Course overview
Become an expert in why people think, feel and behave the way they do. Deakin’s Bachelor of Arts (Psychology) gives you the perfect mix of skills sought by employers in one degree, with exposure to two distinct areas of interest and over 30 study areas to choose from.
Build transferable skills through experiential learning. Work in teams during industry placement, develop critical analysis through work-integrated learning and build valuable life skills through global experiences. Combine this with in-depth study in psychology as a scientific discipline and learn about human behaviour and personality. Undertake 140 hours of practical industry placement in your final year of study to flex your new skill set and grow your professional network. As a graduate you may opt to undertake further studies leading to registration.
Current Deakin students
To access your official course details for the year you started your degree, please visit the handbook
- Award granted
- Bachelor of Arts (Psychology)
- Year
2027 course information
- VTAC code
- 1400316263 - Waurn Ponds (Geelong), International full-fee paying place
1400516263 - Burwood (Melbourne), International full-fee paying place - Deakin code
- A301
- CRICOS code?Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students
- 077384J Burwood (Melbourne), Waurn Ponds (Geelong)
- Level
- Undergraduate
- Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) recognition
The award conferred upon completion is recognised in the Australian Qualifications Framework at Level 7
Start studying in November
Start your studies in Deakin's Trimester 3 (November) intake and begin building your future sooner. Join Melbourne's #1 university for international student graduate employment and benefit from industry-led learning, advanced facilities and strong student support. You can also apply now for our 2027 Trimester 1 (March) and Trimester 2 (July) intakes.
Course structure
To complete the Bachelor of Arts (Psychology) you must pass 24 credit points. This includes:
- DAI001 Academic Integrity and Respect at Deakin (0-credit-point compulsory unit) in your first study period
- 10 credit points of core psychology units
- 1 arts major (8 credit points)
- 2 credit points of arts units
- 4 credit points of open electives
- a maximum of 10 credit points at level 1
- a minimum of 6 credit points at level 3 or above.
Most units are equal to one credit point. As a full-time student you will study four credit points per trimester and usually undertake two trimesters per year.
Students are required to meet the University's academic progress and conduct requirements.
Compulsory 0-credit point module
To be completed in the first trimester of study:
Level 1
HPS111 Introduction to Psychology: Human Behaviour [No longer available for enrolment]
HPS121 Introduction to Psychology: Individual and Social Development [No longer available for enrolment]
Level 2
Level 3
Refer to the details of each major sequence for availability. Refer to Bachelor of Arts for list of Arts majors on offer.
Intakes by location
The availability of a course varies across locations and intakes. This means that a course offered in Trimester 1 may not be offered in the same location for Trimester 2 or 3. Check each intake for up-to-date information on when and where you can commence your studies.
- Start date: March
- Available at:
- Burwood (Melbourne)
- Online
- Start date: July
- Available at:
- Burwood (Melbourne)
- Online
- Start date: November
- Available at:
- Burwood (Melbourne)
- Online
Deakin splits the academic year into three terms, known as trimesters. Most students usually undertake two trimesters each year (March-June, July-November).
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Transition to University study
The faculty offers two units AIX160 Introduction to University Study and AIX117 Professional Writing for Work [No longer available for enrolment] which are specifically designed to ease the transition into university study. New students are encouraged to enrol in one or both of these units in their first year.
Course duration
You may be able to study available units in the optional third trimester to fast-track your degree, however your course duration may be extended if there are delays in meeting course requirements, such as completing a placement.
Mandatory student checks
Any unit which contains work integrated learning, a community placement or interaction with the community may require a police check, Working with Children Check or other check.
Participation requirements
Reasonable adjustments to participation and other course requirements will be made for students with a disability. More information available at Disability support services.
Work experience
Take your learning beyond the classroom by doing a professional work experience placement and/or internship as part of your degree, Work Integrated Learning.
Entry requirements
Selection is based on a holistic consideration of your academic merit, work experience, likelihood of success, availability of places, participation requirements, regulatory requirements, and individual circumstances. You will need to meet the minimum academic and English language proficiency requirements to be considered for selection, but this does not guarantee admission.
A combination of qualifications and experience may be deemed equivalent to minimum academic requirements.
If you don't meet the academic entry requirements as outlined in the tabs below, or haven't completed Year 12, or don't hold any relevant qualifications, the STAT (Skills for Tertiary Admissions Test) Multiple Choice (MC) may be an option for you to meet course entry requirements.
Academic requirements
If you’re currently studying Year 12, or completed Year 12 in the last two years, you will need to meet all the following criteria to be considered for admission to this degree:
Year 12 prerequisite subjects
- Units 3 and 4: a study score of at least 25 in English EAL (English as an Additional Language) or at least 20 in English other than EAL
ATAR
- Senior Secondary Certificate of Education with an unadjusted ATAR of at least 50 or equivalent
If you have undertaken higher education studies after secondary schooling, you will need to meet the following criteria to be considered for admission to this degree:
- successful completion of at least two bachelor level or above units (AQF Level 7 or equivalent)
If you have undertaken any Vocational Education and Training (VET) study after secondary school, you will need to meet at least one of following criteria to be considered for admission to this degree:
- completion of a certificate IV or higher in a related discipline
- completion of a diploma or higher in any discipline
- at least 50% completion of a diploma or higher in a related discipline
If you finished Year 12 more than three years ago, or did not finish Year 12, and have not undertaken any further study, you may be considered for admission to this degree based on your work, volunteer and/or life experience.
Submit a personal statement outlining your motivation to study, previous education and employment history, and how this course can assist your career aspirations or progression. Think of it as a job application cover letter – it should be relevant and demonstrate your commitment and interest in this course or study area.
To meet the English language proficiency requirements of this course, you will need to demonstrate at least one of the following:
- Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) English Units 3 and 4: Study score of 25 in English as an Additional Language (EAL) or 20 in any other English
- IELTS overall score of 6.0 (with no band score less than 6.0) or equivalent
- other evidence of English language proficiency (learn more about other ways to satisfy the requirements)
Learn more about Deakin courses and how we compare to other universities when it comes to the quality of our teaching and learning. We're also committed to admissions transparency. Read about our first intake of 2026 students (PDF, 879KB) – their average ATARs, whether they had any previous higher education experience and more.
Not sure if you can get into Deakin? Discover the different entry pathways we offer and study options available to you, no matter your ATAR or education history.
Online studies
Deakin offers many courses which can be studied by distance education overseas.
However, international students living in Australia on a student visa, in each compulsory trimester (that is, Trimesters 1 and 2), must enrol in at least one unit that is offered as a Campus located unit and can, in addition enrol in units offered online. International students may undertake a maximum of up to one third (or equivalent) of their study as online study. Please note enrolment in one face to face unit in compulsory study periods is only allowed if the student is completing their final unit of study and will not exceed maximum one third (or equivalent) online requirement.
Recognition of prior learning
If you have completed previous studies which you believe may reduce the number of units you have to complete at Deakin, indicate in the appropriate section on your application that you wish to be considered for credit transfer. You will need to provide a certified copy of your previous course details so your credit can be determined. If you are eligible, your offer letter will then contain information about your credit transfer. Your credit transfer is formally approved prior to your enrolment at Deakin during the Enrolment and Orientation Program. You must bring original documents relating to your previous study so that this approval can occur.
You can also refer to the recognition of prior learning (RPL) system which outlines the credit that may be granted towards a Deakin University degree.
Fees and scholarships
Fee information
Estimated tuition fee - full-fee paying place
$38,200 for 1 yr full-time AUD
Learn more about fees and your options for paying.
The estimated tuition fee above is based on a typical first-year full-time enrolment of 8 credit points and is provided as a guide only. Your tuition fees are determined by your course and unit enrolment. Your tuition fees will vary depending on your study load, the course duration, and any approved recognition of prior learning.
Scholarship options
Deakin scholarships recognise your hard work and achievements. Our support can ease the financial pressure of studying in Australia so you stay focused on your success. Numbers are limited, so apply early for the best chance.
Apply now
Apply directly to Deakin
Applications can be made directly to the University through StudyLink Connect - Deakin University's International Student Application Service.
We recommend engaging with a Deakin Authorised Agent who can assist you with the process and submit the application.
Apply through VTAC
If you are an international student completing an Australian Year 12 in Australia or overseas, you must submit an application through the Victorian Tertiary Admissions Centre (VTAC). In addition, you may also apply directly to Deakin through StudyLink Connect - Deakin University's international student application service.
Pathways
Articulated courses:
Career outcomes
As a Deakin Bachelor of Arts (Psychology) graduate you will develop some of the most important skills a student can gain at university. Through your study in the arts, you will build valuable and transferable career skills, making you highly employable within many industries. The range of disciplines on offer also lets you follow your passion and develop the specialist skills to pursue the career you want. You will be able to take your degree into a range of careers, including:
- administration
- advertising
- business
- communications
- community organisations
- criminal justice
- education
- galleries, libraries, archives, and museums (GLAM)
- government
- human rights
- journalism
- management consulting
- media
- not-for-profits
- performing and visual arts
- photography
- policing
- policy development
- politics
- public relations
- publishing
- research
- tourism.
Following the completion of your major in psychology, taking the next step towards becoming a psychologist involves applying for an honours year (e.g. Bachelor of Psychological Science (Honours)). Once completed, you can then apply for provisional registration as a psychologist with the Psychology Board of Australia (PsyBA). You will then need to undertake further study through a masters or doctorate course to pursue general registration with PsyBA and work as a registered psychologist.
If your passion isn’t to become a registered psychologist, there are still many diverse career options available, including:
- child protection
- counselling
- family support
- human services
- marketing
- not for profit aid
- public health
- social work.
If you choose to pursue full registration as a psychologist, you may find employment in a variety of roles, including:
- clinical psychologist
- cognitive neuroscientist
- counsellor
- criminal psychologist
- educational and developmental psychologist
- family therapist
- forensic psychologist
- health and community psychologist
- organisational psychologist
- rehabilitation counsellor
- sport and exercise psychologist
- youth psychologist.
These positions can be found in:
- private clinics and practices
- public and private hospitals
- corporate organisations
- schools and universities
- government departments and agencies
- sporting clubs and institutes
- social research organisations.
For more information go to DeakinTALENT.
Professional recognition
The Bachelor of Arts (Psychology) degree at Deakin meets the requirements of the Psychology Board of Australia (PBA) translating into excellent job and career opportunities for our graduates. Upon graduation of this degree, you'll have gained a three-year undergraduate psychology sequence that is accredited by the Australian Psychology Accreditation Council (APAC) and recognised for registration purposes by the PBA, enabling you to undertake additional study in pursuit of provisional registration.
Deakin's graduate learning outcomes describe the knowledge and capabilities graduates can demonstrate at the completion of their course. These outcomes mean that regardless of the Deakin course you undertake, you can rest assured your degree will teach you the skills and professional attributes that employers value. They'll set you up to learn and work effectively in the future.
| Course Learning Outcomes |
|---|
| Demonstrate a broad and coherent body of knowledge in the Arts disciplines, with depth in the underlying principles and concepts in one or more disciplines or areas of practice. |
| Demonstrate highly developed skills in oral, written and electronic communication and the ability to communicate research outcomes, and produce scholarly papers. |
| Research, analyse, synthesise and disseminate information using a range of appropriate technologies and resources in a rapidly-changing global environment. |
| Use critical and analytical thinking and judgement in selecting and applying appropriate theories and methodologies to evaluate information and knowledge about society, culture and the arts. |
| Apply cognitive, technical and creative skills to generate solutions to unpredictable and sometimes complex problems in the Humanities, Social Sciences and the Creative Arts, including cross-disciplinary approaches. |
| Demonstrate autonomy, responsibility and accountability for personal actions and a continued commitment to learning in personal, professional, and scholarly contexts. |
| Work and learn collaboratively with colleagues, other professionals and members of the wider community. |
| Demonstrate an awareness of ethical issues, cultural diversity, and social responsibility when engaging in scholarship and professional roles in the local, national or international community. |
Approved by Faculty Board June 2014
Note – From 2026, Deakin commenced introducing Graduate Attributes (GAs), which define the distinctive characteristics of a Deakin graduate. You may notice some courses still refer to Graduate Learning Outcomes (GLOs) during this transition period.
*Deakin references data from a range of government, higher education and reputable media sources. Learn more about our achievements on our University rankings page, or explore our sources page for supporting references.
