Bachelor of Psychology

The Bachelor of Psychology offers study in a range of specialist aspects of psychology which include behavioural neuroscience, social psychology, perception, intelligence, learning, research methods, memory, attention, abnormal and developmental psychology. This degree is a specialist four year Honours degree in Psychology, particularly intended for students who obtain a very high ATAR and students who have decided on psychology as a career. Entry is competitive.

Important changes to the Bachelor of Psychology
From 2010, the Bachelor of Psychology will have two streams, the Science stream and the Arts stream. The Arts stream is suited to those psychology students whose interests lie in the humanities and social sciences, while the Science stream caters for the more science-oriented students.

• Degree Profile
• Professional Accreditation
• Career opportunities with this degree
• ATAR, Intake and Assumed Knowledge
• Information for International Students
• Other ways to study Psychology

Degree Profile

In the first year students usually study psychology, mathematics and statistics (compulsory for students in the Science stream) and two other first year areas chosen from courses available in the Faculties of Arts, Science or Economics and Business.

In second and third year students continue to study specialised psychology subjects and also have opportunities to undertake study in other areas which interest them.

In the fourth year students complete an Honours program which includes a research project in one of the areas of psychology.

Sample Science stream study plan

Sample Arts stream study plan

What's the difference between the Science and the Arts stream?

The main issue to consider in choosing which stream to enrol in is what other subjects you want to study in combination with Psychology. All BPsych students are required to undertake a certain number of Psychology units, and your other units will depend on which stream you choose to enrol in. The Arts stream will cater for students whose interests lie in the humanities and social sciences, while the Science stream will cater for those who have science-oriented interests. If you are interested in both the Arts and Sciences, there is room in both streams to undertake a small number of elective units in subject areas other than the one in which you enrolled.

Progression Requirements

Progression in the Bachelor of Psychology requires a minimum credit average in first year Psychology and a minimum distinction average in Psychology in each of second and third years.
Students who do not satisfy these requirements are not able to continue in the BPsych course. These students will have the opportunity to transfer into another degree which allows a major in psychology.

Professional Recognition

The BPsych and other degrees offering a Psychology major have been accredited by the Australian Psychological Society (APS), the National body overseeing the Psychology profession.

More information about becoming a member of the APS or a registered psychologist.

Career Opportunities

As well as forming the base for registration, the degree provides the training necessary for graduates to obtain jobs in areas such as research, teaching, hospitals, marketing, human resource management and the public service.

ATAR, Intake and Assumed Knowledge

Information for International Students

Other ways of studying psychology at the University of Sydney

It is also possible to gain an Honours degree in psychology in other programs (e.g. in the Science, Arts, Liberal Studies or Economic & Social Sciences degrees) and become a psychologist. These degrees allow students to major in another field in addition to psychology. They require four years of full time study for an Honours degree and can lead to postgraduate study, registration, and associate membership of the APS. Entry into Honours is competitive.