Psychology is a discipline of both scientific research and applied practice. As a science, psychology is concerned with the study of behaviour and its underlying mental and neural processes. Topics of study include learning, memory, cognition, perception, motivation, life-span development, personality, social interactions, and abnormal psychology. Psychology has many areas of application, especially in clinical, correctional, counselling, educational, and organisational settings. In addition, people with training in psychology pursue careers in academic research, health research, developmental disabilities and rehabilitation; ergonomics; occupational health and safety; personnel selection, training, and management; vocational guidance; and marketing.

The four-Stage full-time program leads to the degree of Bachelor of Psychology. The degree is designed to provide the student with (1) a sound understanding of psychological theory, research skills, and psychological techniques, (2) psychology elective studies in areas of individual interest, (3) supporting studies in science disciplines, and (4) the opportunity to study courses in other Faculties including Arts and Social Sciences, and Commerce and Economics.

PLUS ONE course from EACH of the following 3 elective groups and two other Level III Psychology courses:*

Advanced Perceptual/Cognitive

Advanced Biological

Advanced Social

*Note: Not all level III Psychology elective courses are necessarily offered each year.

Students in this program must satisfy the University's General Education requirements. For further information, please refer to General Education in the Table of Contents (see left hand side of this page).

In order to graduate students must satisfy requirements for the award by passing all courses specified for the degree.

The final grading for the degree is based on performance in all Psychology courses excluding PSYC1001, PSYC1011 and PSYC1021 taken over the four Stages. The degree may be awarded at either Pass level or with Honours.


Study Load

This is a four-stage full-time program. In any one year students must enrol in the full load specified for a particular stage. Only in exceptional circumstances will students be allowed to enrol in a reduced program for a stage, and this requires the permission of the Head of School of Psychology.

Academic Standing

Students will be required to maintain a high level of performance for progression. Any student who fails to achieve an average of 65 percent or higher in psychology courses taken in any stage (based on the first attempt result for each course) will be deemed to be falling below that level of performance. This will be drawn to the attention of the student and they may be interviewed by the Head of School (or nominee) to discuss the reasons for poor performance. This interview may lead to a recommendation to undertake special studies to assist learning. Students whose performance remains below the required level at the end of Stage 2 or 3, or remains on poor academic standing, may be required to transfer to the Bachelor of Science or another degree and/or to show cause why such transfer should not be required.

For information regarding fees for UNSW programs, please refer to the following web-page:  https://my.unsw.edu.au/student/fees/FeesMainPage.html

In order to become a member of the professional body, the Australian Psychological Society (APS), and for registration as a psychologist in New South Wales, students first need a university bachelor degree which includes four years of approved training in psychology. The BPsychol degree provides four years of approved training in psychology. Students must also follow this by completing an accredited 5th and 6th year academic degree such as one of the Master of Psychology Degrees (Clinical, Forensic, Organisational) or a combined Doctor of Philosophy/Master of Psychology Degree as offered by this University. An alternative of two years of supervised experience in professional practice may be undertaken for registration as a psychologist in NSW.