Welcome to the Bachelor of Psychological Science enrolment guide. We are delighted that you have chosen to study with us!
The BPsychSci program is for students who want to combine fundamental training in Psychology with study in another complementary discipline. This guide is designed to help you get started and set you up with useful information about what to expect in your first year and beyond.
Of course, if you get stuck, please reach out. We are always happy to answer questions.
A/Prof Jenny Richmond
Director of Academic Programs, School of Psychology
How your degree works
How your degree works
Your Science degree program is made up of several components, including:
Psychology Core Courses (including Prescribed Electives)
The program core provides crucial opportunities for professional development and engagement with industry.
Major
The Psychology major in the BPsychSci program requires that you take 78 UOC of Psychology core and elective courses. In addition, you may also use free electives to complete the requirements of a major in a complementary discipline.
General Electives
At UNSW, if you're in a single program, you need to take at least 12 UoC outside your faculty to broaden your education. Some courses from other faculties don't count as GEs for science students. These are courses starting with COMP, FOOD, NEUR, PATH, PHAR, SOMS, OPTM, VISN.
Free Electives
These are courses that you can choose to take from any subject area, giving you the opportunity to explore topics outside of your Science major.
Discipline Component
Students must complete 144 UOC of the following to satisfy the core requirements of this degree:
- Psychology courses (core & electives) 78 UOC
- Level 1 Core 18UOC
- Level 2 Core 30 UOC
- Level 3 Core 12 UOC
- Level 3 Prescribed electives 18 UOC
- Free electives 54 UOC (electives can be used to complete a complementary major)
- General education 12 UOC
How your degree works
Program Overview
Students in the BPsychSci program learn about psychological theory and empirical research via a sequence of study that builds from introductory core courses through specialised electives. All Psychology courses are “team-taught” which means that students learn from academic staff who are cutting-edge researchers in their field.
Your First Year
In the first year of the BPsychSci program students take three introductory courses.
PSYC1001: Psychology 1A provides a broad introductory to the study of human behaviour, including research related to development, social presses, emotion, personality, health and cultural psychology.
PSYC1011: Psychology 1B introduces students to the neural basis of important psychological processes, including learning and memory, cognition, perception and abnormal psychology.
PSYC1111: Measuring Mind and Behaviour introduces students to research methods and experimental design and equips students with data-related skills that are important for statistics courses in 2nd and 3rd year.
Note: PSYC1001, PSYC1011, and PSYC1111 are pre-requisites for the core courses in the second year of the program, so it is important that students take these courses in their first year.
When it comes to structuring your first year, it's all about setting yourself up for success. Starting uni can feel like a big change, so easing into it with two courses in your first term can help you find your rhythm. It gives you time to adjust to university life and figure out what works best for you while balancing everything else going on. This isn’t starting slow — you’ll have plenty of time to pick up the pace and build momentum in later terms.
If you’re feeling confident about transitioning to university and excited to dive into science, these plans could be a great fit. You might opt for a lighter workload toward the end of the year, or, if you’re feeling ambitious, take on a Level 2 Elective*.
*Don’t forget to check prerequisites for Level 2 courses.
Selecting a Major
Behavioural Economics
Students interested in the mechanisms underlying human decision-making might like to take a complementary major in behavioural economics. Possible career paths include change manager, policy designer, market researcher or management consult.
Handbook
Criminology
Students interested in forensics might like to take a complementary major in criminology. Possible career paths include forensic psychologist, victim support, intelligence analyst, rehabilitation specialist, and youth intervention worker.
Handbook
Linguistics
Students interested in how language shapes human cognition might like to take a complementary major in linguistics. Possible career paths include psycholinguistics researcher, communications strategist, language analyst, communication disorders specialist.
Handbook
Human Resource Management
Students interested in behaviour in organisations might like to take a complementary major in human resource management. Possible career paths include organisational consultant, employee engagement strategist, mental health advisor, talent acquisition specialist, and organisational behaviour analyst.
Handbook
Neuroscience
Students interested in the biology underlying behaviour might like to take a complementary major in neuroscience. Possible career paths include neuroscience researcher, pharmaceutical research scientist, neuroimaging analyst, and neuromarketing consultant.
Handbook
Philosophy
Students interested in exploring the fundamental questions of human thought, reasoning, and ethical decision-making might like to take a complementary major in philosophy. Possible career paths include policy analyst, ethics consultant, research strategist, and policy advisor.
Handbook
Vision Science
Students interested in understanding the complex psychological and physiological processes of perception might like to take a complementary major in Vision Science. Possible career paths include visual neuroscience researcher, human-computer interface designer, augmented reality engineer, and medical imaging specialist.
Handbook
Orientation Content
O-Week
In the week leading up to the start of the term, UNSW buzzes with a range of events aimed at helping new students become familiar with the university's campus, it's unique culture, and the available services. It's an oppurtunity to find your comfort zone before embarking on your academic journey.
During O-Week, you can expect:
- Faculty Welcome: Start your journey with a warm welcome to your academic department, setting the stage for your studies.
- Campus Tours: Explore the campus through guided tours to get acquainted with your new surroundings.
- Club Sign- Ups: Discover a wide range of clubs and societies to join and meet like-minded peers through Arc.
- Workshops: Participate in informative workshops to gain valuable skills and knowledge.
- Social Events: AS the day turns into evening, enjoy social gatherings where you can make friends and experience the vubrant social scene of UNSW.
UNSW's O-Week is the perfect oppurtunity to ease into university life and make connections that will enrich your academic experience.
Clubs & Societies
At UNSW, there is an abundence of student-led clubs and societies, all of which are open for memebership. This presents a fantastic oppurtunity to explore new interests, become a valued member of a thriving community, and forge connections with individuals who share your passions.
Other benefits of joining Arc:
- Volunteering & paid oppurtunities
- Legal advice for students
- Food hub - free food packs for students
- International student support
- Student noticeboards
- Gigs & events for students
Science Orientation
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UNSW Expectations of You
At UNSW, we're dedicated to enhancing your student experience. As a student, we encourage you to find the right balance in your workload, enabling both academic achievement and personal growth. Additionally, we invite you to fully engage with our dynamic campus community, demonstrating respect and inclusivity to create a welcoming environment for all.
UNSW Code of Conduct
- Comply with the University's conditions of enrolment
- Act responsibly, ethically, safely and with integrity
- Observe standards of equity and respect in dealing with every member of the UNSW community
- Engage in lawful behaviours
- Use and care of University resources in a responsible and appropriate manner
- Maintain the University's reputation and good standing. More info
To help you navigate your journey, we've provided some tips on being a successful students on campus, along with essential university policies you should be aware of to ensure a safe and enriching experience:
Workload
Each course has its own combination of lectures, labs and tutorials but you are expected to work on course work independently of these such as working on assignments & revision.
To be considered a full-time student, you need to be enrolled in a minimum of 12 UOC each term. Each credit equates to 25 hours of study per term, which totals approximately 40 hours per week. In order to qualify for financial assistance, you must be a full-time enrolled student. More Info
Equity, Diversity & Inclusion
We work in partnership with students and staff across the university to evolve a culture that embraces equity and supports a diverse and inclusive community through strategic policies, initiatives, training programs and events. UNSW's Equity, Diversity and Inclusion policy are vital for both students and staff to follow. It fosters an inclusive, innovative and equitable environment where everyone's unique contributions are valued and celebrated. More Info
Anti-Racism Policy
UNSW's anti-racism policy is crucial for both students and staff to follow. It fosters a safe, inclusive environment where diversity is celebrated. By adhering to this policy, we ensure that everyone feels respected and can fully engage in educational and professional oppurtunities. More Info
Special Consideration
Special Consideration is a university resource designed to assust students facing unexpected challenges that may impact their academic performance. It allows for adjustments to assessments, exams, or deadlines in recognition of unforeseen circumstances, ensuring equitable oppurtunities for all students to succeed in their academic pursuits. More Info
Leave Policy
Needing some time off? We understand circumstances may change, that is why we have developed a leave policy. You may take a leave of absence from your program of up to 1 year and come back to your studies.
- Domestic undergraduate students enrolled in their second or later term of a program may apply for program leave.
- A student in their first term would apply for a deferment, no later than the relevant census date.
- International students can apply; however certain conditions may apply. More Info
Cheating & Plagiarism
We all know that cheating isn't allowed, however sometimes you may not be aware you are even doing it. Cheating is a very seriou breach of academic standards so it's important to be aware what UNSW classifies as cheating:
- Asking someone to help you complete an assignment and edit your work
- Checking your work through Turnitin
- Checking your quiz answers before answering the question
- Providing your zID to other students
- Unauthorised use of AI toos (e.g. ChatGPT)
Plagiarism is a type of intellectual theft which uses the words or ideas of others and passing them off as your own. It can be intentional or accidental. More Info