Course Overview

About This Course

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.

Where You Can Study

Available Locations

Melbourne Footscray Park Campus, Victoria University, Footscray, VIC

Victoria University City Campus, 364-378 Little Lonsdale Street, Melbourne, VIC 3000

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Eligibility

Entry Requirements

General Requirements

No minimum ATAR required — this course does not have a minimum ATAR requirement for entry.

Applicants with recent secondary education (within the last 2 years):

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.

Applicants with vocational education & training (VET/TAFE) study:

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:

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 e.g. Foundation course or equivalent.

Applicants with work & life experience:

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).

Guaranteed entry pathways from VU courses:

Certificate IV in Mental Health
Foundations at VU
International Foundations at VU

Career & Study Pathways

Where this takes you

Career Opportunities

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. If you dream of becoming a clinical psychologist, you can use your Bachelor of Psychological Studies as a step towards further study, including: 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, or a Master of Teaching (Secondary Education).

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 Units30 units

ABA1003

Introduction to Sociology

First Year Core Unit

APP1012

Psychology 1A

First Year Core Unit

APP1013

Psychology 1B

First Year Core Unit

APP1015

Organisational Skills 1

First Year Core Unit

APP1016

Foundations of Psychological Research

First Year Core Unit

APP1017

Introduction to Research Methods in Psychology

First Year Core Unit

AEK1203

Indigenous Health and Wellbeing

First Year Core Unit

HHH1000

Interpersonal Skills and Communication

First Year Core Unit

APP2013

Psychology 2A

Year 2, Semester 1

APS2030

Qualitative Social Research Methods 1

Year 2, Semester 1

HPP2001

Developmental Psychology

Year 2, Semester 1

APP2014

Psychology 2B

Year 2, Semester 2

APS2040

Quantitative Social Research Methods 1

Year 2, Semester 2

APP3023

Psychological Issues in the Workplace

Year 3, Semester 1

APP3034

History, Theories and Practice of Psychology

Year 3, Semester 1

APP3035

Research Methods in Psychology

Year 3, Semester 1

APP3028

Fieldwork

Year 3, Semester 2 — includes 60 hours of work placement

APP3037

Clinical Aspects of Psychology

Year 3, Semester 2

APP3015

Counselling Theory and Practice

Psychology Elective

APP3016

Group Behaviour

Psychology Elective

APP3018

Organisations and Work

Psychology Elective

APP3019

Psychobiology

Psychology Elective

APP3027

Relationship and Family Wellbeing

Psychology Elective

AMIGEN

Gender Studies (Minor)

Minor

AMIHIS

History (Minor)

Minor

AMISLY

Sociology (Minor)

Minor

HMIIND

Indigenous Health (Minor)

Minor

HMIHLT

Health (Minor)

Minor

HMIIOS

Interpersonal Organisation Skills (Minor)

Minor

HMIATN

Applied Health Nutrition (Minor)

Minor

Common Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a high ATAR to get into the Bachelor of Psychological Studies?

No, this course does not have a minimum ATAR requirement for entry. VU considers other aspects of your application because their 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.

What work placement opportunities are included in this degree?

In your third year of study, you will complete a fieldwork unit that includes 60 hours of work placement. You can choose to complete your placement in an organisation that aligns with your area of interest, such as community organisations (e.g. Autism Camp Australia), mental health organisations and general practice (e.g. Orygen and private psychology clinics), sport-based organisations, public and private health services, or school settings.

How many credit points do I need to complete to graduate, and what does the course structure look like?

To attain the Bachelor of Psychological Studies, students are 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.

What are the fees for the Bachelor of Psychological Studies?

This course is offered as a Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP) for eligible students, with indicative fees for a full-time student in 2026 being approximately AU$17,399 per year. This fee is a guide only, based on a typical full-time study load, and does not include materials such as textbooks or the Student Services and Amenities Fee (SSAF). Australian citizens, permanent residents and New Zealand citizens will qualify for a CSP place.

Can I use this degree as a pathway to become a registered psychologist?

Yes. If you dream of becoming a clinical psychologist, you can use your Bachelor of Psychological Studies as a step towards further study, including VU's honours year in psychological studies, Master of Applied Psychology (Clinical Psychology), Master of Professional Psychology, Master of Counselling, or Master of Mental Health and Child Mental Health. The course is also accredited by the Australian Psychology Accreditation Council (APAC).

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!

Processing time: Offer letter issued within approximately 1 business days.

Upcoming Intakes

09 February 2026

Course Snapshot

Salary, careers & skills

Typical Salary

Entry-level (0-2 years)AUD $60,000 to $75,000 per year

Early Career (2-5 years)AUD $75,000 to $90,000 per year

Mid-Level (5-10 years)AUD $90,000 to $110,000 per year

Career Paths

Mental Health Support WorkerCommunity Support WorkerCase ManagerHuman Resources OfficerRecruitment Consultant

Key Skills

Critical thinking and evidence-based reasoningResearch design and data collectionStatistical analysis and interpretation of psychological dataActive listening and empathetic communicationReport writing and academic communication

Full Course Overview

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Bachelor of Psychological Studies

About This Course

Available Locations

Entry Requirements

Where this takes you

Accreditation & Migration

Units of Competency

Frequently Asked Questions

How to Apply

Hear From the Students