Current Deakin Students
To access your official course details for the year you started your degree, please visit the handbook
Course overview
Deakin's Bachelor of Nursing/Bachelor of Psychological Science develops your understanding of human behaviour and builds the skills needed to become a successful nurse. With a wealth of real-world skills gained through your clinical placements, you will graduate ready for work as a registered nurse from the #20 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, emotion, underlying mental processes and the factors that lead to changes in 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 clinical 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 PsyBA and seek associate membership of the Australian Psychological Society. 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.
* 2022 ShanghaiRankings Global Ranking of Academic Subjects
Read MoreCourse information
- Award granted
Bachelor of Nursing/Bachelor of Psychological Science
- Year
2024 course information
- VTAC code
- 1400414081 - Waterfront (Geelong), Commonwealth Supported Place (HECS)
1400514081 - Burwood (Melbourne), Commonwealth Supported Place (HECS)
1400714081 - Warrnambool, Commonwealth Supported Place (HECS) - Deakin code
- D387
- CRICOS code?
- 079499D Burwood (Melbourne), Waterfront (Geelong), Warrnambool
- 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 complete the Bachelor of Nursing/Bachelor of Psychological Science students must attain 32 credit points. Units (think of units as 'subjects') may be worth 1 or 2 credit points - check each unit for its credit point value in the course structure below. Most students choose to study 4 credit points per trimester and usually undertake two trimesters each year. All units in this course are core units (these are compulsory).
The course consists of 32 credit points of study which includes the following:
- 16 core units worth 20 credit points from Bachelor of Nursing
- 11 core units worth 11 credit points specific to psychology
- 1 foundation unit worth 1 credit point
There is an expectation that you will be available to undertake clinical practicum outside of trimester dates. All expenses associated with clinical 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).
See course entry Bachelor of Nursing (H326) or Bachelor of Psychological Science (H344).
All commencing Faculty of Health Undergraduate and Postgraduate course work students are required to complete
Students are required to meet the University's academic progress and conduct requirements.
Units
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.
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
Course duration
Course duration may be affected by delays in completing course requirements, such as accessing or completing clinical placements.
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 clinical placements in each calendar year of their course. Students who fail to obtain a Police Record Check prior to the commencement of clinical placement will not be able to undertake clinical 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 clinical placement will not be able to undertake clinical 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 clinical 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.
Inherent requirements
A number of inherent requirements are essential to safely perform the skills and functions of the nursing role and consequently to undertake and successfully complete the course. Learn more about the School of Nursing and Midwifery's Undergraduate Courses Inherent Requirements.
Work experience
Clinical 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 clinical placements are your own responsibility.
Entry requirements
Senior certificate of education
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
English language proficiency requirements
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
- TOEFL iBT: minimum overall score of 94 (with minimum score of 24 in listening and reading, 27 in writing and 23 in speaking). This test is not available until further notice, please refer to the Department of Home Affairs website for an update relating to TOEFL tests taken from the 26 July 2023 onwards
- PTE Academic: minimum score of 65 (with no communication band less than 65)
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, South Africa, United Kingdom, United States of America.
Admission criteria
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 course entry 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.
Higher education study
Academic requirements
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)
Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT) - Multiple Choice
All Faculty of Health courses require a Special Tertiary Admissions Test Multiple Choice (STAT MC) where the applicant has not completed Year 12 (or equivalent) or any tertiary study (minimum Certificate IV). Enrolled Nurses applying for Nursing courses are not required to sit the STAT Multiple Choice.
Learn more about the STAT Multiple Choice test results for entry into Deakin University.
English language proficiency requirements
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
- TOEFL iBT: minimum overall score of 94 (with minimum score of 24 in listening and reading, 27 in writing and 23 in speaking). This test is not available until further notice, please refer to the Department of Home Affairs website for an update relating to TOEFL tests taken from the 26 July 2023 onwards
- PTE Academic: minimum score of 65 (with no communication band less than 65)
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, South Africa, United Kingdom, United States of America.
Admission criteria
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 course entry 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.
Polytechnic study
Academic requirements
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
Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT) - Multiple Choice
All Faculty of Health courses require a Special Tertiary Admissions Test Multiple Choice (STAT MC) where the applicant has not completed Year 12 (or equivalent) or any tertiary study (minimum Certificate IV). Enrolled Nurses applying for Nursing courses are not required to sit the STAT Multiple Choice.
Learn more about the STAT Multiple Choice test results for entry into Deakin University.
English language proficiency requirements
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
- TOEFL iBT: minimum overall score of 94 (with minimum score of 24 in listening and reading, 27 in writing and 23 in speaking). This test is not available until further notice, please refer to the Department of Home Affairs website for an update relating to TOEFL tests taken from the 26 July 2023 onwards
- PTE Academic: minimum score of 65 (with no communication band less than 65)
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, South Africa, United Kingdom, United States of America.
Admission criteria
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 course entry 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.
Work and life experience
Academic requirements
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.
Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT) - Multiple Choice
All Faculty of Health courses require a Special Tertiary Admissions Test Multiple Choice (STAT MC) where the applicant has not completed Year 12 (or equivalent) or any tertiary study (minimum Certificate IV). Enrolled Nurses applying for Nursing courses are not required to sit the STAT Multiple Choice.
Learn more about the STAT Multiple Choice test results for entry into Deakin University.
English language proficiency requirements
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
- TOEFL iBT: minimum overall score of 94 (with minimum score of 24 in listening and reading, 27 in writing and 23 in speaking). This test is not available until further notice, please refer to the Department of Home Affairs website for an update relating to TOEFL tests taken from the 26 July 2023 onwards
- PTE Academic: minimum score of 65 (with no communication band less than 65)
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, South Africa, United Kingdom, United States of America.
Admission criteria
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 course entry 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.
Selection adjustments
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
Special entry access schemes (SEAS) enable Deakin to consider disadvantaged circumstances you may have experienced and the impact upon your studies. SEAS also allows us to identify if you’re from under-represented groups when making selection decisions for some courses. SEAS does not exempt you from meeting any of the course entry requirements. Learn more about Deakin’s special entry access schemes.
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
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
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.
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.
Fill out the application form and submit to a Deakin International office or take your application form to a Deakin representative for assistance
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 registered nurse with psychology experience, you will be a unique graduate who can pursue career opportunities around the world, in a range of work settings, including:
- mental health rehabilitation
- youth work
- careers counselling
- community development and work/life counselling
- hospitals
- homes
- hospices
- aged care settings
- clinics
- schools
- universities
- community health centres
- government agencies and private industries.
There are a wide variety of career opportunities available to graduates from both nursing and psychology degrees. If you wish to learn more about the diverse careers available to psychology graduates please visit deakin.edu.au/psychology/psychology-careers.
Alternatively, if you are interested in pursuing a professional career in psychology, your next step involves enrolling into an approved ‘fourth year’ of psychology study (such as Deakin’s Graduate Diploma of Psychology or honours in psychology), after which you may apply for provisional registration with the Psychology Board of Australia (PsyBA) and seek associate membership of the Australian Psychological Society (APS).
In order to gain full registration, provisional psychologists can then complete either two years of supervised practise, or two years of postgraduate study - such as Deakin’s Master of Psychology (Clinical), Master of Psychology (Organisational), or Doctor of Psychology (Clinical) (with supervised practice completed outside the degree).
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).
You will also have gained a three-year undergraduate psychology sequence that is accredited by the Australian Psychology Accreditation Council (APAC), recognised for registration purposes by the PsyBA and enabling you to undertake additional study in pursuit of provisional registration.
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.
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.
See course entry for Bachelor of Nursing (H326) or Bachelor of Psychological Science (H344)