [End-on] you must:Complete of an AQF level 7 bachelor degree that includes an APAC-approved three-year sequence in psychology, completed in the past 10 years with a 5.5 GPA; or an APAC-approved bridging degree that includes foundational competencies, completed in the past 10 years with a 5.5 GPA; or equivalent. To be eligible to enrol in the 4th year Graduate Diploma of Psychology you must:Complete of an AQF Level 7 bachelor degree that includes an Australian Psychology Accreditation Council approved three-year sequence in Psychology completed within the past 10 years; and a minimum program GPA of 5.0; or Completion of an Australian Psychology Accreditation Council approved bridging degree that achieves foundational competencies within the past 10 years; and a minimum program GPA of 5.0; or Other qualifications recognised by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor of the Academy as equivalent to the above.

Where You Can Study

Available Locations

Brisbane

349 Queen St, BRISBANE, QLD 4000

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Student Information

Fees & Entry by Student Type

Provider's Published Fee

$9,536+ per year (Commonwealth Supported Place)

Duration

156 weeks

Intakes

Townsville: February

Study Mode

Full time / Part time

Eligibility

Entry Requirements

General Requirements

Domestic Students:

ATAR 64
English (Units 3/4,C)
Alternate Pathways

International Students:

English (Units 3/4,C)
English language requirements: Band 1
If your native language is not English, you must meet the minimum English language requirements for this course
View the international entry requirements for this course

Additional Requirements:

Applicants of non-English speaking backgrounds must meet the English language proficiency requirements of ”Band 1” – Schedule II of the JCU Admissions Policy
Information published by JCU or otherwise made available to students when applying, may specify additional criteria to be considered in ranking applicants in order of merit if the number of applications exceeds a quota or other limit on the places made available for the course. Information provided by applicants during the application process and any other information obtained by JCU in the application process may be used by JCU to rank applicants in order of merit by reference to those additional criteria

Career & Study Pathways

Where this takes you

Career Opportunities

JCU Psychological Science graduates are sought-after professionals who excel in their chosen fields.
Graduates pursue careers in areas including private practice, academic and applied research settings, counselling services, law courts, police and defence forces, prisons, hospitals, and schools.
With further study, you could find employment as a clinical psychologist, counselling psychologist, educational psychologist, forensic psychologist, occupational psychologist or psychotherapist.
To become eligible for registration as a psychologist with the Psychology Board of Australia, you are required to complete a minimum six-year sequence of education and supervised training.
View the handbook for professional accreditation requirements.

Quality & Recognition

Accreditation & Migration

Academic Regulator

TEQSA

Professional Body

Australian Psychology Accreditation Council (APAC)

Accreditation Status

Accredited

Skills Assessor

Australian Psychological Society (APS)

Course Content

Units of Competency

All Units26 units

PY1101

Exploring Psychology 1

PY1102

Exploring Psychology 2

PY1103

Critical Thinking in Psychology

RH1002

Communication Skills for Health Professionals

PY2103

Introduction to Scientific Approaches in Psychology

PY2107

Conducting and Interpreting Experimental Studies in Psychology

PY2111

Learning Processes, Behaviour and Performance

PY2112

Memory and Cognition

PY2101

Behavioural Neuroscience

PY2106

Developmental Psychology

PY3101

Conducting and Interpreting Non-Experimental Studies in Psychology

PY3102

Social Psychology

PY3103

Psychopathology

PY3107

Psychological Assessment

PY3108

Personality Psychology

PY2018

Population Mental Health

PY2104

Health Psychology

PY2109

Environmental Psychology

PY2110

Intersections of Psychology and Law: Forensic Psychology

SP2207

Exercise Behaviour

PY3104

Principles of Counselling

PY3105

Workplace Psychology

PY3106

Historical Foundations of Modern Psychology

PY3109

Cognitive Neuroscience

PY3201

Applied Psychology Internship

PY3202

Applied Psychology Project

Common Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

What specialised subjects can I study in the Bachelor of Psychological Science at JCU?

You can choose from a range of specialised subjects including forensic psychology, memory and cognition, cognitive neuroscience, psychopathology, intercultural psychology, and social psychology, in addition to the core program in Psychology and additional electives to suit your interests.

What are the entry requirements for this course?

The minimum adjusted ATAR required for entry is 64, and you must have completed English (Units 3/4, C). Alternatively, you can gain entry through JCU Prep, or through successful completion of some Certificate III, Certificate IV or AQF Diploma qualifications.

Can I continue to Honours or postgraduate study after completing this degree?

Yes. The Bachelor of Psychological Science (Honours) is available for high-achieving students and consists of extra study and the development of a personal research project and thesis. To be eligible, you must have completed an AQF level 7 bachelor degree that includes an APAC-approved three-year sequence in psychology in the past 10 years with a 5.5 GPA. A Graduate Diploma of Psychology pathway also exists with a minimum program GPA of 5.0.

How do I become a registered psychologist after completing this degree?

To become eligible for registration as a psychologist with the Psychology Board of Australia, you are required to complete a minimum six-year sequence of education and supervised training. JCU offers a full pathway including Honours and Master-level degrees available to those wishing to pursue clinical or professional psychology practice.

What are the fees for this course and are there scholarships available?

The estimated annual Commonwealth Supported fee is AUD $10,580 for a full-time study load, and the estimated annual tuition fee is AUD $33,133. Fee deferral options (HECS-HELP or FEE-HELP) and a variety of scholarships are available to eligible students. A Student Services and Amenities Fee is also required. These fees are for 2026 and are subject to change in following years.

Application

How to Apply

Three simple steps to get enrolled

Step 01

Enquire

Click "Enquire Now" and tell us a little about yourself. It's free and takes 2 minutes.

Step 02

Submit Documents

Our team will guide you on exactly which documents to prepare and submit.

Step 03

Get Enrolled

Receive your offer letter and confirm your enrolment. Welcome to the course!

Course Snapshot

Typical Salary (AUD)

Entry-level (0-2 years)$61,000 – $80,000/yr

Early Career (2-5 years)$80,000 – $100,000/yr

Mid-Level (5-10 years)$100,000 – $124,000/yr

Career Paths

Clinical Psychologist
Counselling Psychologist
Organisational / Industrial Psychologist
Forensic Psychologist
School Psychologist / Educational Psychologist

Key Skills

Critical thinking and evidence-based reasoning
Psychological assessment and diagnostic interviewing
Quantitative and qualitative research design and analysis
Therapeutic communication and active listening
Report writing and clinical documentation

Full course overview

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