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Start dates
March
July
Discover how people think, feel and behave with the Bachelor of Psychological Science at Flinders University. This APAC-accredited degree builds a strong foundation in psychological theory, research and practice, preparing you for further study or careers in psychology, mental health, counselling, marketing, research, human resources and more.
With flexible study options and support from world-leading academics, it’s your first step towards making a meaningful impact in people’s lives.
(The Good Universities Guide 2025 (undergraduate))
(Understanding Industry Demand for Australia's Psychology Graduate report 2023)
(The Good Universities Guide 2025 (undergraduate), public SA-founded universities only)
With strong demand for professionals who understand human behaviour, a Bachelor of Psychological Science prepares you for a wide range of high-impact, people-focused careers. From mental health and youth work to HR, research, policy, and market analysis, you'll graduate with in-demand skills that open doors across growing industries.
Many roles offer strong job prospects and competitive salaries. This degree also provides a pathway to become a registered psychologist through further study.
Salary
$90K - $138K
typical salary in Australia
Job growth
13.3%
5 year projection
Psychologists help people understand and manage their thoughts, emotions and behaviours to improve mental health and wellbeing.
Working across diverse settings—from hospitals and schools to private practice and the community—they assess, diagnose and support individuals dealing with issues like anxiety, depression, trauma or addiction.
A human resources manager plays a key role in shaping a positive workplace culture and supporting the people at the heart of an organisation. They oversee recruitment and onboarding, manage employee relations, ensure compliance with workplace laws and policies, and help develop staff through training and performance programs.
HR managers also play a strategic role in workforce planning and may support initiatives to improve employee wellbeing, engagement, and retention, making them essential to building and maintaining a strong, motivated team.
Salary
$120K - $140K
typical salary in Australia
Jobs growth
13.2%
5-year projection
Rehabilitation counsellors support people with injuries, disabilities or health conditions to achieve their personal, social and employment goals. They develop tailored plans, provide counselling, and connect clients with services to enhance independence and wellbeing. This role combines psychology, advocacy and case management to help individuals overcome barriers and thrive.
Mental health workers provide support to individuals experiencing mental health challenges, promoting wellbeing and helping them access appropriate services and interventions.
Advertising specialists create and manage advertising campaigns to promote products or services. They work closely with clients or internal teams to develop creative concepts, select appropriate media channels, and monitor campaign performance. Understanding psychological principles aids in crafting messages and tactics that resonate with target audiences.
Study a variety of core topics and electives.
In the first year, you’ll study a mix of core topics and option topics to build an understanding of psychological science principles.
Your first year might include the following topics. For exact topic information, visit the course Handbook.
In the second year, you’ll study a mix of core, option and elective topics. You’ll advance your research skills and prepare for a more complex understanding of psychology.
Your second year might include the following topics. For exact topic information, visit the course Handbook.
In the third year, you’ll study a mix of core, option and elective topics. You’ll apply your knowledge to practical and specialised areas of psychology.
Your third year might include the following topics. For exact topic information, visit the course Handbook.
The Bachelor of Psychological Science at Flinders University is accredited by the Australian Psychology Accreditation Council (APAC).
Flinders University's Bachelor of Psychology (Honours) is a dynamic fourth-year program designed for students who have completed an accredited three-year psychology degree (or equivalent). Combining advanced coursework with a major research thesis, the honours year allows students to deepen their knowledge, sharpen their analytical skills, and gain valuable hands-on research experience under the guidance of expert supervisors. It’s a key step toward becoming a registered psychologist and can open career opportunities in health, education, business, and research.
For those seeking a flexible alternative to Honours, Flinders also offers the Graduate Diploma in Psychology (Advanced): an alternate online or in-person fourth-year program designed for those passionate about developing skills for practice and practice-based research and evaluation. Both our Honours and Graduate Diploma (Advanced) programs enable you to apply for postgraduate Masters programs in Psychology if you choose to pursue becoming a registered psychologist.
The Good Universities Guide 2025 (undergraduate)
Understanding Industry Demand for Australia's Psychology Graduate report 2023
The Good Universities Guide 2025 (undergraduate), public SA-founded universities only
Where world-class education meets laid-back coastal living. With pristine beaches, acclaimed wineries, and vibrant festivals at your doorstep, South Australia offers an unmatched student experience.
Photo credit: SATC
Discover more about Flinders University’s psychology degrees.
Start your career in Psychology – Meet Joey
Joey Ciappina has been interested in psychology since high school, and is now working as registered psychologist after completing a Bachelor of Psychological Science (Honours).
Student – Teacher 1 on 1
Meet Dr Ali Enright and Bachelor of Psychological Science student Winona Karki. In this video, Ali and Winona catch up on study and life. Ali checks in on Winona and asks about how her second year of study has been, and Winona asks Ali about her journey into psychology.
“My learning experience at Flinders was great. The lecturers were really supportive; they would try their best to come up with ideas to assist us in understanding concepts and answer our questions.”
Isha Li
Bachelor of Psychology
“The staff at Flinders equipped me with a fantastic understanding of how to evaluate and integrate science into my patient assessments and therapies.”
Joey Ciappina
Bachelor of Psychological Science (Honours) graduate
“The Flinders community is welcoming and supportive. Help is always there when you need it.”
Alex Byrne
Bachelor of Psychology (Honours)
International Student Services (ISS) is the first point of contact for international student support. The university also offers everything from cultural, health, and wellbeing services, to academic support.
Take a virtual tour of our campuses, guided by your fellow international students.
Flinders University Student Association (FUSA) is the heart of the Flinders Experience. FUSA is where you'll find out about events, club memberships, and extracurricular activities.
Adelaide has many accommodation options for international students. You can choose to live on campus, at our city accommodation provider The Switch, or in rental accommodation.
Flinders offers a vibrant, fun, supportive uni experience you’ll remember for a lifetime.
From cultural, health and wellbeing services, to study and financial support, enrolment advice and more, we’re here to help.
Flinders University Student Association (FUSA) is the heart of the Flinders Experience. FUSA is where you’ll find out about events, club memberships and extracurricular activities.
Flinders’ campuses are hubs of activity, with retail and food outlets, library spaces, study and chill spaces and more.
Our incredible teaching and professional staff are experts in their fields and well-connected to the industry.
Teaching Program Director
Professor Lydia Woodyatt
Professor Lydia Woodyatt is a social psychologist and award-winning educator who leads the psychology teaching program at Flinders. Her research explores how our psychological needs and social environments impact wellbeing - spanning topics like motivation, failure, justice, and forgiveness. With a strong focus on practical impact, she co-developed Flinders’ wellbeing-focused certificates, offering students unique insights into real-world psychological challenges.
Undergraduate Course Coordinator
Dr Ali Enright
Dr Ali Enright is a senior lecturer and curriculum leader committed to student success, employability, and education equity. She plays a key role in shaping the undergraduate experience and embedding career-focused learning throughout the psychology degree. Her current research explores course quality in psychology curriculum design, learning analytics to support student engagement, and sensory processing sensitivity in higher education students. With a strong background in student success and improving access to higher education, Ali brings a deep understanding of learner diversity and development, making her a valuable guide for students navigating their study and career journey.
Deputy Undergraduate Course Coordinator
Dr Nathan Caruana
Dr Nathan Caruana is a cognitive neuroscientist and award-winning psychology lecturer. He leads the HAVIC Lab, where he researches how people connect with others and technology, using tools like virtual reality and eye-tracking. His work supports better understanding of social thinking in both neurotypical and neurodiverse populations—bringing cutting-edge research into the classroom for Flinders students.
From your first semester, we embed work-integrated learning into every topic. You’ll apply your learning throughout your degree, developing and practising skills along the way. Each topic builds your skill set, with workshops designed to help you grow and demonstrate key competencies—valuable evidence for future employers.
Our world-leading academics work with industry partners to solve real-world challenges across sectors including local government, not-for-profits, social services, and major Australian companies. We collaborate with employers to understand the skills and experiences they want, bringing that knowledge into your learning.
In your final year, Applications of Psychological Science brings everything together—you can even apply for real jobs as part of your assessment (if you choose!).
Inside and outside the classroom, we support you with mentorship and guidance as you explore your career path and grow your skills throughout your degree.
We know not everyone begins uni the same way, so we offer a variety of pathways into Flinders.
Use the dropdown to tell us a bit about you.
If you’re in Year 12, taking the free uniTEST can help boost your chances of getting into Flinders.
Strong results in your Research Project B subject along with your Year 12 results can be considered for entry.
By using three of your best Year 12 grades, you can also gain a place in your course of choice.
Your school’s recommendation about your academic performance may be considered as part of your admission.
The Foundation Studies Program is free and guarantees entry to a range of degrees.
If you’re studying at another university, you may be able to transfer to Flinders based on your Yr 12 results, current GPA or other factors.
Even if you didn’t finish high school (Year 12), you may be able to study at Flinders through your TAFE/VET qualification.
You may be able to complete a TAFE SA course and have guaranteed entry into Flinders.
The TAFE/VET stud you’ve already done may be able to be used as credit towards a Flinders’ course.
The Foundation Studies Program is free and guarantees entry to a range of degrees.
The STAT is a 2-hour multiple choice test that assesses your abilities.
If you completed Year 12 more than two years ago you can still use your results to apply.
Concerned about your ATAR? If it doesn't meet the course requirement, or if you don't receive one, we offer alternative pathways to admission. Contact us to discuss your options—we're here to help.
If you don’t meet our English language entry requirements and need to improve your English language proficiency, you can do so through Flinders University Academy – or our approved English Language Instruction Course for Overseas Students (ELICOS) providers.
This means that you can attend the required English language tuition at approved ELICOS providers and gain direct entry into university without an IELTS or TOEFL test.
If you don’t meet our academic entry requirements, you can still gain entry to Flinders University through Flinders University Academy. With a range of diplomas, foundation and English language courses, students can find a direct pathway into the destination degree of their choice.
If you don’t meet our English language entry requirements and need to improve your English language proficiency, you can do so through Flinders University Academy – or our approved English Language Instruction Course for Overseas Students (ELICOS) providers.
This means that you can attend the required English language tuition at approved ELICOS providers and gain direct entry into university without an IELTS or TOEFL test.
If you don’t meet our academic entry requirements, you can still gain entry to Flinders University through Flinders University Academy. With a range of diplomas, foundation and English language courses, students can find a direct pathway into the destination degree of their choice.
Flinders University and the College of Education, Psychology and Social Work (CEPSW) strongly support the right of all people to pursue an undergraduate psychology course.
Inherent requirements are the essential components of a course or unit that demonstrate the abilities, knowledge and skills to achieve the core learning outcomes of the course or unit, while preserving the academic integrity of the University's learning, assessment and accreditation processes. The inherent requirements are the abilities, knowledge and skills needed to complete the course that must be met by all students.
Select your course.
Check entry requirements.
Check your eligibility for credit.
Obtain certified documents.
Submit your application and documents.
Follow up our step-by-step guide to help you with your application to study at Flinders.
Our registered education agents around the world understand the university system and will guide you through the application process.
Get in touch with our team to discuss your preferences, career options, pathways, and course and entry requirements. We are here to ensure you have everything you need to choose the right degree for you.
If you lack required English proficiency, improve through Flinders University Academy or approved ELICOS providers for direct university entry without IELTS/TOEFL tests.
If you do not meet entry requirements for your desired degree, Flinders University Academy will provide you with a direct pathway into the destination degree of your choice.
Gain two qualifications in just 1-2 years of extra study with a combined degree.
Studying a combined degree with the Bachelor of Psychological Science at Flinders lets you broaden your career options and gain complementary skills in areas like law, criminology, health, or business. It’s a smart way to stand out and tailor your studies to your interests and goals.
Laws - Legal Practice Entry SATAC code: 245041
Duration: 5 years
Delivery Mode: In person
Criminology SATAC code: 234661
Duration: 5 years
Delivery Mode: In person
Adding a Bachelor of Criminology will give you a deeper understanding of why people commit crimes and how to support rehabilitation. You'll be prepared for careers in justice, corrections, youth services and policy—where behavioural insight can help shape safer, more supportive communities.
Combined SATAC code: 245021
Duration: 4 years
Delivery Mode: In person
Pairing Psychological Science with Sport and Active Recreation lets you explore the mental side of sport, performance, and wellbeing. This combination prepares you for roles in coaching, sport development, health promotion, and athlete support, where psychology and physical activity go hand in hand.
Learn more about all other combined degree options for a Bachelor of Psychological Science, including a Bachelor of Business (Human Resource Management) and a Bachelor of Business (Marketing).
Over the years, many questions have been asked by students before. For the quickest answers view our frequently asked questions or browse the full list @ Ask Flinders.
The sky's the limit. From HR, to youth work, or even market research, there are plenty of options beyond becoming a psychologist. Potential employers include community health providers, consulting firms, government agencies, research centres and more.
Psychology brings together all of the key skills you need to thrive in a modern world: it teaches you to think scientifically and analyse data, and deepens your understanding of human behaviour. Qualifications in psychology, much like engineering or economics, are highly valued by employers, and they are a good indicator that an applicant will likely have the analytical problem-solving skills that businesses need.
You can transfer at the end of your first or second year into the Bachelor of Psychology (Honours) (based on your total GPA of all topics completed), or you can apply at the end of your Bachelor of Psychological Science – please note entry will be competitive, based on your GPA in your second and third year psychology topics only.
If you already hold a degree with an accredited psychology major - one example might be our Bachelor of Psychological Studies (Grad Entry). Applications to Honours are made directly to the University.
*For M Prof Psych graduates: pending successful completion of 12-month industry internship and national Psychology exam
Absolutely! A degree in psychological science opens the door to a wide range of career opportunities. In fact, approximately 25% of all jobs advertised in Australia are considered suitable for psychology graduates with an undergraduate degree*. This is because the skills you’ll develop—such as critical thinking, data analysis, communication, and understanding human behaviour—are in high demand across many industries.
While some graduates go on to complete further study to become registered psychologists, many others find rewarding careers in fields like human resources, marketing, health promotion, youth and community services, policy and research, education and more. Employers highly value the ability to understand what motivates people, solve problems, and make evidence-based decisions—core strengths of a psychological science graduate.
Yes, the Bachelor of Psychological Science at Flinders is accredited by the Australian Psychology Accreditation Council (APAC), ensuring graduates meet the requirements for further professional training in psychology.
Yes – Flinders' Bachelor of Psychological Science is available online. Plus, when you study online at Flinders, you'll engage with the team of academics that you would have if you selected our on-campus degree. We strongly believe you deserve access to the best quality of teaching, and as a result, we're ranked number one in Australia in Psychology for teaching quality*.
*The Good Universities Guide 2025 (undergraduate)
The table below shows ATAR and Selection Rank data for students offered a place wholly or partly on the basis of ATAR commencing in Semester 1, 2024. It is limited to applicants that have recently completed secondary education (within the last two years). Data may reflect multiple courses available within a suite of courses.
ATAR-based offers only across all offer rounds | ATAR - Excluding adjustment factors | Selection Rank - ATAR plus any adjustment factors |
---|---|---|
Highest rank to receive an offer | 98.30 | 99.95 |
Median rank to receive an offer | 74.30 | 78.90 |
Lowest rank to receive an offer | 54.25 | 60.55 |
The table below gives an indication of the likely peer cohort for new students in this course. It provides data on students who commenced study in this course in Semester 1, 2024 including those admitted through all offer rounds and international students studying in Australia. Applicant background groupings are based on educational background, not basis of admission. Data may reflect multiple courses available within a suite of courses.
Applicant background (Semester 1, 2024) | Number of students | Percentage of all students |
---|---|---|
Higher education study (includes a bridging or enabling course) | 49 | 36% |
Vocational education and training (VET) study | 6 | 4% |
Work and life experience | 7 | 5% |
Recent secondary education - Admitted solely on the basis of ATAR (regardless of whether this includes the consideration of adjustment factors such as equity or subject bonus points) | 47 | 35% |
Recent secondary education - Admitted where both ATAR and additional criteria were considered (e.g. portfolio, audition, extra test) | <5 | <5 |
Recent secondary education - Admitted on the basis of other criteria only and ATAR was not a factor (e.g. special consideration pathways) | 15 | 13% |
International Students | N/P | N/P |
All students | 135 | 100% |
Get in touch with us to discuss your preferences, career options, pathways and course and entry requirements. We are here to ensure you have everything you need to choose the right degree for you.
The type of documents you will need for your international application depends on what course you are applying for and which country you are a citizen of. Course requirements are stated on each course webpage. Examples of documentation you might expect to provide for your international application include a copy of personal identification, academic transcripts or a resume.
Once you have received your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) letter from Flinders University, you should apply for your visa as soon as possible as visa processing times can vary. You will receive your CoE letter after you have applied to study at Flinders, accepted your offer and paid the semester tuition fee.
No. Part-time study is currently not available for international students due to visa conditions.
No. Online study is currently not available for international students due to visa conditions.
If you don’t meet our English language or academic entry requirements, you can still gain entry to Flinders University through our on-campus pathway provider Flinders University Academy. Alternatively, you can improve your English language proficiency through our approved English Language Instruction Course for Overseas Students (ELICOS) providers.
You can apply to study as an international student directly through Flinders University or an authorised agent in your country.
If you are from one of the countries listed here, you are required to apply via an education agent. If you reside onshore in Australia, you will not require an agent even if you are from the countries listed above.
Yes. As a student visa (subclass 500) holder, you and your dependents (family members) can work up to 48 hours a fortnight when your course of study is in session. If you have started a master degree by research or doctoral degree, this rule does not apply to you and working hours are not restricted.
Our dedicated International Student Services (ISS) team provide a range of programs supporting your enrolment, study and social life, as well as a referral service to facilities on campus and within the local community.
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