Psychology

Course overview

Discover how the human mind thinks and why we behave as we do.

In this course, you will learn about perception, cognition, emotion, personality, behaviour and interpersonal relationships; and how psychologists examine, explain and predict what people do as individuals and in groups.

Career outcomes

Careers

With further study:

• Registered psychologist
• Endorsed psychologist

Industries

• Healthcare
• Education
• Local government and community
• Non-profit organisations
• Sport and recreation

Professional accreditation and recognition

This course is accredited by the Australian Psychology Accreditation Council. On graduation from the fourth year of the program, you are eligible to apply for an associate membership of the Australian Psychological Society.

For full general registration with the Psychology Board of Australia, you must complete a further two years of training, by completing either:

• an accredited one-year master program and a one-year internship as a provisionally registered psychologist, followed by the National Psychology Exam; or
• an accredited two-year master program.

Hear from our students

"I chose to study Psychology as I have an interest in helping promote the wellbeing of marginalised populations. At Curtin I had the option to study a double degree in Psychology and Commerce. This helped me develop a more comprehensive understanding on the facilitators and barriers for people accessing psychological services."

Aysa Bahar Arjmand
Bachelor of Psychology (Honours)

Other study options

See what else you can study at Curtin, including double degrees, honours and postgraduate courses.

Course structure

Year 1

In your first year, you’ll study interprofessional course units with students from other disciplines.

Year 2

Throughout your second year you’ll further your knowledge in learning, motivation, perception, child development and social psychology.

Year 3

In your third year, you’ll prepare a research proposal and develop advanced knowledge in abnormal psychology, adult development, community psychology, cognition, cross-cultural psychology, Indigenous psychology and individual differences.

Year 4

Your fourth year includes a full-year research project and you’ll develop skills in program evaluation, psychological assessment and counselling.

Due to accreditation requirements, you must attain a minimum credit average in your second- and third-year core psychology units to continue into fourth year. If you don’t meet this requirement, you’ll graduate at the end of your third year with the intermediate award, Bachelor of Science (Psychology).

This can be a physically and mentally challenging course. Please familiarise yourself with the inherent requirements before applying.

Detailed course structure and unit information

For detailed information and course structure, visit our Handbook.

Entry requirements

To study this course, you must meet the entry criteria:

• course ATAR, or equivalent, demonstrated via an accepted entry pathway
• any course-specific requirements
• English language requirement.

Guaranteed entry
If you achieve the guaranteed ATAR/selection rank for this course and meet all other entry requirements, you’re guaranteed a place in this course.

Entry pathways

Course-specific requirements

You’ll also need to meet any specific requirements to be eligible to apply for this course.

Study credit and support

You may be able to receive study credit or support based on your previous experience or personal circumstances.

Get credit towards your degree

You may be able to receive credit for recognised learning (CRL) from past study or professional experience, which could reduce the time it takes to finish your course.

Find specific details about CRL for this course on the Handbook.

Special consideration

If your studies were affected by circumstances beyond your control, you may be eligible for special consideration when applying to Curtin. This process is available to new applicants only and allows your application to be assessed in light of those circumstances.

Check if you’re eligible for special consideration.

Additional information