Psychology

Why study Psychology?

Why do we behave the way we do? Why do we think the way we think? Psychology students are given the technical knowledge and skills required to better understand the human mind and behaviour. By studying the science of mental processes and behaviours, psychologists investigate every aspect of the human condition, from biology to society and have the privilege of helping others who are experiencing difficulties in life.

La Trobe students take thirteen specialised subjects covering the wide range of psychological knowledge with subjects focused on abnormal, clinical, and health psychology, social psychology, cognition, developmental psychology, and psychological interventions to name a few. Students can also choose from seven additional psychology electives including subjects on close relationships and clinical practice, neuroscience, autism, and cultural psychology. Courses are approved by the Australian Psychology Accreditation Council (APAC).

Career opportunities

Graduates are prepared for work in research, psychiatric hospitals, special schools, government, not-for-profit organisations, human resources management, market research and guidance or counselling for educational, vocational or personal problems. Students who complete a Diploma of Education may go into teaching. Students aiming to practice as an accredited clinical psychologist are required to continue study and complete an Honours year, and a postgraduate degree or work-based internship. See Become a Psychologist for more information about psychology, the professional accreditation process and study requirements.

Courses

Local students

Psychology courses
Offer yearCourse titleCampus(es)DurationSemester starts
2013 Bachelor of Laws/ Bachelor of Psychological Science Bendigo
Melbourne
5 years full-time or part-time equivalent Semester 1 and 2 (February and July)

Bachelor of Laws/ Bachelor of Psychological Science continued…

Course description
See the Bachelor of Laws (Undergraduate Entry) for details on the law component of this double degree, which includes compulsory specialised law subjects relevant to psychology, such as Psychology and Criminal Law, and Mental Disorder and Criminal Responsibility.

The Bachelor of Psychological Science aims to provide students with broad knowledge and skills in psychology as well as biological and social aspects of behaviour. However, it does not qualify gradutes for registration/work as a psychologist - this requires specific postgraduate studies.

Please note, students commencing Bendigo must transfer to the Melbourne campus after second year.
Prerequisite
VCE Units 3 & 4: study score of at least 30 in English (any).
Extra requirements
Non-Year 12 selection may involve: ENTER/ATAR, VTAC Personal History online, GPA, STAT Multiple Choice.

Non-Year 12 applicants must complete and submit a VTAC Personal History online 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.

For more information about VTAC Personal History online please visit our Extra Requirements page.
Selection
ATARs (2013)
Melbourne: 94.5
Bendigo: n/a

Middle band
Consideration is given to study scores in prerequisite studies, Humanities (any) Biology, Psychology, and to Special Entry Access Scheme (SEAS) criteria..
Fee type
Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP)
How to apply
Apply through VTAC for first-semester entry, or to the University for Mid-Year Entry (visit www.latrobe.edu.au/study/apply/midyear).
Professional recognition
All La Trobe University Law courses include the subjects required by the Victorian Council of Legal Education to qualify for admission to legal practice. Admission to practice as a barrister and solicitor of the Supreme Court of Victoria usually requires the completion of a traineeship (formerly referred to as articles of clerkship) or an approved practical legal training course (for example, the Leo Cussen Institute or the College of Law Victoria). Eligibility for membership of Australian Psychological Society and Victorian registration as a psychologist requires at least two more years' study beyond fourth year, such as a Master of Psychology or a Doctor of Psychology professional training program.
Full course details
Course structures and subject information for the following cours(es):
Laws/Psychological Science Melbourne
Laws/Psychological Science Bendigo
2013 Bachelor of Psychological Science Albury-Wodonga
Bendigo
Melbourne
3 years full-time or up to 6 years part-time. Semester 1 and 2 (March and July)

Bachelor of Psychological Science continued…

Course description
This course provides the foundation for a fulfilling career in psychology and other related disciplines by equipping students with a fundamental understanding of people and their behaviour.

The course has been comprehensively redesigned, offering more psychology-based subjects than most other Universities, but it also has enough flexibility so students may elect to combine their study of psychology with 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 modern neuroscience laboratory facilities and Australias 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.

Students also can access the Faculty's student support programs.
Prerequisite
VCE Units 3 & 4: English (any).
NSW HSC: satisfy English requirements.
Extra requirements
Non-Year 12 applicants must complete and submit a VTAC Personal History online 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.

For more information about VTAC Personal History online please visit our Extra Requirements page.

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
Selection
ATARs (2012)
Melbourne: 70.2
Bendigo: 60.15
Albury-Wodonga: 60.1

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.

Middle 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.
Fee type
Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP)
How to apply
Melbourne and Bendigo: VTAC
Albury-Wodonga: VTAC/UAC
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.
Full course details
Course structures and subject information for the following cours(es):
Psychological Science Melbourne
Psychological Science Bendigo
Psychological Science Albury-Wodonga
2013 Bachelor of Science (Applications in Society) Melbourne
Bendigo
Albury-Wodonga
3 years Semester 1 (March)

Bachelor of Science (Applications in Society) continued…

Course description
This new course is designed for people who wish to pursue a career in science but also develop specialised knowledge in other disciplines.

The Bachelor of Science (Applications in Society) combines major studies in science with complementary disciplines from other areas. The course aims to inspire students' curiosity for science and put science into context and how it applies to the world around us. Graduates should have a deep understanding of at least one area of science and also be able to work effectively in their non-science discipline.

The cross disciplinary nature of this course gives graduates the skills to work as knowledge brokers in business, government, education and science. Students enrolled in this degree will also have access to the Work Ready program which helps with the transition from university to the workforce by helping students to develop skills that employers value. See the additional information field for more details.

The Bachelor of Science (Applications in Society) is a broad access degree welcoming students from a wide variety of backgrounds with varying preparation for studying science. In the first year of the degree students will complete foundation studies to develop quantitative skills and an awareness of the nature of science. At enrolment students will select their non-science area of study and foundation studies in at least one of life sciences, molecular sciences, information technology, mathematics and statistics or environmental studies.

To complete the degree, students must complete at least one major in science and a sub-major (discipline sequence to year 2) in their selected non-science discipline. Students can complete a full major in their non-Science discipline.
Prerequisite
VCE Units 3 and 4: a study score of at least 25 in English (ESL) or 20 in any other English.

HSC (NSW): English Band 2 or equivalent.
Extra requirements
NONY12

Non-Year 12 applicants must complete and submit a VTAC Personal History online 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.

For more information about VTAC Personal History online please visit our Extra Requirements page.

Test (some applicants): Applicants described in the Admissions Tests section must complete the STAT Multiple Choice (see Admissions Tests: http://www.vtac.edu.au/admissions-tests.html).
Selection
ATARs (2013)
Melbourne: 55.45
Bendigo: 57.1
Albury-Wodonga: 73.5
Middle band
Completing mathematics (any) = 1.5 aggregate points per study. Maximum of 1.5 aggregate points.
Fee type
Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP)
Fee amount
TBA
Additional information
Work Ready Science (WRS) offers you the chance to build your future career from the moment you start your course. This program focuses on the transition between university and the workforce by building your experience and developing the skills employers value.
The overall objective of Work Ready is to give students a competitive advantage, by learning to communicate achievements and experiences to an employer in a competent and confident manner.
WRS is available at La Trobe University's Melbourne, Bendigo and Albury-Wodonga campuses. http://www.latrobe.edu.au/scitecheng/study/work-ready-science
How to apply
Through VTAC or UAC. Students applying to our Albury-Wodonga, Melbourne and Bendigo campuses can apply directly to La Trobe University. Please note that direct applications are only available to non-Year 12 applicants and to applicants who have not already applied through VTAC. For more information about direct applications please visit Ask La Trobe.
Full course details
Course structures and subject information for the following cours(es):
Science (Applications in Society)Melbourne
Science (Applications in Society)Bendigo
Science (Applications in Society)Albury-Wodonga

Want to know more?

Feel free to ask us a question about any course for local students.

Fees and scholarships

Undergraduate courses are Commonwealth Supported Places (CSP) for eligible Australian and New Zealand citizens. The domestic fee calculator can be used to calculate the cost of subjects this year.

There is also a wide range of scholarships available for local students. 

International students

Show mid year entryShow next year’s courses

Psychology international courses
Offer yearCourse title (CRICOS)Campus(es)DurationSemester startsAnnual Tuition Fee (AUD)
2013 Bachelor of Laws/ Bachelor of Psychological Science (075227E) Bendigo
Melbourne
5 years Semester 1 and 2 (March and July) $25 660

Bachelor of Laws/ Bachelor of Psychological Science continued…

Year
2013
Course description
See the Bachelor of Laws (Undergraduate Entry) for details on the law component of this double degree, which includes compulsory specialised law subjects relevant to psychology, such as Psychology and Criminal Law, and Mental Disorder and Criminal Responsibility.

The Bachelor of Psychological Science aims to provide students with broad knowledge and skills in psychology as well as biological and social aspects of behaviour. However, it does not qualify gradutes for registration/work as a psychologist - this requires specific postgraduate studies.

Please note, students commencing Bendigo must transfer to the Melbourne campus after second year.
English Language Requirements
IELTS (Academic): minimum score of 6.5 with no individual band score less than 6.0.

TOEFL Paper-based Test: minimum score of 575 (minimum score of 5 in the Test of Written English).

TOEFL Internet-based Test: minimum score of 80 with minimum overall for SLR 18; W 22.

La Trobe Melbourne (ELICOS): completion of English for Further Studies Advanced Stage 5B Certificate at postgraduate (EFS5 (70 per cent) PG1) level. For more information please visit the La Trobe Melbourne website.

La Trobe Melbourne Foundation Studies: 70 per cent final result in a course.

English as the language of instruction in tertiary studies may be accepted.
Please note: English as the language of instruction in previous study will not be accepted as a basis of admission (English)
for courses where the approved test score requirement is above an IELTS 6.5 with no band score lower than 6.0.

Pearson Test of English (Academic) (PTE): minimum score of 64 with no communicative skill score less than 59.

Cambridge Certificate of Advanced English (CAE): a grade of B or higher.

Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English (CPE): a grade of C or higher.

or approved international equivalent.

Academic entry requirements
LTM Foundation Studies - 95
Aust. Yr 12 (ATAR) 2012 (indicative only) - Melbourne: 93, Bendigo: 89.
International Baccalaureate - Melbourne: 35, Bendigo: 33.
GCE A Levels - 14
Hong Kong A Levels - 10
HKDSE - 2 x Level 5
Sri Lankan A Levels - AAB
STPM - 11
MICSS (UEC) - 2.5
Canada Secondary School (or CPU) - 85
Norway Upper Secondary Certificate - 4.5
Sweden Slutbetyg - VG
All Indian Sen SC (Best 5 Subjects) - 85
Vietnam (Year 12) - 9
Indonesia (SMA) - not eligible
GAC Cert. IV - GPA 3.6
GAOKAO - see: the website

If you do not meet these entry requirements you might be interested in La Trobe's Foundation Studies and Diploma Programs, which provide an alternative pathway to La Trobe's undergraduate program. For more information please visit the La Trobe Melbourne website.
Subject prerequisite
Australian VCE Units 3 and 4, a study score of at least 35 in English (ESL) or 30 in any other English.
Additional information
International students are advised to obtain assurance of recognition of the course by relevant professional bodies in their preferred country of practice.
Professional recognition
All La Trobe University Law courses include the subjects required by the Victorian Council of Legal Education to qualify for admission to legal practice. Admission to practice as a barrister and solicitor of the Supreme Court of Victoria usually requires the completion of a traineeship (formerly referred to as articles of clerkship) or an approved practical legal training course (for example, the Leo Cussen Institute or the College of Law Victoria).
Graduates can complete a suitable fourth-year program (e.g. Honours) to qualify for associate membership of the Australian Psychological Society (APS), such as specialised Postgraduate Diploma courses. Eligibility for membership of the APS and for Victorian registration as a psychologist require at least two more years of appropriate study beyond fourth year, such as a Master's or Doctorate in psychology.
Full course details
Course structures and subject information for the following cours(es):
Laws/Psychological Science Melbourne
Laws/Psychological Science Bendigo
2013 Bachelor of Psychological Science (002915G) Albury-Wodonga
Bendigo
Melbourne
3 years Semester 1 and 2 (March and July) $25 060

Bachelor of Psychological Science continued…

Year
2013
Course description
This course provides the foundation for a fulfilling career in psychology and other related disciplines by equipping students with a fundamental understanding of people and their behaviour.

The course has been comprehensively redesigned, offering more psychology-based subjects than most other Universities, but it also has enough flexibility so students may elect to combine their study of psychology with 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 modern neuroscience laboratory facilities and Australias 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.

Students also can access the Faculty's student support programs.
English Language Requirements
IELTS (Academic): minimum score of 6.5 with no individual band score less than 6.0.

TOEFL Paper-based Test: minimum score of 575 (minimum score of 5 in the Test of Written English).

TOEFL Internet-based Test: minimum score of 80 with minimum overall for SLR 18; W 22.

La Trobe Melbourne (ELICOS): completion of English for Further Studies Advanced Stage 5B Certificate at postgraduate (EFS5 (70 per cent) PG1) level. For more information please visit the La Trobe Melbourne website.

La Trobe Melbourne Foundation Studies: 70 per cent final result in a course.

English as the language of instruction in tertiary studies may be accepted.
Please note: English as the language of instruction in previous study will not be accepted as a basis of admission (English)
for courses where the approved test score requirement is above an IELTS 6.5 with no band score lower than 6.0.

Pearson Test of English (Academic) (PTE): minimum score of 64 with no communicative skill score less than 59.

Cambridge Certificate of Advanced English (CAE): a grade of B or higher.

Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English (CPE): a grade of C or higher.

or approved international equivalent.
Academic entry requirements
LTM Foundation Studies - 73
Aust. Yr 12 (ATAR) 2012 (indicative only) - Melbourne: 70.1; Albury-Wodonga: 61.6.
International Baccalaureate - 24
GCE A Levels - 8
Hong Kong A Levels - 7
HKDSE - 3 x Level 4
Sri Lankan A Levels - BCC
STPM - 9
MICSS (UEC) - 4.5
Canada Secondary School (or CPU) - 73
Norway Upper Secondary Certificate - 3.7
Sweden Slutbetyg - G/VG
All Indian Sen SC (Best 5 Subjects) - 70
Vietnam (Year 12) - 8.5
Indonesia (SMA) - 8
GAC Cert. IV - GPA 2.6
GAOKAO - see: the website

If you do not meet these entry requirements you might be interested in La Trobe's Foundation Studies and Diploma Programs, which provide an alternative pathway to La Trobe's undergraduate program. For more information please visit the La Trobe Melbourne website.
Subject prerequisite
Units 3 and 4 English (any). HSC (NSW) satisfy English requirements.
Additional information
Semester 2 (July) entry is subject to the availability of places.
Professional recognition
In Australia, the Psychology Board of Australia registers psychologists. Membership of the Australian Psychological Society (APS) also provides professional recognition and support for practitioners. To qualify for further training as a psychologist, graduates must complete a suitable fourth-year program, such as Honours, which must be accredited by the Australian Psychology Accreditation Council (APAC) for further study in psychology.
Eligibility for full registration as a psychologist requires at least two further years of study beyond fourth year, such as completion of a Master's or Doctorate in psychology, or by undertaking supervised experience with a registered psychologist.
Full course details
Course structures and subject information for the following cours(es):
Psychological Science Melbourne
Psychological Science Bendigo
Psychological Science Albury-Wodonga
2013 Bachelor of Science (Applications in Society) (077313B) Melbourne
Bendigo
Albury-Wodonga
Semester 1 (March) $25 060

Bachelor of Science (Applications in Society) continued…

Year
2013
Course description
This new course is designed for people who wish to pursue a career in science but also develop specialised knowledge in other disciplines.

The Bachelor of Science (Applications in Society) combines major studies in science with complementary disciplines from other areas. The course aims to inspire students' curiosity for science and put science into context and how it applies to the world around us. Graduates should have a deep understanding of at least one area of science and also be able to work effectively in their non-science discipline.

The cross disciplinary nature of this course gives graduates the skills to work as knowledge brokers in business, government, education and science. Students enrolled in this degree will also have access to the Work Ready program which helps with the transition from university to the workforce by helping students to develop skills that employers value. See the additional information field for more details.

The Bachelor of Science (Applications in Society) is a broad access degree welcoming students from a wide variety of backgrounds with varying preparation for studying science. In the first year of the degree students will complete foundation studies to develop quantitative skills and an awareness of the nature of science. At enrolment students will select their non-science area of study and foundation studies in at least one of life sciences, molecular sciences, information technology, mathematics and statistics or environmental studies.

To complete the degree, students must complete at least one major in science and a sub-major (discipline sequence to year 2) in their selected non-science discipline. Students can complete a full major in their non-Science discipline.
English Language Requirements
IELTS (Academic) score of 6.0 with no individual band score less than 6.0;

TOEFL Paper-based Test - a minimum overall score of 550 with a score of 5 or more in the Test of Written English;

TOEFL Internet-based Test - a minimum overall score of 60 with a minimum for SLR 18; W 22;

Satisfactory completion of the English for Further Studies Advanced Stage 5B (EFS5 UG minimum 60 per cent) which is available from La Trobe Melbourne; for more information please visit the La Trobe Melbourne website.

La Trobe Melbourne Foundation Studies: 60 per cent final result in a course;

English as the language of instruction in tertiary studies may be accepted. Please note: English as the language of instruction in previous study will not be accepted as a basis of admission (English) for courses where the approved test score requirement is above an IELTS 6.5 with no band score lower than 6.0.

Pearson Test of English (Academic) (PTE): a minimum score of 57 with no communicative skill score less than 50.

Cambridge Certificate of Advanced English (CAE): a grade of B or higher.

Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English (CPE): a pass grade of C or higher;

or approved international equivalent.
Academic entry requirements
LTM Foundation Studies - 60
Aust. Yr 12 (ATAR) 2012 (indicative only) - not available, new course for 2013.
International Baccalaureate - 24
GCE A Levels - 8
Hong Kong A Levels - 6
HKDSE - 2 x Level 4
Sri Lankan A Levels - BCC
STPM - 8
MICSS (UEC) -
WASSCE - average score of 6 from minimum 8 subjects
Canada Secondary School (or CPU) - 70
Norway Upper Secondary Certificate - 3.5
Sweden Slutbetyg - G
All Indian Sen SC (Best 5 Subjects) - 65
Vietnam (Year 12) - 8
Indonesia (SMA) - 7.5
GAC Cert. IV - GPA 2.3
GAOKAO - see: the website

If you do not meet these entry requirements you might be interested in La Trobe's Foundation Studies and Diploma Programs, which provide an alternative pathway to La Trobe's undergraduate programs. For more information please visit the La Trobe Melbourne website.
Special requirements
Subject prerequisites:English determined to be equivalent to the Australian VCE Units 3 & 4 English with a study score of 25 (ESL) or 20 any other English.
Additional information
Work Ready Science (WRS) offers students the chance to build their future career from the moment they start this course. This program focuses on the transition between university and the workforce by building experience and developing the skills employers value.
The overall objective of Work Ready is to give students a competitive advantage, by learning to communicate achievements and experiences to an employer in a competent and confident manner.
WRS is available at La Trobe University's Melbourne, Bendigo and Albury-Wodonga
campuses
Full course details
Course structures and subject information for the following cours(es):
Science (Applications in Society)Melbourne
Science (Applications in Society)Bendigo
Science (Applications in Society)Albury-Wodonga

How to apply?

Enquire now about any course for international students or find out how to apply.

Fees and scholarships

Estimated fees for international students are indicated for each course above. Fees are indicative only and set at 120 credit points per course, unless otherwise stated, and may vary depending on the number of credit points in which students enrol. Some courses may vary in credit point load and fees will be adjusted accordingly.

There is also a range of scholarships available for international students to assist students.

Bachelor of Psychology - Dr Arthur Stukas

Dr Arthur Stukas discusses the benefits of studying the Bachelor of Psychology at La Trobe University

Overseas study opportunities

Gain valuable overseas experience by studying with one of our global exchange partners. La Trobe has partnerships with over 100 universities in more than 30 countries in Asia, Europe, and North and South America. See education abroad.

Find out about the experiences of our students.

Ms Candice Dunstan,
Bachelor of Psychological Science (Honours)

"I was awarded a scholarship to study my PhD and look forward to the career opportunities it will bring."

About the academic staff

You'll get to meet a large number of academic staff during your studies, from tutors through to lecturers and supervisors. You can view staff in Psychology or search all staff in the Faculty of Science, Technology and Engineering.

Psychology events

Please see the Event Calendar for events that are related to this study option.

If you would like to see the latest events for this page come up automatically, please enable JavaScript.

Browse all events