The Bachelor of Psychological Studies is a three-year, 108 unit program for which 72 units of credit is granted on the basis of completion of an approved prior bachelor’s degree or equivalent qualification. Graduates entering the program must complete one year of full-time study, or part-time equivalent. It is offered by the College of Education, Psychology and Social Work in internal mode only.
The Bachelor of Psychological Studies provides the equivalent of a major in Psychology for graduates who hold a degree in another discipline. It is also suitable for graduates who have a psychology major that is not accredited in Australia.
Those who completed a psychology major in Australia at least three years ago and who wish to update their psychology qualification should contact the College Office to discuss their options.
Admission requirements
Applicants must hold an approved degree or equivalent qualification from an approved tertiary institution other than an Australian accredited degree in Psychology and meet the prerequisites for Second Year Psychology topics by having completed one of the following:
- the Flinders topics PSYC1101 and PSYC1102;
- equivalent topics from institutions which are deemed suitable by the Dean (Education);
- the Qualifying Topic (QT) for the Flinders University Bachelor of Psychological Studies (QT).
The Dean (Education) may, however, under certain circumstances and subject to specific conditions, admit other who can show evidence of fitness for candidature.
Course aims
The aim of this course is to provide students already holding a pass Bachelor’s degree with the core knowledge and skills furnished by an undergraduate major in psychology.
The course develops knowledge of psychological theory and research regarding the factors influencing human behaviour and experience, and provides skills for the application of this knowledge to issues in the real world. The course prepares graduates for possible entry into an Honours program in psychology.
Students undertake a core set of studies covering such fields as learning, motivation, personality, development across the lifespan, social influences, group processes and biological influences on behaviour. Also integral to the course is the development of critical thinking and research skills, and an understanding of the ethical responsibilities of researchers and psychology clinicians.
The course aims to provide students with:
- a sound basis of knowledge in their chosen area of study
- the ability to apply the knowledge they have acquired
- the ability to communicate effectively in a range of ways
- the ability to work both independently and collaboratively
- the skills to connect across geographical, disciplinary, social and cultural boundaries
- an understanding of the value of ethical behaviour
Learning outcomes
Students graduating with a Bachelor of Psychological Studies should be able to demonstrate the following learning outcomes:
- knowledge of influences on human behaviour, both normal and abnormal
- an understanding of the principles and techniques of psychological research
- knowledge of psychological assessment and measurement
- the ability to critically analyse ideas and research
- the ability to connect their theoretical knowledge and learned psychological techniques with relevant real-world problems
- knowledge of ethical principles governing the conduct of research, the use of formal assessment tests and clinical practice by psychologists
- discipline-based writing skills and APA-style conventions.
Students will be expected to be able to demonstrate:
- a broad and coherent body of knowledge with depth in the underlying principles of their chosen discipline, and as a pathway to lifelong learning
- initiative and judgement in planning, problem solving and decision making in practice and scholarship, and ability to adapt knowledge and skills in diverse contexts
- skills to review critically, analyse, consolidate and synthesise knowledge and present a clear exposition of knowledge and ideas
- critical thinking and judgment in identifying and solving problems with intellectual independence
- application of knowledge and skills with responsibility and accountability and in collaboration with others.
Program of study
To qualify for the Bachelor of Psychological Studies, a student must complete 36 units with a grade of P or NGP or better in each topic, according to the following program of study:
Core - Year 1 topics
PSYC2018 Research Methods 2 (4.5 units)
PSYC2020 Cognition and Learning (4.5 units)
PSYC2022 Psychological Assessment and Measurement (4.5 units)
PSYC3007 Research Methods 3 (4.5 units)
Plus either
PSYC2019 Personality and Social Psychology (4.5 units)* OR
PSYC2021 Human Development (4.5 units)**
Option - Year 1 topics
Select 13.5 units from:
PSYC3003 Introduction to Clinical Psychology (4.5 units)
PSYC3004 Advanced Social Psychology (4.5 units)
PSYC3008 Applied Cognitive Psychology (4.5 units)
PSYC3009 Lifespan Development in Cultural Perspective (4.5 units)
PSYC3010 Mind, Brain and Behaviour (4.5 units)
PSYC3236 Forensic Psychology: Legal and Clinical (4.5 units)
* If PSYC2019 Personality and Social Psychology is chosen as the alternative topic, students must do PSYC3009 Lifespan Development in Cultural Perspective.
** If PSYC2021 Human Development is chosen as the alternative topic, students must do PSYC3004 Advanced Social Psychology.
