Psychological Science
This course information is for local students only
Year
2012
Award
Bachelor of Psychological Science
Length
3 years full-time or up to 6 years part-time.
Campuses
Melbourne, Bendigo, Albury-Wodonga
Course description
Graduating with a Bachelor of Psychological Science from La Trobe opens up many opportunities to work in a wide range of fields. Students are often surprised by how many career choices they have besides practising as a clinical psychologist. This course provides the foundation for a fulfilling career in psychology and other related disciplines. Students gain a fundamental understanding of people and their behaviour.
The La Trobe University Psychological Science degree has been comprehensively redesigned, offering more psychology-based subjects than most other universities. The course has enough flexibility so that students may elect to combine their study of psychology with up to eleven subjects drawn from other disciplines, including related biological or sociological subjects, or even more varied electives from foreign languages or business.
Students have access to fully-equipped neuroscience laboratories and Australia's first Autism Research Centre, as well as expert staff involved in teaching students at every year level. Professor Simon Crowe, for example, is the current president of the Australian Psychological Society and also the first-year psychology coordinator at La Trobe.
After completing the three year degree, graduates are able to apply their knowledge and skills to a wide range of careers in management, public service, marketing and human resources. Students aiming to practise as an accredited clinical psychologist are required to continue their studies and complete an Honours year and a postgraduate degree or work-based internship. These options are also available from the La Trobe University School of Psychological Science.
Course structure
The course covers diverse topics, including cognition, development, social psychology, abnormal and health psychology, child and family psychology, behavioural neuroscience, psychological research methods, psychological interventions and ethics, and psychological assessment. Students can add to core studies by choosing from a wide range of electives in other sciences, arts, business and legal studies.
Contact hours
Between 12 to 20 hours a week (average) in first year, depending upon the electives selected.
Subject details
Major areas of study
Psychology, biological sciences, sociology, philosophy, linguistics, mathematics, statistics, legal studies, politics, Asian studies, business studies, behavioural science, psychology, abnormal psychology, developmental psychology, social psychology.
Overseas study opportunities
Overseas study opportunities are available.
Please see
www.latrobe.edu.au/international/exchange
for more information
Application
Melbourne and Bendigo: VTAC
Albury-Wodonga: VTAC/UAC
Fee type
Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP)
Scholarships
Applicants who are Australian citizens or who hold permanent humanitarian visas are eligible for a range of University-wide scholarships, including Commonwealth Scholarships. For details please see http://www.latrobe.edu.au/scholarships/future-undergraduatesMiddle Band
Successful completion of the following facilitates an additional 1.5 aggregate points per study, to a maximum of 3 points: Biology, Health and Human Development, Information Technology (any), Mathematical Methods, Specialist Mathematics, Psychology or any Science study. Consideration is given to Special Entry Access Scheme (SEAS) criteria. In addition, a regional bonus may apply.
Selection
(ATARs current for 2011)
Melbourne: ATAR 70.65
Bendigo: ATAR 58.95
Albury-Wodonga: ATAR 60.35
Guaranteed Entry - Year 12 applicants only
Applicants to the Melbourne campus with an ATAR of 80 or more will be made a first round offer, as will applicants to the Bendigo and Albury-Wodonga campuses with an ATAR of 65 or above. Those with lower ATARs will be considered through normal selection processes.
Non-Year 12 selection may involve: ENTER/ATAR, Pi form, GPA, STAT Multiple Choice.
Extra requirements
Non-Year 12 applicants must complete and submit a VTAC Pi form if they wish other information to be considered during the selection process. This may include information such as work experience or reasons for applying. Applicants may wish to provide other documentation in support of their application.
Albury-Wodonga: UAC applicants may need to complete the La Trobe Alternative Category form at: www.latrobe.edu.au/studadmin/aw/downloads/Altentry.pdf
For more information, call (03) 9479 2220 or send an email to sci.tech@latrobe.edu.au
Prerequisites
VCE Units 3 & 4: English (any).
NSW HSC: satisfy English requirements.
Semester starts
Semester 1 and 2 (March and July)
Career opportunities
Career options may include teaching (on completion of a Graduate Diploma of Education), research in clinics, psychiatric hospitals, special schools and other government or not-for-profit organisations; and guidance or counselling for educational, vocational or personal problems. Work is also likely to be available in human resources management, market research, and the public sector.
After appropriate fourth-year studies and postgraduate training, graduates may work in clinical or neuropsychology, involving diagnosis and therapy.
Professional recognition
The degree is accredited by the Australian Psychology Accreditation Council (APAC). Graduates are eligible to apply for APAC-accredited fourth-year courses, such as the Bachelor of Psychological Science (Honours) at La Trobe, which enables associate membership of the Australian Psychological Society (APS).
Eligibility for registration as a psychologist with the Psychology Board of Australia and full membership of the APS require at least two years' appropriate study beyond fourth year, such as a Master's or Doctoral degree.