Course Overview

About This Course

The Bachelor of Psychology (Cognitive Neuroscience) gives a foundational understanding of the core ideas, principles, theories and methods central to psychology, with a cognitive neuroscience focus that rounds out your knowledge of human biology and the role it plays in behaviour.
Cognitive neuroscience blends psychology and biology to explain how we process thoughts, memories, language and actions. You study the anatomy of the brain, learn to use and interpret tools for measuring brain activity, analyse and interpret that information, and explore neuroscience across the lifespan.
Core courses cover developmental psychology, human anatomy and biology, data science, and the foundations of cognitive neuroscience, plus cognition and personality psychology, data science for cognitive neuroscience, and biological and learning psychology. Psychological research is embedded across the degree, building the skills to analyse and interpret data and form conclusions.
Practical experience takes place in state-of-the-art campus facilities including the Cognitive Neuroscience Laboratory, Psychology Clinic, and Sleep and Chronobiology Laboratory, alongside industry placements.
On completion you are eligible to apply for the Bachelor of Psychology (Honours) (Cognitive Neuroscience) — the next step toward becoming a registered psychologist.
The program totals 144 units — 138 units of core courses and 6 units of work integrated learning — over three years across the Adelaide City and Magill campuses, with February and July intakes.

Where You Can Study

Available Locations

Adelaide

Mawson Lakes Boulevard, Mawson Lakes, SA 5095

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Student Information

Fees & Entry by Student Type

Tuition Fee

Commonwealth supported

Duration

3 years full-time

Intakes

February, July

Study Mode

Full time or part time

Eligibility

Entry Requirements

General Requirements

Domestic students
Prerequisite: None
Assumed knowledge: None
SATAC code: ABP196
Entry scores:
• 2026 cut-offs — Year 12 (ATAR-based): 65
• 2027 guaranteed entry — Guaranteed entry score (ATAR-based): 70
• 2027 guaranteed entry — Guaranteed entry score (Grades-based): B, B, B
To be eligible, an applicant must have achieved at least one of the following minimum entry requirements and demonstrate they fulfil any prerequisite and essential criteria for admission. In cases where there are more eligible applicants than available places, admission will be competitive with ranks based on the entry criteria.
• Secondary education (Year 12) — Completion of a secondary education qualification equivalent to the South Australian Certificate of Education (SACE).
• Vocational Education and Training (VET) — Completion of an award from a registered training organisation (RTO) at Certificate IV (AQF level 4) or higher.
• Higher education study — Successful completion of at least 6 months full-time study (or equivalent part-time) in a higher education award program.
• Work and life experience — Completion of an Adelaide University approved enabling, pathway or bridging program; OR A competitive result in the Skills for Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT); OR Qualify for special entry
ATAR profile (2026 Semester 1 intake, ATAR-based offers):
• Highest rank to receive an offer — ATAR 98.55, selection rank 99.95
• Median rank to receive an offer — ATAR 76.8, selection rank 79.35
• Lowest rank to receive an offer — ATAR 56.9, selection rank 65.3

International students
Prerequisite: None
Assumed knowledge: None
Applicants must meet at least one of the following minimum entry requirements:
• Secondary education (Year 12) — Completion of a secondary education qualification equivalent to the South Australian Certificate of Education (SACE).
• Vocational Education and Training (VET) — Completion of an award from a registered training organisation (RTO) at Certificate IV (AQF level 4) or higher.
• Higher education study — Successful completion of at least 6 months full-time study (or equivalent part-time) in a higher education award program.
Indicative academic entry requirements by country:
• Australia — ATAR: 80
• Canada — Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD): 75%
• China — Gaokao: 70%
• Denmark — Studentereksamen (stx: Upper Secondary School Diploma): 4 (Fair)
• France — French Baccalaureate: 12.0
• Global — International Baccalaureate: 28
• Hong Kong — Diploma of Secondary Education (HKDSE): 18
• India — CBSE and CISCE: 75
• India — State Board Examinations: 85
• Indonesia — SMA III: 80%
• Kenya — Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE): B+
• Malaysia — Matrikulasi: 3.00
• Malaysia — Sijil Tinggi Persekolahan Malaysia (STPM): 3.00
• Malaysia — United Entrance Certificate (UEC): 21
• Norway — Upper Secondary School Certificate (Vitnemal fra den Videregaende Skole) / Vitnemal For Videregaende Opplaering: 4.0
• Phillippines — High School Diploma (Grade 12) (Academic Track) K12: 88%
• Singapore — Singapore GCE Advanced Levels: 9
• South Korea — College Scholastic Ability Test (CSAT): 325
• Sri Lanka — GCE A Levels: 10
• Sweden — Upper Secondary School Leaving Certificate: 15.0
• Taiwan — GSAT %: 70%
• Taiwan GSAT — Score out of 60: 40
• Thailand — Matayom 6: 3.60
• UK / Global — GCE Advanced Levels: 9
• USA / Global — Advanced Placement (AP): 9
• USA / Global — America College Test (ACT): 24
• USA / Global — Scholastic Assessment Test (SAT): 1170
• Vietnam — Bằng Tốt Nghiệp Trung Học Phổ Thông (Vietnamese Year 12): 8.3
English language requirements (achieved within the two years before admission):
• IELTS Overall 6.5
• IELTS Reading 6
• IELTS Listening 6
• IELTS Speaking 6
• IELTS Writing 6

Career & Study Pathways

Where this takes you

Career Opportunities

With its focus on uncovering the connections between brain function and human behaviour, our Bachelor of Psychology (Cognitive Neuroscience) provides an exceptional foundation for a career in a range of diverse settings, including:
• Education
• Business and human resources
• Government and non-profit organisations
• Technology
• Social services and mental health
• Sports and performance
• Marketing and advertising
• Private coaching or consulting

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 Units23 units

PSYC1001

Understanding Individual Behaviour and Cognition

PSYC1002

Psychology for Social Contexts

PSYC1000

Introductory Psychology Research Methods

HBIO1002

Human Anatomy and Physiology A

PSYC1012

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples and Psychology

PSYC1004

Foundations in Cognitive Neuroscience

PSYC1003

Health and Developmental Psychology

HBIO1005

Essentials of Neuroscience

MDST2002

Foundations of Human Neuroanatomy

PSYC2000

Insights into Data and Research in Psychology

PSYC2009

Career Development in Psychology

PSYC3018

Cognitive Neuroscience

PSYC2010

Psychology for Global Challenges

PSYC2001

Insights into Individual Behaviour and Cognition

PSYC2015

Data Science for Cognitive Neuroscience and Psychology

PSYC2003

Insights into Health and Developmental Psychology

PSYC3025

The Neuroscience of Language

PSYC3007

Advanced Research Methods in Psychology

PSYC3001

Advanced Individual Behaviour and Cognition

PSYC3011

Psychology for Organisations and Communities

BIOL3024

Neuroscience Across the Lifespan

PSYC3003

Advanced Health and Developmental Psychology

PSYC3900

Work Integrated Learning in Psychology

Common Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the total estimated cost of the Bachelor of Psychology (Cognitive Neuroscience)?

Adelaide University publishes an indicative annual tuition fee of AU$48,600 for international students commencing in 2027, which is AU$145,800 across the three-year program. No additional non-tuition fees are listed.

How long does the Bachelor of Psychology (Cognitive Neuroscience) take to complete?

The course has a duration of 156 weeks, as listed in the CRICOS registry.

Where is the Bachelor of Psychology (Cognitive Neuroscience) delivered?

The course is delivered at two Adelaide University locations: the Adelaide City Campus and the Magill Campus, both owned and operated by the provider in South Australia.

What CRICOS code is associated with this course?

The CRICOS course code for the Bachelor of Psychology (Cognitive Neuroscience) at Adelaide University is 118394H, and the provider's CRICOS code is 04249J.

Is this course eligible for extended Post-Study Work Rights?

This course may be eligible for extended Post-Study Work Rights as it is a Skills Level 1 qualification (Bachelor Degree), has a duration of 156 weeks (exceeding the 92-week threshold), and falls under the Behavioural Science narrow field of education. Eligibility is reviewed yearly and requires at least one active enrolment at the time of review.

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

Salary, careers & skills

Typical Salary

Entry-level (0-2 years)AUD $61,000 to $80,000 per year

Early Career (2-5 years)AUD $80,000 to $100,000 per year

Mid-Level (5-10 years)AUD $100,000 to $124,000 per year

Career Paths

Clinical PsychologistCounselling PsychologistOrganisational / Industrial PsychologistForensic PsychologistSchool Psychologist / Educational Psychologist

Key Skills

Critical thinking and evidence-based reasoningPsychological assessment and diagnostic interviewingQuantitative and qualitative research design and analysisTherapeutic communication and active listeningReport writing and clinical documentation

Full Course Overview

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