Understand people.
This program is designed to give you an in-depth introduction to the science behind psychology and an understanding of its applications. You’ll study psychology and social science to understand and explain human behaviour.
- Only a full-time option is available to international students on a Student visa. Online programs are not available to Student visa holders.
- * Estimated tuition fees are based on 2023 rates. Refer to international fees for more information.
- Not all majors/minors and elective options are available at every campus. You should refer to the What Can I Study tab, and the proposed study sequence for your chosen campus and intake for further information.
- Campus note: In addition to being able to study all courses at Sippy Downs, students may choose to complete some first-year courses at Gympie.
- Only first-year courses are offered at Gympie. The remainder of the program is completed at Sippy Downs.
- Only first-year courses are offered at Fraser Coast. The remainder of the program is completed at Sippy Downs.
- ^Semester 2 commencement not available at Gympie
- Campus note: In addition to being able to study all courses at Sippy Downs, students may choose to complete some first-year courses at Gympie.
- Only first-year courses are offered at Gympie. The remainder of the program is completed at Sippy Downs.
- Only first-year courses are offered at Fraser Coast. The remainder of the program is completed at Sippy Downs.
- ^Semester 2 commencement not available at Gympie
This program is designed to give you an in-depth introduction to the science behind psychology and an understanding of its applications. You’ll study psychology and social science to understand and explain human behaviour.
Explore the professional practice of psychology, including cognitive, social, perceptual, physiological, intercultural, Indigenous and abnormal psychologies. Learn about human development, motivation and emotion, personality and assessment, and human associative learning. Choose electives to link areas such as counselling, social work or public health to expand your career options.
This program provides graduates with highly marketable skills relevant to a wide range of other positions such as disability support officers, community health, research and telephone counselling.
Our psychology staff are national teaching and learning award winners and you’ll also get the opportunity to participate in paid research assistant work in your second or third year of study. This program is accredited with the Australian Psychology Accreditation Council (APAC), and you can complete further study to become a registered psychologist, clinical psychologist or pursue an academic career.
Visit Study Psychology for more information.
Career opportunities
Health and education services, community work, training and development, human resource management, exercise science, research.
Accreditation
The Australian Psychology Accreditation Council has accredited the Bachelor of Social Science (Psychology) as a three-year undergraduate sequence in psychology. Following successful completion of an accredited honours year plus either further accredited postgraduate study or supervision following the guidelines of the Psychologists Registration Board in their state or territory, graduates may be eligible for registration as a psychologist in that state or territory.
Program structure
Introductory courses (4) 48 units
COR109 Historical Geographies
PSY100 Introduction to Applied Mathematics
PSY101 Introductory Calculus
PSY102 Introduction to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Education
Developing and Graduate courses (14) 168 units
PSY200 Research Design: Methodology and Literature Review
PSY201 Communication and Thought
PSY202 Introduction to Psychology A
PSY203 Introduction to Psychology B
PSY204 Current Directions in Psychology
PSY205 Research Methods in Psychology A
PSY300 Research Methods in Psychology B
PSY301 Physiological Psychology
PSY302 Introduction to Human Development
PSY303 Exercise Physiology I
PSY304 Social Psychology
PSY305 Motivation and Emotion
PSY306 Advanced Methods in Psychology
PSY307 Cognitive and Perceptual Psychology
Elective courses (6) 72 units
Select 6 elective courses (72 units) from either faculty (Arts, Business and Law or Science, Health, Education and Engineering).
Note: Program structures are subject to change. Not all USC courses are available on every USC campus.
Total units: 288
Recommended study sequences
Program requirements and notes
Program requirements
In order to graduate you must:
- Successfully complete 288 units as outlined in the Program Structure
- Complete no more than 10 introductory level (100 coded) courses (120 units), including the core courses
Program notes
- Completing this program within the specified (full-time) duration is based on studying 48 unit points per semester (normally 4 courses) and following the recommended study sequence
- The unit value of all courses is 12 units unless otherwise specified
- It is each students responsibility to enrol correctly according to your course requisites, program rules and requirements and be aware of the academic calendar dates
- Courses within this program are assessed using a variety of assessment methods which may include essays, seminar presentations, reports, in-class tests and examinations
- As part of your USC program, you may apply to Study Overseas to undertake courses with an overseas higher education provider
- Only a full-time study option is available to international students on a Student Visa
- Refer to the Managing your progression page for help in understanding your program structure, reviewing your progress and planning remaining courses.
- Apply for your selected major(s) and/or minor(s)