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
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 18 UOC
- 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
Understanding Your Program
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 processes, 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 you take these courses in their first year. 
Planning Your First Year
Starting university is a big transition, and your course structure can help set you up for success. Here are three options to consider based on your goals and confidence:
Option 1: Ease Into It
Begin with two courses in your first term to find your rhythm.
Why?: This lighter start gives you time to adjust to university life, explore effective study habits, and settle into your new routine.
Next Steps: Increase your workload in later terms as you gain confidence and momentum.
Option 2: Balanced
Take three courses in Terms 1 and 2, followed by two courses in Term 3 for a lighter end-of-year workload.
Why?: This approach allows you to focus on building a strong foundation early while giving yourself more breathing room later in the year for exams, projects, or other priorities.
Option 3: Ambitious
Enrol in three courses per term across all three terms for a steady and challenging pace.
Why?: For students eager to dive in and stay consistent, even though this workload is higher than expected for first-year students.
Tip: If you're feeling extra ambitious, you could also consider a Level 2 course (e.g. PSYC2101) later in the year—just make sure to check the prerequisites.
Selecting your Major
Orientation Content
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Getting Started With Your Program
- UNSW PsychSoc is the constituent society for UNSW Psychology students or anyone interested in psychology. We aim to engage, support, and connect all students within the UNSW Psychology community: UNSW PsychSoc