Program 3435 (UNSW handbook)

The Bachelor of Psychological Science is a 3- or 4-year program leading to an accredited degree in Psychology (see sample programs here) as well as providing the option of taking a complementary major in a number of related areas:

Combining Psychology with a major in marketing, management or human resource management from the Australian School of Business provides an excellent background for careers in the business world (see sample programs here: Marketing, Management & Human Resource Management).

Combining Psychology with philosophy, criminology or linguistics from the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences prepares you for a variety of social science careers (see sample programs here: Philosophy, Criminology & Linguistics).

Students with a specific interest in physiological and neuroscientific aspects of psychology might combine Psychology with the study of vision science or neuroscience from the Faculty of Science to prepare them for a career in a healthcare or biomedical research setting (see sample programs here: Vision Science & Neuroscience).

Entry into Honours (Stage IV) through the Bachelor of Psychological Science degree requires an average of 75% or higher in Psychology Level I, Level II and Level III courses although students achieving an average of 70 percent or more may be admitted subject to appropriate research and supervision resources being available and at the discretion of the Head of School.

For those wishing to use their degree in Psychology as a general training for future employment, the skills acquired during the new degree in Psychological Science are extremely valuable to a wide variety of careers. Psychologists work in a range of organisations within both the public and private sector. These include clinical and health settings such as clinics and hospitals, a diverse collection of commercial and non-profit organisations, and forensic settings such as prisons and law courts. Employers range from the army to schools, from the Roads and Traffic Authority to the Department of Health.

For those wishing to practice as a specialist professional psychologist, typical areas of work include clinical, organisational, forensic, counselling and educational psychology.

Job Outlook, the careers and labour market research information site of the Australian Government (http://joboutlook.gov.au) makes the following points about Psychologists: Psychologists are employed across several industries including health care and social assistance; public administration and safety; education and training; and administrative and support services. This mix of industries is highly favourable for employment growth prospects. In fact, employment growth over the next ten years is predicted to exceed 140%, with growth in the top 10% of all careers over the next 2-10 years. For Psychologists working full-time, average weekly hours are 37.8 (compared to 41.3 for all occupations) and earnings are above average – in the top 20% of all careers. Unemployment for Psychologists is low.

Assumed knowledge: Mathematics

Recommended studies: English (Advanced) and Biology or Chemistry or Earth and Environmental Science or Physics.

UAC Code 429027
UNSW code 3435
3 years fulltime (4th year honours is possible)
2011 CSP ATAR (main round of admissions) 87.50

UNSW handbook
UAC page