University of the Sunshine Coast

Bachelor of Arts (Psychology)

Nationally Recognised Higher Education

For a major in Psychology, students must successfully complete 8 courses:

Introduction to Psychology A

  • This course provides an introduction to the social and cultural dimensions of human behavior and mental processes, and their development. Topics include cognitive development, social development, social behavior, personality, motivation, emotion, health and wellness, and intercultural and Indigenous cultural influences.

Introduction to Psychology B

  • This course provides an introduction to psycho-biological aspects of human functioning. It covers sensation and perception, learning and conditioning, cognitive and linguistic processes, the structure of memory, the origins of intelligence, and psychological disorders.

Research Methods in Psychology A

  • This course introduces students to research methodologies used in psychological research. It covers a range of experimental, quasi-experimental, and naturalistic research methods, including their strengths and weaknesses.

Research Methods in Psychology B

  • This course introduces students to statistical analysis of psychological data, including the use of SPSS for analysis.

Human Associative Learning

  • This course examines the principles, processes, and mechanisms by which humans and other species acquire information about the world and translate that information into action. It covers major theories of learning, empirical research supporting these theories, and applications of learning theory to behavior change and maintenance.

Abnormal Psychology

  • This course offers a systematic approach to examining adult and child psychopathology. It covers various categories of psychological dysfunction, classification, etiology, symptoms associated with disorders, and clinical formulations.

Select 2 courses from the following options:

  1. Physiological Psychology
    • This course examines the structural and functional organization of the nervous system, focusing on interrelationships between physiological functioning. Topics include sensory processes, sleep and arousal, motivation and emotion, learning and memory, and language.
  2. Introduction to Human Development
    • This course covers major theoretical and methodological approaches in the study of human development. It utilizes a chronological approach, covering prenatal development, infancy, childhood, adolescence, and adulthood.
  3. Social Psychology
    • Social Psychology examines the connections between individual psychology and the social environment. It introduces key concepts in the application of social psychological theory.
  4. Motivation and Emotion
    • This course introduces students to theoretical and empirical approaches to understanding human motivation and emotion.

Delivery mode

University of the Sunshine Coast offers this course through the following delivery modes:

Blended

Combine the flexibility of online learning with the support of on campus learning.

Locations
  • 90 Sippy Downs Drive, Sippy Downs
  • 1 Moreton Parade, Petrie

Entry requirements

Domestic Students

  • There are no mandated entry requirements.

Headstart Program - Year 11 or 12:

  • The Headstart program lets you study uni subjects while you’re still in high school. If you successfully complete two Headstart courses, you’ll get a selection rank that you could use to get into uni.

Early Offer Guarantee scheme - Year 12:

  • The Early Offer Guarantee scheme enables Year 12 students to be offered a place at USC on the basis of their Principal's recommendation.

Previous qualifications or experience, If you:

  • have completed Year 12 (no matter how long ago): If you have undertaken previous recognised higher education level study (eg AQF Bachelor degree level and higher) this will be assigned a selection rank based on the level, duration and Grade Point Average (GPA) of the study.
  • have a TAFE/VET qualification: Competency-based and graded AQF Certificates III and IV (completed), AQF diplomas and sub-degree level study (based on level, duration, Grade Point Average (GPA)) will be assigned a selection rank.
  • have relevant work experience: You may also use admission pathways such as employment experience and the Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT) (age restrictions apply). STAT results are not accepted for current Year 12 students or for applicants under the age of 18. STAT is not accepted for graduate entry programs.
  • have studied at university before (even if you didn’t complete your studies)

Tertiary Preparation Pathway:

  • If you don’t have qualifications or experience that will give you a selection rank, you can complete the Tertiary Preparation Pathway as a stepping stone into most degrees. You can also use TPP to complete subject prerequisites.
  • If you haven’t studied in a while, TPP is also a great way to brush up on essential study skills like critical reading, assignment writing, and referencing.

I identify as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander:

  • You may be eligible for direct entry into a USC degree based on your potential to succeed, under USC’s Indigenous Direct Entry and Access Scheme (IDEAS)
Additional requirements may apply.

Course fees

Estimated Fee* $42,843 $74,400 Fees are based on full-time study.

For more information about this course and payment options please enquire now.

For more information about this course and payment options, please enquire with University of the Sunshine Coast.
Study mode Blended
Duration 3 Years
Estimated fee* $42,843 $74,400

Career opportunities

The Bachelor of Arts (Psychology) will prepare you for the following roles.

Psychological Researcher

A Psychological Researcher studies human behaviour and mental processes to contribute to the understanding of psychological phenomena. You might wo...

Avg yearly income $99,424
Entry barriers Low

Child Psychologist

Child Psychologists are clinical psychologists who provide treatment, therapy, and counselling to children, teens, and adolescents. They help the c...

Avg yearly income $104,000
Entry barriers Low

Research Assistant

A Research Assistant supports researchers in conducting studies and analysing data. You might work in academic institutions, research centres, or g...

Avg yearly income $62,400
Entry barriers Low

Recruitment Manager

A Recruitment Manager oversees the hiring process to ensure the best talent is attracted and selected for the organisation. You might work in a cor...

Avg yearly income $114,400
Entry barriers Low

Behavioural Psychologist

Behavioural Psychologists are registered psychologists who help their clients make meaningful and positive changes in their behaviour. They use att...

Avg yearly income $83,200
Entry barriers Low

EAP Psychologist

EAP Psychologists are registered psychologists who work for EAP providers, delivering work-based intervention programs. They provide counselling su...

Avg yearly income $82,108
Entry barriers Low

Academic Psychologist

An Academic Psychologist primarily engages in research and teaching within academic institutions, focusing on advancing the understanding of psycho...

Avg yearly income $88,400
Entry barriers Low

About University of the Sunshine Coast

As a university with a strong commitment to achieving sustainability in terms of teaching, research and how we operate, we’re thrilled to be the top ranked Queensland university in the 2023 THE Impact Rankings. The Times Higher Education Impact Rankings are the only global performance tables that assess universities against the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and measure the social and economic impact of an institution.

UniSC offers flexible study options at a network of teaching locations between Brisbane and the Fraser Coast.

UniSC is committed to creating a work and study environment which values the rich diversity of its staff and students.

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