Bachelor of Psychological Science

Program Overview

The UNSW Bachelor of Psychological Science is a three-year degree that provides a comprehensive understanding of human behavior and mental processes. It equips students with the knowledge and skills for a career as a psychologist, including provisional registration with the Psychology Board of Australia. The program offers a range of core psychology courses and optional complementary majors, and utilizes a combination of teaching methods to cater to different learning styles. Graduates are prepared for various career paths in psychology, including clinical, educational, forensic, health, and industrial-organizational psychology.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

The UNSW Bachelor of Psychological Science is an accredited three-year degree that explores the science of human behavior and mental processes. It is designed to prepare students for a rewarding career as a psychologist by providing a comprehensive understanding of the brain, cognitive and decision-making processes, and mental health. Program Objectives:

• Equip students with a deep understanding of the fundamentals of psychology, including biological, abnormal, cognitive, forensic, developmental, and social psychology.
• Develop students' communication and critical thinking skills, enabling them to apply psychological principles to personal, social, and global issues.
• Prepare students for a professional career in psychology, providing them with the necessary knowledge and skills for provisional registration and eventually becoming a registered psychologist.

Outline:

Program Structure: The Bachelor of Psychological Science consists of 24 courses taken over three years of full-time study. Core Psychology Courses: These courses cover the foundational principles of psychology, including:

• Measuring Mind and Behavior
• Research Methods
• Social and Developmental Psychology
• Perception and Cognition
• Learning and Physiological Psychology
• Assessment, Personality, and Psychopathology
• Research Methods 3
• Research and Applications of Psychology
Optional Complementary Majors: Students can choose to complement their psychology degree with one of the following majors:
• Criminology
• Human Resource Management
• Linguistics
• Philosophy
• Vision Science
• Neuroscience
Course Schedule and Modules:

Assessment:

Assessment Methods: Assessments in the Bachelor of Psychological Science program are designed to evaluate students' knowledge, skills, and abilities in psychology. Assessment Criteria: Assessments are based on the following criteria:

• Understanding of psychological concepts and theories
• Critical thinking and analytical skills
• Communication skills, including written and oral presentations
• Research skills, including designing, conducting, and interpreting research

Teaching:

Teaching Methods: The Bachelor of Psychological Science program utilizes a combination of teaching methods to cater to different learning styles and provide an engaging learning experience. These methods may include:

• Lectures: Provide foundational knowledge and theories
• Tutorials: Facilitate discussions, problem-solving, and application of concepts
• Practical sessions: Hands-on experiences, including research projects
• Seminars: Guest speakers and discussions on specialized topics
• Online learning: Access to course materials and interactive activities
Faculty: The program is taught by a team of experienced academics and researchers who are leaders in their respective fields of psychology. They bring their expertise and passion to the classroom, fostering a vibrant and intellectually stimulating learning environment. Unique Approaches: The program incorporates unique approaches to teaching psychology, including:
• Real-world case studies: Students apply psychological concepts to real-world scenarios, developing practical problem-solving skills.
• Experiential learning: Hands-on experiences, such as research projects and internships, provide students with practical experience in the field.
• Interdisciplinary collaborations: Students have opportunities to collaborate with experts from other disciplines, broadening their perspectives on psychology and its applications.

Careers:

Potential Career Paths: Graduates of the Bachelor of Psychological Science program are equipped with a range of skills and knowledge that open doors to various career opportunities in the field of psychology and beyond. Some potential career paths include:

• Clinical Psychologist: Work with individuals and groups to diagnose and treat mental health disorders
• Educational Psychologist: Support students' learning and well-being in educational settings
• Forensic Psychologist: Apply psychological principles to legal contexts, such as criminal investigations and witness testimony
• Health Psychologist: Promote health and well-being by understanding the psychological factors influencing health behaviors
• Industrial-Organizational Psychologist: Enhance workplace productivity, employee satisfaction, and organizational effectiveness
Opportunities and Outcomes: The Bachelor of Psychological Science program prepares students for a successful career in psychology, with opportunities for:
• Provisional registration with the Psychology Board of Australia (PsyBA) after completing the program and an honors degree
• Employment in various settings, including hospitals, clinics, schools, government agencies, and private practice
• Further studies, such as a Master's degree or PhD in psychology, to advance their career and research interests