Bachelor of Arts (Psychology)

prev next

Apply Now

Key facts

English language requirements

IELTS overall score of 6 (with no band score less than 6) or equivalent

Duration

3-years full-time

Locations

Current Deakin Students

To access your official course details for the year you started your degree, please visit the handbook

Course overview

Study the Bachelor of Arts (Psychology) and gain insight into why people think, feel and behave the way they do. At the same time, you will also open the door to a world of opportunity through your study in the arts.

Learn the perfect mix of skills sought by employers by studying one degree, with exposure to two distinct areas of interest. Combining your passions in psychology and the arts can broaden your career options and make you more employable once you graduate.

The added benefit of an arts degree at Deakin is the transferable skills you build through experiential learning. Learn to work in teams during industry placements, develop critical analysis through work-integrated learning, and build valuable life skills through international experiences*. Combine this with in-depth study in psychology as a scientific discipline and learn about human behaviour and personality.

Why not study psychology your way, with more flexibility and diverse opportunities?

You will explore diverse areas of psychology including:

behavioural and clinical neuroscience
child and adolescent psychology
cognitive psychology
forensic psychology
human social behaviour

Our School of Psychology is one of the largest in Victoria. It has strong partnerships with industry, including collaborative activities with government agencies, public and private organisations, hospitals and other universities.

These partnerships ensure that your degree remains relevant to industry and workforce needs. You will be in high demand by employers who want graduates that are ready to face problems with confidence.

You will get the chance to build real-world experience by electing to undertake the Psychology at Work (Internship) unit in your final year of study. This gives you 140-hours of practical industry placement, strengthening your employment prospects. The Bachelor of Arts (Psychology) is also recognised for registration purposes by the Australian Psychology Accreditation Council (APAC).

As a student in the Bachelor of Arts (Psychology), you will also choose an area of study in the arts to build your future-focused degree, choose from disciplines in the humanities, social sciences, communication, languages, and the creative arts.

With specialist knowledge in your chosen arts discipline, you will learn how to apply critical, creative and strategic thinking to real-world issues. You will also develop the essential skills in communication, critical thinking and problem solving that employers are looking for.

If you are intending to become a psychologist, this course is a pathway to a fourth year level of study (honours or graduate diploma level). After completing a fourth year of study, you will be eligible to apply for provisional registration as a psychologist. Students wishing to become fully registered psychologists can then apply to continue their study by undertaking one of the following:

Master of Psychology (Clinical)
Master of Psychology (Organisational)
Master of Professional Psychology
Doctor of Psychology (Clinical).

*Overseas study programs to be confirmed in 2023 and beyond, subject to government travel restrictions.

Award granted: Bachelor of Arts (Psychology)
Year: 2023 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?: 077384J Burwood (Melbourne), Waurn Ponds (Geelong)
Level: Undergraduate
Approval status: This course is approved by the University under the Higher Education Standards Framework.
Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) recognition: The award conferred upon completion is recognised in the Australian Qualifications Framework at Level 7.

Course structure

To qualify for the Bachelor of Arts (Psychology), a student must successfully complete 24 credit points of study including:

10 credit points of Psychology units including the approved 10-credit-point Psychology major sequence
10 credit points of Arts units including an approved Arts major sequence of at least 8 credit points.
4 electives credit points from units offered by either Faculty or by another Faculty
no more than 10 credit points at Level 1
a minimum 6 credit points at level 3 or above
Academic Integrity AAI018

Core units

Arts units

Electives

Total units

Level 1

Academic Integrity

AAI018

Introduction to Psychology: Human Behaviour

HPS111

Introduction to Psychology: Individual and Social Development

HPS121

Level 2

Psychology Research Methods (Introductory)

HPS201

Developmental Psychology (Child and Adolescent)

HPS202

Cognitive Psychology

HPS203

Social Psychology

HPS204

Level 3

Psychology Research Methods (Intermediate)

HPS301

Personality Psychology

HPS307

Psychopathology

HPS308

Biological Psychology (Brain and Behaviour)

HPS310

Arts major sequence

Refer to A310 Bachelor of Arts handbook course entry for list of Arts majors on offer.

Major sequences

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.

Trimester 1 - March

Start date: March
Available at:
- Burwood (Melbourne)
- Waurn Ponds (Geelong)
- Online

Trimester 2 - July

Start date: July
Available at:
- Burwood (Melbourne)
- Waurn Ponds (Geelong)
- Online

Trimester 3 - November

Start date: November
Available at:
- Burwood (Melbourne)
- Waurn Ponds (Geelong)
- Online

Deakin splits the academic year into three terms, known as trimesters. Most students usually undertake two trimesters each year (March-June, July-November).

Additional course information

The faculty offers two units AIX160 Introduction to University Study and AIX117 Professional Writing for Work 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.

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. Click here for more information.

Work experience

Students have the opportunity to undertake preparation for work units and/or internship units as electives in this course through either the Faculty of Arts and Education or the School of Psychology.

Entry requirements

Senior certificate of education

If you are currently studying Year 12 or completed Year 12 in the previous two years and have not attempted higher education or VET/Polytechnic study since, your selection is based on the following.

VCE 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

This course uses the ATAR as part of its selection considerations.

Selection is competitive and meeting the minimum entry requirements does not guarantee selection. Our Admission Criteria and Selection Policy outlines the principles of selection.

International equivalent requirements

To view the international academic admission and English language requirements visit the International entry requirements page. If your course or country of origin is not listed please contact study@deakin.edu.au.

To submit an application please visit the how to apply page.

Higher education study

If you have undertaken at least one unit of higher education after secondary schooling, your selection is based on the following.

Education

This course uses your entire academic record as part of its selection considerations.

VCE Senior Secondary prerequisite studies

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 or equivalent, or Certificate IV: or higher, or concurrent Bachelor study.

All applicants must meet the minimum English language requirements. Please read about other ways of satisfying the English language proficiency requirement.

Personal statement

Applicants who wish their work and volunteer/other experience to be considered as part of their application for entry are required to submit a personal statement with details of their work and volunteer/other experience, motivation to study and any other factors relevant to their application for the course. Learn more about the personal statement.

Selection is competitive and meeting the minimum entry requirements does not guarantee selection. Our Admission Criteria and Selection Policy outlines the principles of selection.

International equivalent requirements

To submit an application please visit the how to apply page.

Polytechnic study

If you have undertaken at least one unit of Vocational Education and Training (VET) study after secondary school, your selection is based on the following.

Education

This course uses your entire academic record as part of its selection considerations.

VCE Senior Secondary prerequisite studies

All applicants must meet the minimum English language requirements. Please read about other ways of satisfying the English language proficiency requirement.

Personal statement

Selection is competitive and meeting the minimum entry requirements does not guarantee selection. Our Admission Criteria and Selection Policy outlines the principles of selection.

International equivalent requirements

To submit an application please visit the how to apply page.

Work and life experience

If you finished Year 12 more than three years ago or did not finish Year 12, your selection is based on the following.

Education

This course uses your entire academic record as part of its selection considerations.

VCE Senior Secondary prerequisite studies

All applicants must meet the minimum English language requirements. Please read about other ways of satisfying the English language proficiency requirement.

Personal statement

Selection is competitive and meeting the minimum entry requirements does not guarantee selection. Our Admission Criteria and Selection Policy outlines the principles of selection.

International equivalent requirements

To submit an application please visit the how to apply page.

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 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

$32,000 for 1 yr full-time AUD
Learn more about fees and your options for paying.

The tuition fees you pay are determined by the course you are enrolled in.

The 'Estimated tuition fee' is provided as a guide only based on a typical enrolment of students completing the first year of this course. The cost will vary depending on the units you choose, your study load, the length of your course and any approved Recognition of Prior Learning you have.

Each unit you enrol in has a credit point value. The 'Estimated tuition fee' is calculated by adding together eight credit points of a typical combination of units for that course. Eight credit points is used as it represents a typical full-time enrolment load for a year.

You can find the credit point value of each unit under the Unit Description by searching for the unit in the Handbook.

Learn more about international student fees.

Scholarship options

A Deakin scholarship could help you pay for your course fees, living costs and study materials. If you've got something special to offer Deakin - or maybe you just need a bit of extra support - we've got a scholarship opportunity for you. Search or browse through our scholarships

Apply now

Apply through VTAC and Deakin

International students who are currently completing an Australian Year 12 in Australia or overseas should apply through the Victorian Tertiary Admissions Centre (VTAC), as well as directly to Deakin through StudyLink Connect – Deakin University's International Student Application Service. For information on the application process and closing dates, see the How to apply web page.

Apply Through VTAC

Apply through Deakin

All other international students apply directly to the University through StudyLink Connect - Deakin University's International Student Application Service. For information on the application process and closing dates, see the How to apply web page.

Apply through StudyLink Connect

Deakin International office or Deakin representative

Fill out the application form and submit to a Deakin International office or take your application form to a Deakin representative for assistance

PDF Application form - 306 KB

Need more information on how to apply?

For information on the application process and closing dates, see the How to apply webpage.
If you’re still having problems, please contact Deakin International for assistance.

Careers

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).

If your passion isn’t to complete further study 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.

Course learning outcomes

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.

Deakin Graduate Learning Outcomes	Course Learning Outcomes
Discipline-specific knowledge and capabilities	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.
Communication	Demonstrate highly developed skills in oral, written and electronic communication and the ability to communicate research outcomes, and produce scholarly papers.
Digital literacy	Research, analyse, synthesise and disseminate information using a range of appropriate technologies and resources in a rapidly-changing global environment.
Critical thinking	Use critical and analytical thinking and judgment in selecting and applying appropriate theories and methodologies to evaluate information and knowledge about society, culture and the arts.
Problem solving	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.
Self-management	Demonstrate autonomy, responsibility and accountability for personal actions and a continued commitment to learning in personal, professional, and scholarly contexts.
Teamwork	Work and learn collaboratively with colleagues, other professionals and members of the wider community.
Global citizenship	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