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Professional Recognition

Course code W74

Bachelor of Psychology

Creative thinkers made here.

Creative thinkers made here.

Why study at ECU?

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About this Course

Do you have a humanities or science background?

This course is your bridge to employment opportunities in many different fields, including mental health, human resources, or child and family services. You’ll learn how to analyse and research behaviour and be able to explain interactions between people and their environment.
It’s your new superpower.

Note: When you graduate, you’ll have a pathway to Honours and postgraduate studies, leading to registration as a psychologist.This course is accredited with the Australian Psychology Accreditation Council and recognised internationally. When you graduate, you’ll have a pathway to Honours and postgraduate studies, leading to registration as a psychologist.

Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) level

This course has been accredited by ECU as an AQF Level 7 Bachelor Degree Award.

Course code W74

Entry requirements

70 Indicative ATAR

ECU admission and English language requirements apply.

See Course Entry for further information.

Fees

Commonwealth supported - estimated 1st year indicative fee AUD $12,650

See Fees and Scholarships for further information.

Duration

3 years full-time or part-time equivalent

See Course Details for further information.

Availability & Campus

Location Semester 1 Semester 2
Joondalup FT PT FT PT
Mount Lawley
South West
Online FT PT FT PT
*FT = Full-time study PT = Part-time study

About this Course

Do you have a humanities or science background?

This course is your bridge to employment opportunities in many different fields, including mental health, human resources, or child and family services. You’ll learn how to analyse and research behaviour and be able to explain interactions between people and their environment.
It’s your new superpower.

Note: When you graduate, you’ll have a pathway to Honours and postgraduate studies, leading to registration as a psychologist.This course is accredited with the Australian Psychology Accreditation Council and recognised internationally. When you graduate, you’ll have a pathway to Honours and postgraduate studies, leading to registration as a psychologist.

Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) level

This course has been accredited by ECU as an AQF Level 7 Bachelor Degree Award.

Course code W74

CRICOS code 0100522

Entry requirements

ECU admission and English language requirements apply.

See Course Entry for further information.

Fees

International students - estimated 1st year indicative fee AUD $39,000

See Fees and Scholarships for further information.

Duration

3 years full-time or part-time equivalent

See Course Details for further information.

Availability & Campus

Location Semester 1 Semester 2
Joondalup FT FT
Mount Lawley
South West
Online FT PT FT PT
*FT = Full-time study PT = Part-time study

Course Entry

Admission requirements you'll need to meet for this course.

  • All applicants must meet the academic admission requirements for this course. The indicative or guaranteed ATAR is as published (where applicable) or academic admission requirements may be satisfied through completion of one of the following:

    • AQF Cert IV;
    • Successfully completed 0.25 EFTSL of study at bachelor level or higher at an Australian higher education provider (or equivalent);
    • Undergraduate Certificate;
    • Special Tertiary Admissions Test;*
    • University Preparation Course;*
    • Indigenous University Orientation Course;*
    • Aboriginal University Readiness Assessment; or*
    • Experience Based Entry Scheme.*

    * Further information can be found on the Study course entry page.

    For international students, requirements include your secondary school results.

  • English competency requirements may be satisfied through completion of one of the following:

    • Year 12 English ATAR/English Literature ATAR grade C or better or equivalent;
    • Special Tertiary Admissions Test;*
    • IELTS Academic Overall band minimum score of 6.0 (no individual band less than 6.0);
    • Successfully completed 1.0 EFTSL of study at bachelor level or higher in the UK, Ireland, USA, NZ or Canada;
    • University Preparation Course;
    • Indigenous University Orientation Course;*
    • Aboriginal University Readiness Assessment;*
    • AQF Diploma, Advanced Diploma or Associate Degree;
    • Successfully completed 0.375 EFTSL of study at bachelor level or higher at an Australian higher education provider (or equivalent); or
    • Other tests, courses or programs defined on the English Proficiency Bands page.

    * Further information can be found on the Study course entry page.

Course Entry

Admission requirements you'll need to meet for this course.

  • All applicants must meet the academic admission requirements for this course. The indicative or guaranteed ATAR is as published (where applicable) or academic admission requirements may be satisfied through completion of one of the following:

    • AQF Cert IV;
    • Successfully completed 0.25 EFTSL of study at bachelor level or higher at an Australian higher education provider (or equivalent);
    • Undergraduate Certificate;
    • Special Tertiary Admissions Test;*
    • University Preparation Course;*
    • Indigenous University Orientation Course;*
    • Aboriginal University Readiness Assessment; or*
    • Experience Based Entry Scheme.*

    * Further information can be found on the Study course entry page.

    For international students, requirements include your secondary school results.

  • English competency requirements may be satisfied through completion of one of the following:

    • Year 12 English ATAR/English Literature ATAR grade C or better or equivalent;
    • Special Tertiary Admissions Test;*
    • IELTS Academic Overall band minimum score of 6.0 (no individual band less than 6.0);
    • Successfully completed 1.0 EFTSL of study at bachelor level or higher in the UK, Ireland, USA, NZ or Canada;
    • University Preparation Course;
    • Indigenous University Orientation Course;*
    • Aboriginal University Readiness Assessment;*
    • AQF Diploma, Advanced Diploma or Associate Degree;
    • Successfully completed 0.375 EFTSL of study at bachelor level or higher at an Australian higher education provider (or equivalent); or
    • Other tests, courses or programs defined on the English Proficiency Bands page.

    * Further information can be found on the Study course entry page.

Course Details

Semester availability

Semester 1: Study full-time at Joondalup or Online

Semester 1: Study part-time at Joondalup or Online

Semester 2: Study full-time at Joondalup or Online

Semester 2: Study part-time at Joondalup or Online

Course Structure

Students will be required to complete twelve core units (180 credit points). This will be supported by selection of a 180 credit point supplementary program, comprising of: a Double Major; or a Major plus a Minor/elective units; or a Minor plus elective units. These may be selected from anywhere within the university. Generally, units in this course should be completed in year sequence (e.g. all first-year units should be completed before proceeding to second-year units).

Year 1 - Semester 1
Unit Code Unit Title Credit Points
PSY1101Introduction to Psychology15
PSY1115Psychology of Motivation and Emotion15
Unit from Supplementary Programx 230
Year 1 - Semester 2
Unit Code Unit Title Credit Points
PSY1210Biopsychology, Sensation and Perception15
PSY1204Social Determinants of Behaviour15
Unit from Supplementary Programx 230
Year 2 - Semester 1
Unit Code Unit Title Credit Points
PSY2102Fundamentals of Psychological Inquiry15
PSY2105Psychology of Personality and Individual Differences15
Unit from Supplementary Programx 230
Year 2 - Semester 2
Unit Code Unit Title Credit Points
PSY2231Developmental Psychology15
PSY2204Learning, Memory and Cognition15
Unit from Supplementary Programx 230
Year 3 - Semester 1
Unit Code Unit Title Credit Points
PSY3105Advanced Methods of Psychological Inquiry15
PSY3456Mental Health and Psychological Interventions15
Unit from Supplementary Programx 230
Year 3 - Semester 2
Unit Code Unit Title Credit Points
PSY3217Cultural Issues in Psychology15
PSY3225Applications of Psychological Literacy15
Unit from Supplementary Programx 230

W74|2

For more detailed unit information for this course take a look at our Handbook. To organise your life for next semester visit the Teaching timetable.

Student handbook

Course notes

Course learning outcomes

  1. Apply broad psychology knowledge to a range of theoretical and technical situations.
  2. Think critically to analyse, interpret and conceptualise/synthesise complex psychology knowledge and problems.
  3. Think creatively to anticipate challenges and generate psychological solutions and responses.
  4. Use digital technologies and psychology related literacies to access, evaluate and synthesise relevant information from multiple sources.
  5. Demonstrate a global outlook with respect for cultural diversity, including Indigenous cultural competence.
  6. Work collaboratively and demonstrate initiative to implement social, sustainable, and ethical values through appropriate psychology methods.
  7. Demonstrate autonomy, accountability and judgement for own learning and scholarship.
  8. Communicate psychology knowledge and ideas clearly, coherently and with independence.

Professional Recognition

Course

Accredited by: Australian Psychology Accreditation Council (APAC)

One or more of the majors in this course is externally recognised when studied within this course. Refer to the major for more information.

Course Details

Semester availability

Semester 1: Study full-time at Joondalup or Online

Semester 1: Study part-time Online

Semester 2: Study full-time at Joondalup or Online

Semester 2: Study part-time Online

Course Structure

Students will be required to complete twelve core units (180 credit points). This will be supported by selection of a 180 credit point supplementary program, comprising of: a Double Major; or a Major plus a Minor/elective units; or a Minor plus elective units. These may be selected from anywhere within the university. Generally, units in this course should be completed in year sequence (e.g. all first-year units should be completed before proceeding to second-year units).

Year 1 - Semester 1
Unit Code Unit Title Credit Points
PSY1101Introduction to Psychology15
PSY1115Psychology of Motivation and Emotion15
Unit from Supplementary Programx 230
Year 1 - Semester 2
Unit Code Unit Title Credit Points
PSY1210Biopsychology, Sensation and Perception15
PSY1204Social Determinants of Behaviour15
Unit from Supplementary Programx 230
Year 2 - Semester 1
Unit Code Unit Title Credit Points
PSY2102Fundamentals of Psychological Inquiry15
PSY2105Psychology of Personality and Individual Differences15
Unit from Supplementary Programx 230
Year 2 - Semester 2
Unit Code Unit Title Credit Points
PSY2231Developmental Psychology15
PSY2204Learning, Memory and Cognition15
Unit from Supplementary Programx 230
Year 3 - Semester 1
Unit Code Unit Title Credit Points
PSY3105Advanced Methods of Psychological Inquiry15
PSY3456Mental Health and Psychological Interventions15
Unit from Supplementary Programx 230
Year 3 - Semester 2
Unit Code Unit Title Credit Points
PSY3217Cultural Issues in Psychology15
PSY3225Applications of Psychological Literacy15
Unit from Supplementary Programx 230

W74|2

For more detailed unit information for this course take a look at our Handbook. To organise your life for next semester visit the Teaching timetable.

Student handbook

Course notes

Course learning outcomes

  1. Apply broad psychology knowledge to a range of theoretical and technical situations.
  2. Think critically to analyse, interpret and conceptualise/synthesise complex psychology knowledge and problems.
  3. Think creatively to anticipate challenges and generate psychological solutions and responses.
  4. Use digital technologies and psychology related literacies to access, evaluate and synthesise relevant information from multiple sources.
  5. Demonstrate a global outlook with respect for cultural diversity, including Indigenous cultural competence.
  6. Work collaboratively and demonstrate initiative to implement social, sustainable, and ethical values through appropriate psychology methods.
  7. Demonstrate autonomy, accountability and judgement for own learning and scholarship.
  8. Communicate psychology knowledge and ideas clearly, coherently and with independence.

Professional Recognition

Course

Accredited by: Australian Psychology Accreditation Council (APAC)

One or more of the majors in this course is externally recognised when studied within this course. Refer to the major for more information.

Fees and Scholarships

Fees

  • AUD $12,650 - Commonwealth supported estimated 1st year indicative fee 1

Note

1 The 'estimated 1st year indicative fee' is provided as a guide only, based on a typical enrolment of students undertaking the first year of this course. At ECU, you pay for the individual units you enrol in, not an overall course fee, so the total cost of your course will vary, depending on what units you choose. An indicative fee will be provided with your course offer, however you can use our Course Fee Calculator to estimate the actual amount you'll need to pay. ECU fees are adjusted annually.

Some units require the payment of a fee for incidental goods or services required to complete those units. For more information and the full list of incidental fees for courses and units, visit What are Incidental Fees.

Scholarships

ECU has a scholarship program that provides many opportunities each year to students undertaking studies here.

Find a scholarship

Career Opportunities

Employment opportunities in psychology span across many fields, including human resources management, criminal justice, education, rehabilitation, business, mental health, counselling, and the administration and provision of social services. Any job or role that involves understanding and guiding human behaviour, showing empathy and compassion, and displaying skills such as the ability to evaluate the needs of a client, write formal reports, and keep accurate and organised records. This course will prepare students for further postgraduate studies in psychology.

Possible future job titles

Public Sector Worker, Government Agency Worker, Market Researcher, Children and Family Service Provider, Marketer, Human Resource Worker, Statistician, Mental Health Services Worker, Financial Service Worker, Police Force Officer

Courses you can consider if you are interested in progressing further in this area.

Fees and Scholarships

Fees

  • AUD $39,000 - International students estimated 1st year indicative fee 1

Note

1 The 'estimated 1st year indicative fee' is provided as a guide only, and has been calculated based on a typical enrolment of students undertaking the first year of this course. At ECU, you pay for each individual unit you enrol in, not an overall course fee, so the total cost of your course will vary, depending on what units you choose. An indicative fee will be provided with your course offer, however you can use our Course Fee Calculator to estimate the actual amount you'll need to pay. ECU fees are adjusted annually.

Some units require the payment of a fee for incidental goods or services required to complete those units. For more information and the full list of incidental fees for courses and units, visit What are Incidental Fees.

Scholarships

ECU has a scholarship program that provides many opportunities each year to students undertaking studies here.

Find a scholarship

Career Opportunities

Employment opportunities in psychology span across many fields, including human resources management, criminal justice, education, rehabilitation, business, mental health, counselling, and the administration and provision of social services. Any job or role that involves understanding and guiding human behaviour, showing empathy and compassion, and displaying skills such as the ability to evaluate the needs of a client, write formal reports, and keep accurate and organised records. This course will prepare students for further postgraduate studies in psychology.

Possible future job titles

Public Sector Worker, Government Agency Worker, Market Researcher, Children and Family Service Provider, Marketer, Human Resource Worker, Statistician, Mental Health Services Worker, Financial Service Worker, Police Force Officer

Courses you can consider if you are interested in progressing further in this area.

Need some help deciding what to study?

Our future student events include a mix of on-campus and online sessions designed to help you decide what to study at ECU.

Experiences

Facilities

ECU Psychological Services Centre - Waiting room.

ECU Psychological Services Centre

Experiences

Facilities

ECU Psychological Services Centre - Waiting room.

ECU Psychological Services Centre

Student stories

  • Samantha Mowle

    Samantha Mowle

    ECU Psychology student

    If you have a goal and the passion, ECU will help you get to where you want to go.

    My greatest challenge has been accepting that I am not always in control of my own health and sometimes you need to lighten the load. I really love that ECU has the option to adjust your study to what you need whether that be one unit, four or somewhere in the middle. As a full-time mum this is so valuable to me.

  • Dan Campbell

    Dan Campbell

    ECU Psychology student

    Spare time is a rarity and the ability to study around all my other schedules is completely invaluable.

    For any would-be mature age students thinking about further education, or for those who the lack of academic achievement has become a bit of a bugbear like myself – don't be afraid to take it on. Personal development continues well beyond your twenties and if you don't at least give it a shot, you'll never know what you could have achieved.

Quick guide to uni-speak

    • The Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) is the national regulator of qualifications in the Australian education and training system. The AQF defines the essential characteristics, including the required learning outcomes, of the different types of qualifications issued across the higher education systems in Australia.

    • ATAR is the Australian Tertiary Admission Rank, the primary criterion for entry into most undergraduate university courses in Australia. The ATAR is a percentile score which denotes a student's ranking relative to their state-wide peers upon completion of their secondary education.

    • CRICOS is the Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students. A CRICOS code is allocated to education institutions (like ECU) who are approved to recruit, enrol and deliver education to overseas students. Courses with a CRICOS code are available to international students who meet the entry requirements.

    • A major, or unit set, is your chosen area of in-depth study in an undergraduate course. It usually involves 8 units of study, or one-third of the units in a 3-year degree. Talk to your Student Information Office if you need help choosing a major subject.

    • Minors include between 4 and 6 study units in a specific discipline. Not all courses require you to complete a minor. Your minor subject doesn't appear on your printed degree (parchment), but is part of your academic transcript.

    • If you're enrolled in 3 or more units in a semester this is considered full-time study. To complete most 3-year degrees studying full-time you'll need to complete 4 units per semester, i.e. 24 units over 3 years.

    • If a course is available to study part-time you can generally expect it to take twice as long to complete as it would in full-time mode. Part-time students are enrolled in 1 or 2 units maximum per semester.

      Note: International students who hold a student visa can only choose the full-time study option for our courses. This is to ensure the course is completed within the duration of the student visa.

    • Most courses start in Semester 1 each year, usually in the last week of February. Some courses can be started in Semester 2 (we call this mid-year). There's a week of Orientation before each semester to help you get used to uni life.

    • A lot of our courses start in Semester 2 each year, usually in the last week of July. We call this mid-year. There's a week of Orientation beforehand to help you get used to uni life.

    • We use a points system to make it easier for you to understand your study progress. Most Bachelors degree study units are allocated 15 credit points. If you're studying a 3-year full-time degree you'll need to successfully complete 360 credit points - that's 24 units x 15 points per unit.

    • These are compulsory units you have to successfully complete as part of your course.

    • An elective is a unit you choose to study that counts towards your course requirements, but isn't compulsory. For some courses we recommend elective units. In some situations, a course coordinator may approve an elective unit as a replacement for a compulsory one.

Quick guide to uni-speak

    • The Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) is the national regulator of qualifications in the Australian education and training system. The AQF defines the essential characteristics, including the required learning outcomes, of the different types of qualifications issued across the higher education systems in Australia.

    • ATAR is the Australian Tertiary Admission Rank, the primary criterion for entry into most undergraduate university courses in Australia. The ATAR is a percentile score which denotes a student's ranking relative to their state-wide peers upon completion of their secondary education.

    • CRICOS is the Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students. A CRICOS code is allocated to education institutions (like ECU) who are approved to recruit, enrol and deliver education to overseas students. Courses with a CRICOS code are available to international students who meet the entry requirements.

    • A major, or unit set, is your chosen area of in-depth study in an undergraduate course. It usually involves 8 units of study, or one-third of the units in a 3-year degree. Talk to your Student Information Office if you need help choosing a major subject.

    • Minors include between 4 and 6 study units in a specific discipline. Not all courses require you to complete a minor. Your minor subject doesn't appear on your printed degree (parchment), but is part of your academic transcript.

    • If you're enrolled in 3 or more units in a semester this is considered full-time study. To complete most 3-year degrees studying full-time you'll need to complete 4 units per semester, i.e. 24 units over 3 years.

    • If a course is available to study part-time you can generally expect it to take twice as long to complete as it would in full-time mode. Part-time students are enrolled in 1 or 2 units maximum per semester.

      Note: International students who hold a student visa can only choose the full-time study option for our courses. This is to ensure the course is completed within the duration of the student visa.

    • Most courses start in Semester 1 each year, usually in the last week of February. Some courses can be started in Semester 2 (we call this mid-year). There's a week of Orientation before each semester to help you get used to uni life.

    • A lot of our courses start in Semester 2 each year, usually in the last week of July. We call this mid-year. There's a week of Orientation beforehand to help you get used to uni life.

    • We use a points system to make it easier for you to understand your study progress. Most Bachelors degree study units are allocated 15 credit points. If you're studying a 3-year full-time degree you'll need to successfully complete 360 credit points - that's 24 units x 15 points per unit.

    • These are compulsory units you have to successfully complete as part of your course.

    • An elective is a unit you choose to study that counts towards your course requirements, but isn't compulsory. For some courses we recommend elective units. In some situations, a course coordinator may approve an elective unit as a replacement for a compulsory one.

Do you have any questions about the Bachelor of Psychology?

The Important Things

Things you should know about if you're thinking about studying here.

Course Entry

There's more than one admission pathway into an ECU course. It depends on what you've studied already, or your work or life experience.

Fees & Scholarships

Course tuition fees can change, but we can give you an estimate of your costs. If you're eligible, a scholarship or student loan can help too.

Applying

Applying for a course is a fairly simple process, especially if you have scanned copies of qualifications, your resume or other paperwork, ready to upload.

ECU Experience

Starting a course is an exciting and sometimes daunting time, so we make a massive effort to ensure you get all the support you need to have a positive experience.