Psychology student in prac on consultation
B-PSYCH

Psychology

Bachelor degree pass/honours

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

Course outline
  • ATAR

    ATAR

    Guaranteed ATAR 70
  • Qualification
    Bachelor of Psychology
  • Duration

    Duration

    4 years full-time
  • Credit

    Credit

    800
  • CRICOS

    CRICOS

    041070B
  • Location

    Location

    Curtin Perth
Course outline

Select your preferred campus:

2025

Semester 1

On campus

Semester 2

On campus

2026

Semester 1

On campus

Semester 2

On campus

2027

Semester 1

On campus

Course outline

Overview

Overview

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.

Your first year is an interprofessional program with students from other health science areas. In your second year you will focus on knowledge in learning, motivation, perception, child development and social psychology.

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

In your fourth year you'll complete a comprehensive research project and develop skills in areas such as program evaluation, psychological assessment and counselling. Note that to study the fourth year of this course you must attain a credit average or higher in your second- and third-year core psychology units. If you do not attain the credit average, you'll graduate at the end of the 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.

Honours program

High-achieving students may be offered a place in the honours program. Note that places in the honours year are limited and competitive.

Double degree options

You can study this course as a double degree with a Bachelor of Laws, Bachelor of Commerce (Marketing) or Bachelor of Commerce (Human Resource Management and Industrial Relations).

What jobs can the Psychology course lead to?

Careers

With further study:

  • Registered psychologist
  • Endorsed psychologist

Industries

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

What you'll learn

  • apply psychological theory to evidence based practice and extend the boundaries of knowledge through research; discriminate between valid discipline knowledge and questionable esoteric theory and practice
  • apply logical and rational processes to critically analyse problems and generate innovative solutions to psychological questions
  • access, evaluate and synthesise relevant information and evidence from a range of sources applicable to psychology
  • communicate effectively with individuals, groups and communities
  • select and effectively use appropriate technologies relevant to psychological research and practice
  • demonstrate ability for self directed learning and reflective practice
  • demonstrate knowledge and understanding of international perspectives in psychology
  • demonstrate understanding and respect for human rights and cultural diversity
  • independently and collaboratively apply professional skills in an ethical manner

Why study Psychology at Curtin?

Five star plus rating

Curtin has a QS Five Stars Plus rating – the highest possible rating for a tertiary education institution (QS Stars 2024).

Broad career options

Expand your career prospects by studying psychology as a double degree with Law, Human Resource ManagementHR Management and Industrial Relations or Marketing.

Highly ranked course

Curtin has cemented its place as Western Australia’s top public university for undergraduate employment, according to the latest Good Universities Guide (2025).

Professional recognition and accreditation

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.
Aysa Bahar Arjmand

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

Admission criteria

What you need in order to get into this course. There are different pathway options depending on your level of work and education experience.

Select an option that best suits you:

You’re considered a high school leaver if you:

  • Completed year 12 in Australia or overseas in the past two years, or
  • Completed TAFE or VET studies in the past two years.

ATAR pathway

  • Guaranteed ATAR 70

    This course has a guaranteed ATAR of 70

  • Essential WACE subjects (prerequisites)

    Essential WACE subjects (prerequisites)

    There are no essential WACE subjects for this course.

  • Desirable WACE subjects

    Desirable WACE subjects

    At least Mathematics: Applications ATAR and at least one ATAR science course from the following list: Biology, Chemistry, Earth and Environmental Science, Human Biology, Integrated Science, Physics or Psychology.

Please see our correlation comparability for previous TEE subjects, WACE courses and WACE ATAR courses.

StepUp Entry

StepUp Entry

Successful StepUp Entry and StepUp Equity Adjustment Admission Pathway (StepUp Bonus) applicants will be eligible to be considered for admission into this course.

Alternative pathways

  • UniReady

    If you don’t meet our minimum admission criteria, the UniReady Enabling Program can help you qualify for entry into a range of undergraduate courses.

  • Certificate IV + English Competency

    The certificate IV is the minimum requirement for university entry. It qualifies you for entry to Curtin courses with a 70 ATAR. You must also meet English language proficiency.

  • Indigenous applicant

    If you’re an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander applicant who hasn’t met Curtin’s minimum admissions criteria, the Centre for Aboriginal Studies offers bridging courses that are tailored to help you gain entry into this course.

  • STAT entry

    Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT)

    Written English and either MC Verbal or Quantitative

English requirements

Curtin requires all applicants to demonstrate proficiency in English. Specific English requirements for this course are outlined in the IELTS table below.

You may demonstrate English proficiency using the following tests and qualifications.

IELTS Academic (International English Language Testing System)

Writing

6

Speaking

6

Reading

6

Listening

6

Overall band score

6.5

Find your pathway to Curtin

Think you don’t have the marks or qualifications to study at Curtin? We have several pathways to help you meet admission. Use our pathway finder to find your best way to studying with us.

Pathway finder tool

How others gained admission

View the ATAR breakdown to see the low, median and high ATAR scores of students who started studying this course recently.

To see the other pathways students have taken, see the pathway breakdown.

Application Requirements

You’re considered someone with work and life experience if:

You have left secondary education more than two years ago (i.e. who are not classified as recent secondary education applicants) and have not undertaken vocational education training (VET) or higher education study since then.

How we define ‘experience’

‘Experience’ includes a combination of factors sufficient to demonstrate readiness for higher education such as mature-age entry, professional experience whether completion of the Skills for Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT) is required or not, community involvement or work experience. Applicants may have undertaken non-formal programs that have helped prepare them for tertiary education or are relevant to the proposed higher education field of study.

Pathways

  • STAT entry

    Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT)

    Written English and either MC Verbal or Quantitative

English requirements

Curtin requires all applicants to demonstrate proficiency in English. Specific English requirements for this course are outlined in the IELTS table below.

You may demonstrate English proficiency using the following tests and qualifications.

IELTS Academic (International English Language Testing System)

Writing

6

Speaking

6

Reading

6

Listening

6

Overall band score

6.5

Find your pathway to Curtin

Think you don’t have the marks or qualifications to study at Curtin? We have several pathways to help you meet admission. Use our pathway finder to find your best way to studying with us.

Pathway finder tool

Application Requirements

You’re considered someone who studied at TAFE or have done an apprenticeship if:

Applicants with vocational education and training (VET) study are those whose highest level of study since leaving secondary education is a VET course. This includes study at a public TAFE or other VET provider, whether a qualification was completed or not. Applicants with VET study may have other qualifications such as a Year 10 or Year 12 secondary school certificate.

Pathways

  • STAT entry

    Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT)

    Written English and either MC Verbal or Quantitative

English requirements

Curtin requires all applicants to demonstrate proficiency in English. Specific English requirements for this course are outlined in the IELTS table below.

You may demonstrate English proficiency using the following tests and qualifications.

IELTS Academic (International English Language Testing System)

Writing

6

Speaking

6

Reading

6

Listening

6

Overall band score

6.5

Find your pathway to Curtin

Think you don’t have the marks or qualifications to study at Curtin? We have several pathways to help you meet admission. Use our pathway finder to find your best way to studying with us.

Pathway finder tool

Application Requirements

You’re considered someone who has recently left university if:

Applicants with higher education are those whose highest level of study since leaving secondary education is a higher education course, such as a university degree. This may include applicants who are currently studying a higher education course at another education provider and want to transfer to Curtin University, or applicants who are currently studying at Curtin but want to switch to a different course. It may also include applicants who have completed past study with university and non-university higher education providers.

Curtin course switcher criteria

To switch into the Bachelor of Psychology, you need to:

Meet Curtin's mimimum entry admission. Please check our general admission criteria.

To switch into the Psychology Fourth Year Stream, you need:

  1. An APAC-accredited Curtin bachelor of psychology
    or
    An APAC-accredited Curtin double degree in Psychology
  2. A weighted average of 60% in core second-year and third-year psychology units.

To switch into the Honours Psychology Stream, you need:  

  1. An APAC-accredited Curtin bachelor of psychology
    or
    An APAC-accredited Curtin double degree in Psychology
  2. A weighted average of 70% in core second-year and third-year psychology units.

Higher education course switcher criteria

To switch into the Bachelor of Psychology, you need to:

Meet Curtin's mimimum entry admission. Please check our general admission criteria.

To switch into the Psychology Fourth Year Stream, you need:

  1. An APAC-accredited Level One (3-year sequence or equivalent) degree in psychology
    or
    A non-accredited psychology degree that has been assessed as being equivalent to a Level One (3-year APAC-accredited) degree by the Australian Psychological Society
  2. A weighted average of 60% in core second-year and third-year psychology units.

To switch into the Honours Psychology Stream, you need:  

  1. An APAC-accredited Level One (3-year sequence or equivalent) degree in psychology
    or
    A non-accredited psychology degree that has been assessed as being equivalent to a Level One (3-year APAC-accredited) degree by the Australian Psychological Society
  2. A weighted average of 70% in core second-year and third-year psychology units.

English requirements

Curtin requires all applicants to demonstrate proficiency in English. Specific English requirements for this course are outlined in the IELTS table below.

You may demonstrate English proficiency using the following tests and qualifications.

IELTS Academic (International English Language Testing System)

Writing

6

Speaking

6

Reading

6

Listening

6

Overall band score

6.5

Find your pathway to Curtin

Think you don’t have the marks or qualifications to study at Curtin? We have several pathways to help you meet admission. Use our pathway finder to find your best way to studying with us.

Pathway finder tool

Application Requirements

Unsure what option suits you?

We’re here to help you navigate the complexities of university admission. Choose the support you need from the options below.

Find your pathway to Curtin

Think you don’t have the marks or qualifications to study at Curtin? We have several pathways to help you meet admission. Use our pathway finder to find your best way to studying with us.

Pathway finder tool

Application Requirements

Other requirements and notes for this course

This can be a physically and mentally challenging course. Please familiarise yourself with the inherent requirements for this course before applying. Reasonable adjustments can be made for students with disability.

We do accept mid year enrolments. However please note that there may be restrictions on unit availability.

In addition to the course-specific admission criteria listed above, please read our general admission criteria. Our general admission criteria apply to all courses at Curtin University.

The B-PSYCH is an APAC accredited 4-year sequence of psychology (Level One & Level Two program combined).  Entry into the 4th year of the regular stream and the honours stream of the B-PSYCH is as follows:

1. For (domestic and international) Curtin University students currently enrolled in the APAC-accredited B-PSYCH course:

o To enter the B-PSYCH regular stream, a minimum average of 60% is required across the 14 core 2nd and 3rd year psychology units (this is an accreditation requirement)

o To be offered a place in the Honours stream, a minimum average of 70% is required across the 14-core 2nd and 3rd year psychology units.

2. For (domestic and international) Curtin University students who complete one of the following APAC-accredited courses, the minimum average scores for the 14 core 2nd and 3rd year units in point #1 apply (the degree must not be more than 10 years old):

o BB-LAWPSY

  • oBB-PSYHRM
  • o BBPSYMKT
  • o B-PSYCHRM

3. For students who complete one of the non-accredited psychology degrees a Curtin University offshore global campus, the minimum average scores in point #1 apply. However, students will need to have their non-accredited psychology degree assessed as equivalent to an APAC-accredited Level One Program by the Australian Psychological Society to be eligible for entry into the 4th year of the APAC-accredited B-PSYCH.  

https://psychology.org.au/about-us/what-we-do/assessing-overseas-qualifications 

 

For all other students (i.e., those who completed an equivalent Level One psychology qualification external to Curtin University) any remaining places are offered on a competitive basis.  While the minimum average scores listed in point #1 are required for eligibility, the number of places offered to students external to Curtin is limited.  All applicants are ranked (based on their average grades across their 2nd and 3rd year level psychology units) and offers made until remaining available places are filled.

External to Curtin applicants (domestic and international) must have:

• An APAC-accredited Level One degree in psychology (3-year sequence or equivalent)

OR

• A non-accredited psychology degree that has been assessed as being equivalent to a Level One (3-year APAC-accredited) degree by the Australian Psychological Society.

https://psychology.org.au/about-us/what-we-do/assessing-overseas-qualifications

 

Ranking and Selection Process

1. Applicants will be ranked and selected based on published entry requirements and entire academic record.

2. Applicants must provide all required documents and be assessed as eligible to be included in the ranking for an offer.

3. Meeting the minimum entry requirements and course specific prerequisites, does not guarantee selection.

4. In the event the course reaches capacity the University reserves the right not to proceed with subsequent offer rounds.

 

Credit for recognised learning (CRL)

Use your experience to get credit towards your degree

Finish your course sooner with credit for your previous study or work experience.

Fees and scholarships

Australian and New Zealand student indicative fees

2024 Fee year:

$8,900*

Commonwealth supported

Commonwealth supported

2025 Fee year:

$9,300*

Commonwealth supported

Commonwealth supported

Fees are indicative first year only and are subject to passage of legislation.

*The indicative first-year fee is calculated on 200 credit points, which is the typical full-time study load per year, however some courses require additional study to be completed, in which case the fee will be higher than that shown.

This fee is a guide only. It may vary depending on the units you choose and does not include incidental fees (such as lab coats or art supplies) or the cost of your textbooks – visit other fees and charges for more information. For more information on fees and to determine your eligibility for HECS-HELP or FEE-HELP, please visit fee basics or the Study Assist website

To be eligible for the Commonwealth supported fee:

  • Australian citizens must complete some of their course of study while residing in Australia.
  • Australian permanent residents or New Zealand citizens must be residing in Australia for the entire course.

For further information on eligibility please refer to the Australian Government Study Assist website.

If you’re not an Australian citizen, permanent resident or New Zealand citizen, please see information for international students.

Looking for more detail on the course structure?

View course structure

Location

For start dates, please view the academic calendar.

Curtin Perth flag

2025

Semester 1
  • On campus
Semester 2
  • On campus

2026

Semester 1
  • On campus
Semester 2
  • On campus

2027

Semester 1
  • On campus

All endeavours are made to ensure location information for courses is up to date but please note they are subject to change.

The University reserves the right to withdraw any unit of study or program which it offers, to impose limitations on enrolment in any unit or program, and/or to vary arrangements for any program.

How to apply

Please review information on how to apply for the campus of your choice

Please note that each campus has different application deadlines. View our application deadlines page for further information.

Apply now

Frequently asked questions

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  • The offering information on this website applies only to future students. Current students should refer to faculty handbooks for current or past course information.

    The information on this page may be subject to change. In particular, Curtin University may change the content, method or location of delivery or tuition fees of courses.

    While Curtin uses reasonable efforts to ensure that the information provided on this page is accurate and up to date, errors and omissions sometimes occur. Curtin makes no warranty, representation or undertaking (expressed or implied) nor does it assume any legal liability (direct or indirect) for the accuracy, completeness or usefulness of any information.

    View courses information disclaimer.

  • Curtin course code: B-PSYCH
  • CRICOS code: 041070B
  • Last updated on: 22 December 2024

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