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Bachelor of Arts (Psychology)

Learn the science behind human behaviour. Understand sensory and cognitive processes. Apply psychological principles to solve practical problems.

For personalised assistance with UOW courses, please reach out to our Future Students Team:

Our team is available during Australian business hours, 9 am to 5 pm.

For other UOW contact details, click here.

For personalised assistance with UOW courses, please reach out to our Future Students Team:

Our team is available during Australian business hours, 9 am to 5 pm.

For other UOW contact details, click here.

If you’re planning to study at UOW immediately after finishing your HSC, International Baccalaureate (IB), or an interstate equivalent, you can apply for Early Admission to this course. Applications can be submitted via the UOW Early Admission website during the designated period, usually June – August each year.

Students can also apply through the Universities Admissions Centre (UAC).

If you’re a non-school leaver (e.g., completed Year 12 previously and/or have a TAFE qualification or equivalent), you can apply directly to UOW.

Before applying, please review the requirements, intakes, and deadlines for your chosen degree.

International students are encouraged to apply with the support of an approved UOW agent. An agent can help navigate the application process and ensure that you submit all necessary documentation. For your nearest agent, please see our agent list.

Alternatively, if you would like to apply directly (without an agent), you can start the process through our Apply Online portal. Please note, some applicants will not be eligible to apply directly and will be prompted to apply via an agent.

International students who are studying an Australian Year 12 qualification in or outside of Australia may choose to apply through UOW Early Admission, and/or through the Universities Admissions Centre (UAC).

Need help?

Contact the UOW Future Students Team:

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For more details about this course

Australia: 1300 367 869. International: +61 2 4221 3218

Student ?
Domestic
Campus
Wollongong
ATAR-SR ?
75
IB Admission Score ?
26.5
Delivery ?
On Campus
Duration
3 years full time or 6 years part time
Starts
  • Autumn 2024
  • Spring 2024
  • Autumn 2025
  • Spring 2025
Code
UOW: 708

Overview

Psychology is the scientific study of the human mind and its functions, especially those affecting behaviour. Psychology is about understanding who we are and how we think, feel, act and change. This knowledge helps us improve wellbeing and psychological health for people across a range of social and cultural contexts. The Bachelor of Arts (Psychology) is the first stage of qualification required to work as a professional psychologist. This degree alone will not qualify you to be a practicing psychologist, rather it provides comprehensive, foundational knowledge in the processes basic to human psychological functioning.

Subjects include biological and social bases of behaviour, cognition and perception, social and developmental psychology, personality, and applied psychology. You will also learn the fundamentals of psychological practice, including the history of psychology, statistical and quantitative methods, and psychological assessment.

Read the course handbook for more information.

You can also combine your psychology major with other disciplines available in the Bachelor of Arts degree allowing you to expand your understanding of human experience and broaden your career options. Students with an excellent academic record may apply to transfer to the four-year Bachelor of Psychology (Honours) degree, which provides eligibility for provisional registration by Psychology Board of Australia, and a pathway to further study to become a psychologist. Additionally, the Northfields (Psychology) Clinic on campus provides hands-on practice with clients for both the Master of Psychology (Clinical) and Master of Professional Psychology students.

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Careers

  • Consumer Behaviour Analyst
  • Counsellor
  • Human Resources Manager
  • Organisational Behaviour Consultant
  • Psychologist
  • Public Relations and Communications Specialist
  • Sales and Marketing
  • Social Worker (further study may be required)
  • Teacher (further study required)
  • Welfare Agencies and Casework
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Accreditation & professional recognition

Completion of four years in Psychology is an important first step for registration as a psychologist in Australia. The Bachelor of Arts (Psychology) is accredited as the first three years of study. To complete the four years, students must complete an Honours year to meet the academic requirements for eligibility for provisional registration as a psychologist. An additional two years of education and training is necessary to apply for general registration. This can be through a fifth year at University plus one year of supervised practice in the community or an approved postgraduate degree accredited at the fifth and sixth year level. You can find more information on general registration pathways on the Psychology Board of Australia website.

Admissions information

The University assumes students will have studied any two units of English. Ideally, students will have studied English Advanced.

A range of admission options are available for students of all ages and academic backgrounds. The procedures governing admission are defined in UOW's Admissions Procedures, and the UOW College Admissions Policy.

For specific advice or to ask any questions regarding an application, please contact the UOW Future Students Team.

  • Higher Education Study

    For your application to be assessed on your university results you need to have completed at least half a year of full-time study (or part-time equivalent) at a Bachelor's degree level or higher. Your grades will be converted to a selection rank to be used for admission purposes. Students may also be eligible for credit for prior learning.

  • Work and life experience

    Admission to UOW is primarily based on your academic qualifications, with work or life experience generally not considered. If you do not meet the academic requirements for this course, we recommend exploring recognized pathway programs, such as those offered by UOW College or the TAFE Tertiary Preparation Certificate (TPC).

    For more information, please refer to the UOW Admissions Information page.

  • Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people

    UOW's Woolyungah Indigenous Centre's Indigenous Admissions Program (IAP) offers an alternative pathway for Indigenous Australians aged 17 and over who are seeking entry into an undergraduate course at UOW. Upon completing the IAP, applicants will be considered for admission based on an interview and assessment of both academic and non-academic qualities. For further details, including the application process, please contact Woolyungah Indigenous Centre.

  • Domestic applicants with overseas qualifications

    If you have completed or partially completed studies at an approved university or tertiary institution, you may be eligible for entry to UOW. You'll need to provide academic records, and your course must be at least one-sixth complete. Non-English documents must include an official English translation. For more information, contact the UOW Future Students Team.

  • English language proficiency

    All UOW courses are taught in English and require varying levels of proficiency. If English is not your first language, you must meet the University’s English Language Requirements, which differ by course.

    Accepted international test results include IELTS, TOEFL, PTE, Cambridge, and OET for specific health-related courses.

    Alternatively, you can fulfill the requirement by completing an English course at UOW College.

  • Workload
    Full-Time Study Load

    As a full-time student, you can expect to commit around 48 hours of study per week. This includes class time and independent study. You may need to factor more time for examination study and practical work & placements.

    Part-Time Study Load

    For part-time students, study hours will vary based on the number of units taken, with similar expectations for class and independent study.

    For more details on course workloads, please refer to the UOW Handbook.

  • Credit for Prior Learning

    If you have completed prior studies or relevant professional experience, you can request course credit or subject exemptions to reduce the duration and cost of your program.

    Credit for prior learning evaluates your previous study or work experience related to your chosen subjects.

    UOW values lifelong learning and recognizes various types of prior learning, regardless of how or where it was obtained. For more information, refer to UOW's Credit for Prior Learning page.

More detail

Please select a major, specialisation or research area to display fees for this course, or contact the UOW Future Students team for further information.