Start your accredited pathway to becoming a Psychologist
The upcoming semester for this program will be delivered in a multi-modal format, with classes designed to support and engage all learners. Whether they're on campus or abroad, all students will be able to access Bond's exceptional and personalised learning experience through dynamic and interactive lectures, tutorials, seminars, workshops and lab sessions.
Psychology is the science of human behaviour. Delving deep into the processes of the mind, it helps us explain why we act the way we do as individuals and how we operate collectively as a society.
Bond University’s School of Psychology has earned a reputation as a leader in undergraduate and postgraduate teaching and research. It offers the full suite of Psychology qualifications required to gain registration as a practising Psychologist; all of which are accredited by the Australian Psychological Accreditation Council (APAC) and approved by the Psychology Board of Australia (PsyBA).
The Bachelor of Psychological Science is the first step on that pathway, giving you an introduction to a broad range of concepts including;
- Biological Psychology
- Social Psychology
- Cognitive Psychology
- Personality, learning and behaviour
- Cross-cultural Psychology
- Psychopathology
- Motivation and emotion
- Developmental Psychology
You’ll develop a scientific understanding of normal psychological processes such as personality, emotion, motivation, learning and memory, as well as abnormal behaviours.
You’ll also learn to understand, evaluate and apply research methods, and analyse and interpret data by participating in the Cognitive Research Labs.
The Bachelor of Psychological Science is recognised by APAC as the equivalent of the first 3 years of the 6-year Psychology training pathway. Thanks to Bond’s accelerated three-semesters-per-year timetable, you can complete the Bachelor qualification in just 2 years and the full pathway to registration in 4 years 8 months.
The Bachelor of Psychological Science also combines well with other undergraduate programs such as the Bachelor of Laws and the Bachelor of Business.
Campus and Bond University Experience
Bond University has been ranked #1 in Australia for Student Experience by the Good Universities Guide for well over a decade. This ranking recognises that there is a big difference between learning in large anonymous cohorts and working in small, discussion-based classes where you will be mentored through your studies by world-renowned academics, researchers and practising psychologists.
As a Bachelor of Psychological Science student, you’ll have extended access to the Cognitive Research Labs where you can see how research applies in practice and have an opportunity to work on ground-breaking research projects being carried out at international research centres such as the Interdisciplinary Centre for the Artificial Mind (iCAM).
In addition to your Psychology studies, you’ll also develop high level interpersonal and employability skills – communication, leadership, ethics – through Bond’s unique core subjects and Beyond Bond program that is part of every undergraduate degree. When it comes to planning your career path, the team at the Career Development Centre will work with you to find internships and work placements, while the student-led Bond Psychological Society organises regular networking events where you will meet potential industry contacts and future employers.
As for your social life – Bond is renowned for it, with a huge range of active student clubs, sporting teams, swimming pools, the aquatic centre, student gym, fitness and yoga classes, restaurants, cafes, all right here on campus.
Learn from internationally recognised and endorsed academics
The pathway to becoming a registered psychologist
Becoming a registered psychologist is a long journey - but it's an extremely rewarding one. At Bond, our accelerated programs mean you can get a headstart on your path to becoming a registered psychologist and making a difference in the lives of others.
Explore the Effects of Alcohol on the Brain
How does alcohol affect vision and cognitive ability? Our host, Candice Dixon, and psychologist Dr Peta Stapleton show you with some extra special goggles that simulate the intoxicated brain.
At Bond, students are taught by internationally recognised and endorsed academics with expertise across a variety of research interests. Students are provided networking opportunities through the Bond Psychological Society – a student body comprised of like-minded students who embrace the important of knowledge-sharing.
Combined Degree Options
Key features
- Complete your Bachelor of Psychological Science (equivalent to Years 1-3) in just two years
- The fastest pathway to your career as a registered practising psychologist – complete the full 6-year pathway in just 4 years 8 months
- Develop a strong foundation in the science of Psychology and human behaviour
- Choose electives in specialised areas such as neuropsychology, forensic Psychology and love, sex and relationships
- Undertake practical research in the Cognitive Research Labs
- Learn from internationally recognised psychologists, counsellors and behavioural therapists in small personalised classes
- Network with professional psychologists and counsellors at events run by Bond Psychological Society
About the program
The Bachelor of Psychological Science provides students with a scientific understanding of normal psychological processes such as memory, learning, motivation, psychobiology, personality, emotion, developmental psychology and social relationships, as well as training in abnormal psychology. A basic understanding of these topics is acquired across the two introductory subjects before a greater depth of coverage is undertaken within the advanced second and third level subjects. Show more
The Bachelor of Psychological Science provides students with a scientific understanding of normal psychological processes such as memory, learning, motivation, psychobiology, personality, emotion, developmental psychology and social relationships, as well as training in abnormal psychology. A basic understanding of these topics is acquired across the two introductory subjects before a greater depth of coverage is undertaken within the advanced second and third level subjects. Students also participate in laboratory work and are introduced to the Australian Psychological Society Code of Ethics. To underpin the scientific nature of the discipline, students receive training in a range of data analytic techniques and research methods used by psychologists. The program is designed to equip graduates with the basic scientific grounding and theoretical understanding required for advanced level studies. Show less
| Mode | On Campus and Remote Due to current travel restrictions, this program will temporarily be delivered using a mixture of on-campus, remote and multi-modal classes to support and engage all students, from all parts of the world. |
| Duration | 6 semesters (2 years) |
| Starting semesters |
|
| Program type | Bachelors Degree |
| Study area | Social Sciences, Psychology and Counselling |
| Program code | HS-20035 |
| CRICOS code | 062655C |
| Credit for prior study | For more details on applying for credit, please contact the Student Business Centre: [email protected] |
View the Bachelor of Psychological Science - Program Structure and Sequencing
The Bachelor of Psychological Science comprises 24 subjects, as follows:
University core subjects (3)
- CORE11-001 Critical Thinking and Communication (CORE 1)
- CORE11-002 Collaboration, Teams and Leadership (CORE 2)
- CORE11-003 Responsibility, Integrity and Civic Discourse (CORE 3)
Plus: Beyond Bond: Professional Development and Community Engagement
Compulsory subjects (15)
- Foundations of Psychology: Biology & Personality (PSYC11-100)
- Foundations of Psychology: Development, Learning & Social (PSYC11-101)
- Statistics and Data Analysis 1 (PSYC11-105)
- Statistics and Data Analysis 2 (PSYC12-200)
- Biological Psychology (PSYC12-214)
- Cross-Cultural Psychology (PSYCH12-225)
- Learning and Behaviour (PSYC12-250)
- Developmental Psychology (PSYC12-315)
- Social Psychology (PSYC12-325)
- Cognitive Psychology (PSYC13-301)
- Personality, Assessment & Individual Differences (PSYC13-302)
- Research Methods in Psychology (PSYC13-305)
- Psychopathology (PSYC13-312)
- Motivation and Emotion (PSYC13-316)
- Statistics and Data Analysis 3 (PSYC13-345)
Psychology electives (1)
Students must choose one (1) of the following subjects:
- Love, Sex and Relationships (PSYC11-116)
- Psychology at Work (PSYC12-211)
- Positive Well-Being (PSYC12-202)
- Counselling Psychology (PSYC13-306)
- Drugs and Behaviour (PSYC13-308)
- Forensic Psychology (PSYC13-339)
- Applied Psychology (PSYC13-317)
- Neuropsychology (PSYC13-408)
Electives (5)
Students can choose 5 subjects (50CP) from the list of available subjects from across the University, provided they meet the subject requisites, enrolment restrictions and any other faculty requirements.
International students
To fulfil your student visa requirements, you will need to enrol in 40 credit points per semester.
Domestic students
Most students undertake four (4) subjects per semester (equivalent to 40 credit points). You may however enrol in fewer subjects and extend your degree over a long period.
The below fees are based on the total estimated program fee divided by the number of standard full-time semesters required to complete the program. Fees may vary based on which subjects are selected and the number of subjects enrolled in for each semester.
Semester program fee:
- Students commencing study in 2022: $15,800* per semester average
- Students commencing study in 2023: $16,200* per semester average
Total program fee:
- Students commencing study in 2022: $94,800
- Students commencing study in 2023: $97,200
When considering the fees associated with your studies, keep in mind that Bond’s accelerated schedule means you can finish your degree sooner and be out in the workforce up to a year earlier than most other universities.
This time saving also represents a substantial reduction in accommodation and living costs, plus a full year of extra earnings.
Find out your financing options and other costs to consider.
* The fees listed are average costs displayed to provide an indicative program cost only, they may differ to the indicative fee included in the Bond University offer letter due to differences in individual and exact study schedules.
Tuition fees are subject to change on an annual basis and will be charged at the appropriate fee for the year of enrolment.
Academic requirements
Applicants with recent secondary education (within the past two years)
Entry score for 2021 entry
| Min ATAR | Min OP | Min IB |
|---|---|---|
| 65 | 15 | 24 |
Visit our student profile if you are interested in the profile of all students who commenced undergraduate study at the Faculty in the January semester 2020.
Applicants must meet the University's general minimum admission criteria.
2022 Year 12 entry
In a disrupted world, Year 12 students have shown incredible resilience in adapting to the ongoing challenges presented by the events of recent years. Year 12 students can be assessed now for a guaranteed offer for 2022 entry conditional on the completion of Year 12. Applications will be assessed based on their first semester Year 12 results and meeting any subject prerequisite requirements for their program. Find out more.
International Secondary School students
For more information for International Students, including the International Baccalaureate, please go to the International Secondary School equivalency page.
Alternative entry pathways
For those applicants who do not currently have the required academic qualifications, there are a number of alternative entry pathways:
- Bond University Tertiary Preparation programs
- Bond University Diploma programs
- Other institutional Tertiary Preparation Programs
- Vocational education and training qualifications (Certificate IV and above)
- Prior higher education experience (at this university or another)
- Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT)
- Professional or para-professional qualifications/experience
- Employment experience verified by a statement of service from the employer stating the position title and length of service and a very brief statement on the tasks undertaken.
For more information on what is required please visit our how to apply page.
English language proficiency requirements
As tuition is delivered in English, all students will be required to provide documented evidence of the required level of proficiency in the English language. Read more detailed information on English language proficiency requirements for university study.
Credit for prior study
Subject credits may be awarded for previous studies. To apply for credits, you will need to submit academic transcripts including detailed subject outlines/course descriptions for each relevant subject and/or certified copies of testamurs to the Office of Future Students. Please refer to how to apply for credit for more information
Key dates
How to apply
In order to apply for study at Bond University, you will need to complete the online application form. To find out more about the application process please refer to how to apply.
Future outcomes
The Bachelor of Psychological Science opens the door to a wide range of rewarding careers where you can make a real difference in the lives of others: Careers based on helping people suffering from trauma, mental health issues and physical disabilities; or where you can predict and change behaviours or improve performance – on the sporting field, in the workplace and in dealing with everyday life.
With a strong emphasis on critical thinking, communication and analytical skills, undergraduate qualifications in Psychology can be applied to careers in private enterprise, government and community settings. Some of the many possibilities include:
- Education – counselling, behaviour management
- Business – change management, organisational Psychology
- Human resources and career guidance
- Policy making
- Criminal investigations and profiling
- Sport and exercise – sports Psychology, athlete performance
- Rehabilitation – counselling
- Not-for-profit organisations
- Community action
- Marketing / Advertising / Communications
- NDIS services including mental health support
- Research
Once fully registered as a practicing Psychologist, graduates can specialise and be endorsed in nine areas of practice, namely:
- Clinical neuropsychology
- Clinical Psychology
- Community Psychology
- Counselling Psychology
- Educational and developmental Psychology
- Forensic Psychology
- Health Psychology
- Organisational Psychology
- Sport and exercise Psychology
The Bachelor of Psychological Science is the first step on the pathway to becoming a registered Psychologist. There are a couple of options available to continue the process:
- BPsychSc graduates with a minimum GPA of 2.5 on Bond University’s 4-point scale for all second and third level Psychology subjects will be eligible to enrol in the Bachelor of Psychological Science (Honours);
- BPsychSc graduates with a minimum GPA of 2.0 on Bond University’s 4-point scale for all second and third level Psychology subjects will be eligible to enrol in the Graduate Diploma of Psychological Science;
- BPsychSc graduates who do not meet the above criteria may be eligible to enrol in the Graduate Diploma of Psychology (Bridging).
Bond University’s Bachelor of Psychological Sciences is accredited by the Australian Psychology Accreditation Council (APAC) as the equivalent of Years 1-3 on the pathway to becoming a registered Psychologist in Australia.
Bond University’s Bachelor of Psychological Science is accredited with conditions* by the Australian Psychology Accreditation Council (APAC) as the equivalent of the Fourth Year on the pathway to becoming a registered Psychologist in Australia.
Graduates will be eligible to apply for provisional registration as a Psychologist, in preparation for the practicum placements required in the final two years (Years 5 and 6) of the training pathway.
*Accredited with Conditions denotes that the School of Psychology is working on some internal updates which in no way impact upon the completion of the program and progression under APAC and AHPRA guidelines. Our Accreditation is current for five years.
According to the annual Employer Satisfaction Survey published by the Australian Government Department of Education, employer satisfaction with Bond graduates has been rated highest in Australia for three years in a row.
We believe this is due to Bond’s uniquely personalised approach to teaching, combined with the application of case-based learning that encourages the development of increased analytical reasoning, critical thinking and a range of broader employability skills.
Our Psychology program’s clear focus on practical skills and the extensive workplace experience opportunities on and off campus, combined with Bond’s employability initiatives such as the Career Development Centre, means that you will enter the workforce with the skills, experience and confidence to stand out.
Student guide
The Undergraduate Studies in Psychology Student Guide is a valuable resource for students enrolled in the Bachelor of Psychological Science. The Guide contains important advice about the undergraduate programs of study including coursework information, program planners, research participation, staff information, career pathways, student resources, and administrative matters.
Log on to iLearn to access the Undergraduate Student Guide.
Meet our academics
To learn more about our Psychology Academics and their research interests, visit the Staff & Research Interests page.
Beyond Graduation
Justyce Pengilly - Bachelor of Psychological Science
Justyce Pengilly recently graduated from a Bachelor of Psychological Science and is on the cusp of completing her Honours year in Psychology at Bond. “Growing up, I saw a lot of people struggling with mental health issues. I found myself wanting to understand it and to be able to do something about it. I thought the best way to do that would be to make a career out of it. One of the biggest problems is that there aren’t many Aboriginal psychologists – trained therapists who really understand our culture and the way we live … our relationships … our deep connection with family". One of the highlights of her Bond experience, Justyce says, is seeing those dynamics at work during an internship with Marumali Consultations – one of the very few Aboriginal owned and run psychology services, based on the Gold Coast at Tallebudgera. With the end of her Honours year in sight, Justyce is planning to take six months off before returning to study her Masters of Psychology at Bond in May.
Mikayla Hudson - Bachelor of Psychological Science
Mikayla Hudson's biggest passion is learning the science behind what makes people tick. The Bachelor of Psychological Science graduate has always been interested in the workings of the human mind, and as an Aboriginal Secondary Education Transition Officer (ASETO) she gets to put her theory into practice each day. After graduating from Bond, Mikayla returned to her home town of Port Augusta in South Australia to work in the ASETO support role with Indigenous students at a local high school. Her day-to-day work involves spending time with students during lessons and liaising with families and other school stakeholders regarding their progress. "I often spend lessons in class with Aboriginal students, tutoring them, and other times I'll be in the education office taking calls from families," says Mikayla, "It's basically about working with students and their families to help give them the best education possible."
Psychology students on the frontline of the pandemic
Bond’s postgraduate psychology students are at the coalface of the COVID-19 pandemic, working in the Bond Psychology Clinic to provide much-needed services for people who are struggling.