Course overview
Deakin's Bachelor of Nursing/Bachelor of Psychological Science develops your understanding of the human mind and behaviour and builds the skills needed to become a successful nurse. With a wealth of real-world skills gained through your professional experience placements, you will graduate ready for work as a registered nurse from the #14 ranked nursing school in the world.* You will also be eligible to pursue further study towards qualification as a registered psychologist.
This combined degree helps you understand personality, the brain, underlying mental processes and the factors behind human behaviour. You will learn in our purpose-built clinical simulation centres, which replicate real-world hospital and community settings with state-of-the-art equipment. Plus, you will put your knowledge to work with 800 hours of professional experience placements in various metropolitan, regional and rural healthcare settings, under the supervision of qualified practitioners.
Do you have good communication and decision-making skills and want to make a genuine difference in people’s lives?
The wide range of units within the Bachelor of Nursing/Bachelor of Psychological Science provides you with a scientific knowledge base for mental health practice, including psychological testing and measurement, mental health promotion and research.
Graduate with solid clinical experience and the knowledge and skills to comprehensively care for patients and their families.
As one of the most research-active schools in Australia, our School of Nursing and Midwifery also boasts some of the best facilities and resources available.
With so much diversity and growth in the healthcare sector, you will be in the best position to follow your interests and shape your future. The nursing component of your degree provides eligibility to become a registered nurse through the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia (NMBA).
Similarly, the psychology stream of your degree is recognised by the Psychology Board of Australia (PsyBA) and is accredited by the Australian Psychology Accreditation Council (APAC). This is the first step in your journey to becoming a registered psychologist.
To progress your career in psychology, an approved fourth year of psychology study such as our Bachelor of Psychological Science (Honours) or Graduate Diploma of Psychology (Advanced) will allow you to apply for provisional registration with the Psychology Board of Australia (PsyBA). In order to gain general registration, provisional psychologists must complete a further two years of postgraduate study. They can then choose to complete further supervised practice in order to specialise in a specific area of psychology.
Discover our nursing and midwifery or psychology and mental health courses.
*2025 ShanghaiRankings Global Ranking of Academic Subjects
Current Deakin students
To access your official course details for the year you started your degree, please visit the handbook
- Award granted
Bachelor of Nursing/Bachelor of Psychological Science
- Year
2026 course information
- VTAC code
- 1400414083 - Waterfront (Geelong), International full-fee paying place
1400514083 - Burwood (Melbourne), International full-fee paying place
1400714083 - Warrnambool, International full-fee paying place - Deakin code
- D387
- CRICOS code?Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students
- 079499D Burwood (Melbourne), Waterfront (Geelong), Warrnambool
- Level
- Undergraduate
- Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) recognition
The award conferred upon completion is recognised in the Australian Qualifications Framework at Level 7
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Choose a Deakin degree for vital industry experience on placements, hands-on learning in world-class facilities and guidance from industry-expert academics. We offer lifetime career support and are the #1 Victorian university for graduate employment.
Course structure
To complete the Bachelor of Nursing/Bachelor of Psychological Science, you must pass 32 credit points. This includes:
- DAI001 Academic Integrity and Respect at Deakin (0-credit-point compulsory unit) in your first study period
- 20 credit points of core nursing units
- 12 credits points of core psychology units
- course requirements for both the Bachelor of Nursing (H326) and Bachelor of Psychological Science (H344) must be satisfied
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.
All students are required to meet the University's academic progress and conduct requirements.
Note:
- There is an expectation that you will be available to undertake clinical practicum outside of trimester dates. All expenses associated with professional experience placements are your responsibility
- If you are studying at Waterfront (Geelong) and Warrnambool some units may only be available online in years two, three and four. If you are enrolled at the Waterfront (Geelong), you will be required to take some units at Waurn Ponds (Geelong)
Course structure for students who commenced in 2022 onwards.
Level 1 - Trimester 1
Level 1 - Trimester 2
Level 2 - Trimester 1
Level 2 - Trimester 2
Level 3 - Trimester 1
Level 3 - Trimester 2
Level 4 - Trimester 1
Level 4 - Trimester 2
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)
- Waterfront (Geelong)
- Warrnambool
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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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
Department of Health – Safety Screening Requirements - Police Record Check, Working With Children Check and Immunisation Status
Police Record Check
In accordance with the Department of Health policy, all students are required to undertake a Police Record Check prior to professional experience placements in each calendar year of their course. Students who fail to obtain a Police Record Check prior to the commencement of professional experience placement will not be able to undertake professional experience placement and this will impede progress in the course.
Working With Children Check
In accordance with the Worker Screening Act 2020, all students are required to undertake a Working with Children Check at the commencement of their course. Students who fail to obtain a Working with Children Check prior to the commencement of professional experience placement will not be able to undertake professional experience placement and this will impede progress in the course.
Immunisation Status
Students are required to declare their immunisation status to satisfy the requirements of health organisations where they will be undertaking their clinical learning experience. A health organisation may refuse to accept a student for placement if the student’s immunisation status is not satisfactory to the health organisation.
Workload
As a student in the Faculty of Health you can expect to participate in a range of teaching activities each week. This could include lectures, seminars, practicals and online interaction. You can refer to the individual unit details in the course structure for more information. You will also need to study and complete assessment tasks in your own time. There is an expectation that you are available to undertake clinical practicum outside of trimester dates. All expenses associated with professional experience placements are your own responsibility.
Participation requirements
As a student in the Faculty of Health you can expect to participate in a range of learning activities each week. This may include classes, seminars, simulations, and online interaction. You can refer to the individual unit details in the course structure for more information. You will also need to study and complete assessment tasks in your own time.
In order to participate in on-campus learning activities, and to safely engage in placements in clinical environments, there are a number of skills and functions that students need to be able to demonstrate, with or without reasonable adjustments. These skills and functions are known as Inherent Requirements. Find out more about the School of Nursing and Midwifery’s Undergraduate Courses Inherent Requirements.
To discuss these requirements and the adjustments we can provide to support your success, please contact the Disability Resource Centre.
Work experience
Professional experience practice - Nursing
Beginning soon after commencement of the course, early exposure to the clinical environment gives you extensive opportunities to develop clinical skills in a variety of settings including acute/sub-acute care, medical and surgical care, paediatrics, aged care, rehabilitation, community nursing and mental health nursing. These may be undertaken in hospitals and community health care centre in metropolitan rural and regional areas.
There is an expectation that you will be available to undertake clinical practicum outside of trimester dates. All expenses associated with professional experience placements are your own responsibility.
To be eligible to undertake placements, you are required to supply mandatory documents (prerequisites) including police checks, working with children check and immunisation status.
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.
Please note, there are limited places in this course and entry is competitive. Applicants are strongly encouraged to submit an application as soon as possible.
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 30 in English EAL (English as an Additional Language) or at least 25 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 all 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 haven't 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.
Applicants must be able to demonstrate that they have achieved the required minimum scores in one of the following English language tests and meet the requirements for test results specified in the NMBA English language skills registration standard:
- IELTS (Academic): minimum overall band of 7.0 (with no individual band less than 7.0)
- OET: minimum score of B in each of the four bands
- PTE Academic: minimum score of 66 (with no communication band less than 66)
ANMAC additional English language proficiency requirements
In addition to meeting the Deakin English language requirement, it is an Australian Nursing and Midwifery Accreditation Council (ANMAC) accreditation requirement that applicants meet the English language requirements of the ANMAC Accreditation Standards leading to initial registration with the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia (NMBA) at commencement of their course. These requirements include a self- declaration that English is their primary language, evidence of achievement of the minimum English language test result as specified in the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia's (NMBA) English language skills registration standard, or hold current registration with The Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) as an Enrolled Nurse or Registered Nurse.
Nursing English Language Requirements Self-Declaration
VTAC applicants will be provided with this information via the VTAC application process. No offer can be made to an applicant who has not completed this declaration.
Primary language
The NMBA requirement is that English is your primary language and you have attended and satisfactorily completed at least six years of primary and secondary education taught and assessed solely in English, including at least two years between years 7 and 12. This education must have been completed in one or more of the following countries: Australia, Canada, New Zealand, Republic of Ireland, United Kingdom, United States of America.
Subject adjustment
A study score of 35 in Biology, any English, Health And Human Development, Psychology or any Mathematics equals 3 aggregate points per study.
A study score of 30 in Biology, English other than EAL, Health And Human Development, Psychology or any Mathematics equals 2 aggregate points per study. Overall maximum of 12 points.
Access and equity
Equity schemes and scholarships, formerly known as Special Entry Access Schemes (SEAS), enable Deakin to consider any disadvantaged circumstances you may have experienced and how these have impacted your studies. Equity schemes help us identify whether you are from an under-represented group when making selection decisions for certain courses. It's important to note that participation in an equity scheme does not exempt you from meeting the standard course entry requirements. Learn more about Deakin's equity schemes and scholarships.
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.
Recognition of prior learning
The University aims to provide students with as much credit as possible for approved prior study or informal learning which exceeds the normal entrance requirements for the course and is within the constraints of the course regulations. Students are required to complete a minimum of one-third of the course at Deakin University, or four credit points, whichever is the greater.
You can also refer to the Recognition of Prior Learning System which outlines the credit that may be granted towards a Deakin University degree and how to apply for credit.
Enrolled Nurses
Enrolled nurses who hold a Diploma of Nursing (approved by the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia) and are registered with the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia (NMBA), can be granted up to 6 credit points of Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) towards this degree.
Please obtain further clarification by contacting a Student Adviser in Student Central enquire.
Fees and scholarships
Fee information
Estimated tuition fee - full-fee paying place
$44,600 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 and represents the typical first-year tuition fees for students enrolled in 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 this 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
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.
Need more information on how to apply?
For information on the application process, including required documents and important dates, visit the How to apply webpage.
If you need assistance, please contact us.
Pathways
Articulated courses:
Career outcomes
As a registered nurse with psychology experience, you’ll be a unique and highly sought-after graduate, equipped with a diverse and versatile skill set that’s valued both in Australia and around the world. Studying at the #1 Victorian university for graduate employment means you’ll be well prepared to thrive across a broad range of healthcare and community-focused environments, including:
- mental health rehabilitation
- youth work
- careers counselling
- community development and work/life counselling
- hospitals
- homes
- Hospices
- mental health care settings
- aged care settings
- clinics
- schools
- universities
- community health centres
- government agencies and private industries.
If you are interested in pursuing a professional career in psychology, your next step is a fourth year of study in the form of either our Bachelor of Psychological Science (Honours) or the Graduate Diploma of Psychology (Advanced). After successfully completing a fourth year of study, you will be eligible to apply to register as a provisional psychologist. Students wishing to gain general registration can then apply to continue their studies by undertaking one of Deakin’s psychology masters or doctorate level courses. Once you have completed a masters degree you can apply for general registration.
Professional recognition
Upon successful completion of your course, you will be eligible to apply for registration as a Registered Nurse with the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia (NMBA).
The Bachelor of Nursing/Bachelor of Psychological Science is accredited by the Australian Psychology Accreditation Council (APAC).
If you are seeking to become a registered psychologist with the Psychology Board of Australia (PsyBA) as a graduate from this course, you must next apply for a fourth year of study in psychology, such as Deakin's Bachelor of Psychological Science (Honours) or Graduate Diploma of Psychology (Advanced)
The NMBA has mandatory registration standards that applicants need to meet to be registered. Core registration standards are available on the NMBA website.
This course is accredited with the Australian Nursing and Midwifery Accreditation Council (ANMAC) and is an NMBA approved course.
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 Bachelor of Nursing (H326) | Deakin Graduate Learning Outcomes |
|---|---|
| Apply nursing knowledge and capability in accordance with legal and ethical requirements to deliver comprehensive, holistic, culturally appropriate, evidence based, safe and quality care. | GLO1: Discipline-specific knowledge and capabilities GLO5: Problem solving GLO8: Global citizenship |
| Foster effective therapeutic and professional relationships to ensure safe and quality care across the lifespan. | GLO2: Communication GLO7: Teamwork |
| Use digital technologies in healthcare to locate, interpret and disseminate information and deliver quality and safe patient care. | GLO3: Digital literacy |
| Thinks critically, analyses evidence and evaluates outcomes to inform quality nursing practice. | GLO4: Critical thinking |
| Self-manage behaviours to develop and maintain critical nursing knowledge, understanding and skills to ensure capability for practice in self and others. | GLO6: Self-management |
| Course Learning Outcomes Bachelor of Psychological Science (H344) | Deakin Graduate Learning Outcomes |
| Integrate theoretical knowledge of the discipline of psychology in relation to: health, social, cognitive, methodology, neuroscience, development, and personality. Demonstrate appropriate communication, counselling, and research methods skills. | GLO1: Discipline-specific knowledge and capabilities |
| Communicate psychological knowledge and arguments effectively using the most appropriate means utilising clear, discipline appropriate, coherent and well-developed communication skills. Demonstrate appropriate interpersonal communication and interview skills in situations appropriate to psychological practice. This includes active listening, clarifying and reflecting, effective questioning, summarising and paraphrasing, developing rapport, appropriate cultural responsiveness and empathic responding. | GLO2: Communication |
| Utilise online technologies to interact with others, access research and evaluate empirical evidence; and create and disseminate psychology-relevant content. | GLO3: Digital literacy |
| Identify and critique the factors that contribute to the development of unhealthy mental processes and behaviours, develop arguments, reports, or commentaries based on empirical research and apply the results to affect healthy behaviour change in oneself or others, and; apply the skills required to affect healthy behaviour change in oneself and in others in diverse contexts. | GLO4: Critical thinking |
| Apply knowledge of the scientific method when addressing problems related to behaviour and mental processes; design, plan, and conduct research that addresses these problems; and apply analytic and statistical skills to interpret the results and validity of research. | GLO5: Problem solving |
| Engage in independent learning as a reflective practitioner to sustain personal and professional development in the changing world of the science and practice of psychology; and manage resources, timelines and other constraints to achieve quality and timely outcomes. | GLO6: Self-management |
| Collaborate and communicate psychological principles and practices effectively in interdisciplinary teams to work and learn in a range of environments including communities of practice, research and professional practice. | GLO7: Teamwork |
| Embody the values and attitudes of the scientist-practitioner; apply ethical and professional responsibilities to local and global communities, apply knowledge and skills in culturally appropriate and inclusive ways. | GLO8: Global citizenship |
*Deakin references data from a range of government, higher education and reputable media sources. For more information, visit our University rankings page.
