Bachelor of Applied Science (Psychology)
Student type:
Quick facts
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Duration
Full-time 3 years, Part-time 6 years -
Location
Melbourne City, Bundoora -
Fees
Next intake
February Duration
Full-time 3 years Location
Melbourne City, Bundoora
Overview
Psychology is the science of the mind and human behaviour. You will examine mental states and processes and how they affect human behaviour.
RMIT specialises in clinical psychology, based on a cognitive-behavioural approach. All degrees are accredited by Australian Psychological Society.
RMIT’s psychology degree applies research to actual situations to resolve real human problems.
Your studies will include the biological bases of behaviour including brain behaviour relationships, sensation, perception and consciousness, theories of learning, memory and cognition emotion, motivation and stress.
Psychology studies include the principles of personality, psychopathology and social psychology as well as biological psychology, cognitive psychology, developmental psychology, research methods in psychology and social psychology.
You can also undertake elective studies in nutrition, information technology, applied psychology, health statistics, computer science and any electives available across the university.
As a psychology student you will gain strong theoretical and practical skills. The degree is the basis for further study if you want to become a practising psychologist or use your study in other careers.
To register as a psychologist, you'll need to complete the Bachelor of Applied Science (Psychology), the Bachelor of Applied Science (Psychology) (Honours) and the Master of Clinical Psychology (2 years full-time), or equivalent degrees recognised by the Australian Psychological Society.
Psychologists study the processes around how people think and feel. They work closely with patients to understand their mental state and how this is impacting on their behaviours.
Psychologists conduct research and provide treatments including counselling to help reduce distress, behavioural problems and psychological problems. They work with a broad range of clients in a variety of circumstances including children, adults, couples, families and organisations.
Details
RMIT offers a variety of learning and teaching approaches including lectures, seminars, workshops, presentations, and group discussions. These are primarily in English.
You'll have access to online resources through the myRMIT student portal.
Ongoing assessment throughout the semester includes examinations, essays, reports, oral classes, presentations, group projects, research projects, and practical assignments.
RMIT University is committed to providing you with an education that strongly links formal learning with professional or vocational practice.
The degree involves a research project where you work one-on-one with staff on staff-initiated research projects.
You will also have the option of completing a 15-day industry placement.
The psychology component of the degree is 25% of first year, 62.5% of second year and 62.5% of third year.
The remaining courses include occupational health and safety, nutrition and applied psychology, disability studies, health statistics, computer science and geography.
Year 1
You'll study these foundation areas:
- biological bases of behaviour including brain behaviour relationships, sensation, perception and consciousness
- theories of learning, memory and cognition (including theories of intelligence)
- theories of emotion, motivation and stress
You will also study these principles of psychology:
- personality
- psychopathology
- social psychology
Year 2
You'll study biological psychology, cognitive psychology, developmental psychology, research methods in psychology and social psychology.
Year 3
The third year includes philosophy and methodology of psychology, psychological assessment and individual differences, psychology in society and organisations, psychopathology and models of intervention, and a research project.
Australian Psychology Accreditation Council elective examples:
- Cross-cultural and Organisational Psychology
- Forensic Psychology
- Psychology of Gender
- Health and Sport Psychology
Choose a program structure
Choose a program structure
Program code: BP154
Career
As a graduate of the psychology degree, you can work in areas such as organisational management, health, sport, cross-cultural studies, counselling, HR, working with people with disabilities, research, training, market research and with further study, teaching.
To register as a psychologist, you'll need to complete the Bachelor of Applied Science (Psychology), the Bachelor of Applied Science (Psychology) (Honours) and the Master of Psychology (2 years full-time), or equivalent degrees recognised by the Australian Psychological Society.
Psychology is a broad field with many areas of specialisation including counselling, sport psychology, educational psychology, organisational psychology, and forensic psychology.
Psychologists work in a wide range of environments including:
- hospitals
- universities
- general medical practices
- community health centres
- private practice
- educational institutions
- counselling agencies
- government departments
The psychology major in the Bachelor of Applied Science (Psychology) is a partial requirement for membership of the Australian Psychological Society.
It is also a partial requirement for registration as a psychologist with the Psychology Board of Australia, subject to further study or clinical practice.
This degree has been accredited with the Australian Psychology Accreditation Council.
Admissions
RMIT is committed to providing transparency to the admissions process. In line with this commitment, we provide you with information that will help in making informed choices about your undergraduate study options. Find out more about RMIT’s commitment to admissions transparency.
You must meet the minimum academic entry requirements for this program. Meeting these requirements does not guarantee you entry due to the competitive nature of this program. Overseas qualifications will be assessed for Australian equivalence.
*ATAR refers to the lowest selection rank to which an offer was made (including consideration of any adjustments) for current and recent year 12 applicants.
RMIT’s selection criteria, outlined below according to your highest completed level of education, will provide you with a better understanding of the minimum admissions requirements needed for this program.
Selection criteria
This information is for applicants who are currently undertaking an Australian Year 12 or equivalent or whose highest qualification is a completed secondary education within the last two years (2017, 2018).
Selection criteria
You are required to meet the following minimum academic requirements:
- successful completion of an Australian Year 12 (or equivalent) including units 1 and 2 with satisfactory completion of any Mathematics and units 3 and 4 with a study score of at least 30 in English (EAL) or at least 25 in English other than EAL and units 3 and 4 with a study score of at least 20 in one of Geography, any Mathematics or any Science
Important! As part of this program you are required to complete additional requirements. You can find more information under the heading ‘Immunisation and professional compliance requirements’.
You may be eligible for adjustment factors which will be applied to your selection rank. You can find more information under the heading 'Adjustment factors'.
ATAR profile
View the ATAR profile and selection rank from students offered a place into this program wholly or partly on the basis of ATAR in 2020.
This information is for applicants who have completed an accredited award at an Australian Registered Training Organisation.
Selection criteria
You are required to meet the following minimum academic requirements:
- successful completion of an Australian certificate IV or above (or equivalent)
- demonstrated proficiency equivalent to Year 12 subject prerequisites of units 1 and 2 with satisfactory completion of any Mathematics and units 3 and 4 with a study score of at least 30 in English (EAL) or at least 25 in English other than EAL and units 3 and 4 with a study score of at least 20 in one of Geography, any Mathematics or any Science
You may satisfy the academic requirements by completing the STAT multiple choice. You can find more information under the heading 'Additional information'.
Important! As part of this program you are required to complete additional requirements. You can find more information under the heading ‘Immunisation and professional compliance requirements’.
You may be eligible for adjustment factors which will be applied to your selection rank. You can find more information under the heading 'Adjustment factors'.
This information is for applicants whose highest level of study since leaving secondary education is a higher education program.
Selection criteria
You are required to meet the following minimum academic requirements:
- successful completion of at least four courses (subjects) at an Australian undergraduate level (or equivalent)
- demonstrated proficiency equivalent to Year 12 subject prerequisites of units 1 and 2 with satisfactory completion of any Mathematics and units 3 and 4 with a study score of at least 30 in English (EAL) or at least 25 in English other than EAL and units 3 and 4 with a study score of at least 20 in one of Geography, any Mathematics or any Science
You may satisfy the academic requirements by completing the STAT multiple choice. You can find more information under the heading 'Additional information'.
Important! As part of this program you are required to complete additional requirements. You can find more information under the heading ‘Immunisation and professional compliance requirements’.
You may be eligible for adjustment factors which will be applied to your selection rank. You can find more information under the heading 'Adjustment factors'.
This information is for applicants who left secondary school more than two years ago and who have not undertaken VET or higher education study since then.
Selection criteria
You are required to meet the following minimum academic requirements:
- successful completion of an Australian Year 12 (or equivalent) more than two years ago, including units 1 and 2 with a satisfactory completion of any Mathematics and Units 3 and 4 with a study score of at least 30 in English (EAL) or at least 25 in English other than EAL and units 3 and 4 with a study score of at least 20 in one of Geography, any Mathematics or any Science
You may satisfy the academic requirements by completing the STAT multiple choice. You can find more information under the heading 'Additional information'.
Work and life experience does not provide any additional consideration for entry to this program.
Important! As part of this program you are required to complete additional requirements. You can find more information under the heading ‘Immunisation and professional compliance requirements’.
You may be eligible for adjustment factors which will be applied to your selection rank. You can find more information under the heading 'Adjustment factors'.
Immunisation and vaccination requirements
Immunisations may be required by the placement organisation. You will need to check the immunisation requirements of the placement organisation before commencing your placements.
Please note: A full course of immunisations can take up to 7 months to complete, you should contact your medical practitioner prior to entering the program to commence immunisations. It is a requirement that you will have commenced all immunisations and will continue to progress this until completion of the vaccination courses by the deadlines set by the university.
Working with Children Check
You will be required to hold a Victorian Working with Children Check valid for 5 years, prior to undertaking clinical components as part of this program.
Note: For clinical components undertaken interstate a valid Working With Children Check for that state is required.
National police record check
You will be required to present evidence of a successful National police record check prior to undertaking the clinical components of this program (this is an annual requirement for the duration of your program). Checks are conducted via fit2work. An account with fit2work will be created using your name and your RMIT issued student email address once studies in the program have commenced. Further information will be provided once enrolment has been completed.
Available only to applicants currently studying Year 12
School Network Access Program (SNAP)
The SNAP access scheme is designed to increase tertiary participation by giving priority access to RMIT diploma and degree programs to eligible applicants currently studying Year 12 at a SNAP partner school.
Available only to applicants currently studying Year 12 or whose highest qualification is a completed Year 12.
Subject adjustments
A study score of 25 in one but no more than two of any Mathematics equals 2 aggregate points per study. A study score of 25 in one but no more than two of Biology, Health And Human Development or Psychology equals 1.5 aggregate points per study. A study score of 35 in English (EAL) equals 1 aggregate point per study. A study score of 30 in English other than EAL equals 1 aggregate point per study. Overall maximum of 7 points.
Regional adjustments
RMIT automatically allocates adjustment factors to applicants from a low socio-economic status area for all programs that select primarily on ATAR. Low socio-economic status areas are determined by applying the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) Socio-Economic Index for Areas (SEIFA) Index of Education and Occupation.
Available to all applicants
Equity access schemes
Equity access schemes take into account personal information and location, difficult circumstances, disadvantaged financial background and disability or medical condition that may have impacted on an applicant’s most recent academic performance.
This program has been recognised as being under-represented by female applicants. Additional adjustment factors may apply to those applying to category 1 of the Special Entry Access Scheme or RMIT access application.
Find out more about the eligibility requirements for each Special Entry Access Scheme and RMIT access categories.
If you are applying through VTAC you should apply for the Special Entry Access Scheme.
If you are applying directly to RMIT you should apply for RMIT Access. The system will prompt you to do this during your application.
Elite Athlete Program
The RMIT Elite Athlete Program supports eligible elite and emerging athletes to achieve sporting and academic excellence, allowing students to balance the demands of both their studies and their athletic responsibilities.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples
The Indigenous Access Program supports you through an informal interview process where you will receive support from the Ngarara Willim Centre. Additional consideration will be given if you have relevant life, work, education or training experience.
Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT)
If you are applying to RMIT as an applicant with vocational education training, higher education study or work or life experience, you may sit the STAT multiple choice if you:
- are 19 years of age or over as of 1 January in the year in which you will start your studies and
- have not been enrolled in secondary studies for at least two years and
- have no prior secondary school (Year 12), VET studies, HE studies or relevant work experience that can be considered for entry, or these do not meet the minimum academic requirements for the program
The STAT overall score will be competitively ranked for selection.
STAT results are valid for two years prior to the commencement of study and can be used to meet Year 12 English and Year 11 Mathematics prerequisites. You must meet all other program prerequisites or equivalents.
Learn more about RMIT STAT results including minimum STAT scores required to meet prerequisites.
Personal statement
If you have been excluded from a program due to academic progress you are encouraged to submit a personal statement outlining the strategies you will adopt to ensure academic success.
If you are applying to RMIT through VTAC you can complete and submit the VTAC personal statement via your online VTAC account.
If you are applying direct to RMIT you can upload your completed personal statement via your online direct application.
You must have successfully completed an Australian Year 12 (or equivalent senior secondary school qualification) with a minimum 65% average (check calculator below).
Equivalent qualifications may also include completion of the RMIT Foundation Studies program or a recognised post secondary diploma in the relevant discipline with the required grades.
Meeting the minimum academic requirements does not guarantee entry. Your application will still need to be assessed and accepted.
If you don't meet the entry requirements, there may be other RMIT programs you are eligible for that can lead you to your preferred program. Explore pathway options.
Mathematics and one of Geography or any Science; or
VCE Units 1 and 2 of any Mathematics and VCE Units 3 and 4 in one of Geography or any Science, with a study score of at least 20.
To study this program you will need to complete one of the following English proficiency tests:
- IELTS (Academic): minimum overall band of 6.5 (with no individual band below 6.0)
- TOEFL (Internet Based Test - IBT): minimum overall score of 79 (with minimum of 13 in Reading, 12 in Listening, 18 in Speaking and 21 in Writing)
- Pearson Test of English (Academic) (PTE (A)): minimum score of 58 (with no communication band less than 50)
- Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE): minimum of 176 with no less than 169 in any component.
For detailed information on English language requirements and other proficiency tests recognised by RMIT, visit English language requirements and equivalency information.
Don't meet the English language test scores? Complete an English for Academic Purposes (EAP) Advanced Plus Certificate at RMIT English Worldwide.
Immunisations may be required by the placement organisation. Students will need to check the immunisation requirements of the placement organisation before commencing their placements.
Compliance requirements
- Police Check: Students may be required to hold a National Police Check. If required, further information will be provided once enrolment has been completed.
- Working with Children Check (valid for 5 years): Students may be required to hold a valid Working with Children Check prior to undertaking the clinical components of this program. If required, further information will be provided once enrolment has been completed.
For more information or if you have any questions about these requirements please email SHBS.wil@rmit.edu.au.
The following information outlines the tasks you will be required to undertake during professional experience placement and on-campus learning activities.
The non-academic abilities listed are provided for your information only and are not entry requirements.
If there are any activities outlined which may be difficult for you to undertake, there are a range of adjustments to your study conditions available to enable and support you to demonstrate these abilities. Please contact the Equitable Learning Service to discuss any adjustments you may require.
The following information outlines the tasks you will be required to undertake during professional experience placement and on-campus learning activities.
The non-academic abilities listed are provided for your information only and are not entry requirements.
If there are any activities outlined which may be difficult for you to undertake, there are a range of adjustments to your study conditions available to enable and support you to demonstrate these abilities. Please contact the Equitable Learning Service to discuss any adjustments you may require.
By understanding the types of activities you’ll participate in, you can:
- understand more about the program
- determine if you may need support during your studies
- make an informed decision about whether the program is suitable for you
If you are living with disability, long-term illness and/or a mental health condition, we can support you by making adjustments to activities in your program so that you can participate fully in your studies.
To receive learning adjustments, you need to register with Equitable Learning Service
The University considers the wellbeing and safety of all students, staff and the community to be a priority in academic and professional experience placement settings.
Pathways
Even though there are no formal pathways into this course, there are often other ways you can gain entry.
Depending on the course, this may include completing a certificate, diploma, advanced diploma or associate degree or undertaking recognised professional experience.
For more information, use our Pathways finder or contact Study@RMIT to discuss your options.
Credit and recognition of prior learning
Credit, recognition of prior learning, professional experience and accreditation from a professional body can reduce the duration of your study by acknowledging your earlier, relevant experience. Find out if you might be eligible.
Upon successful completion of the Bachelor of Applied Science (Psychology) or the Bachelor of Social Science (Psychology), you may be eligible for admission to the Bachelor of Applied Science (Psychology) (Honours).
Degree graduates in another discipline who have successfully completed the Graduate Diploma in Behavioural Science may be eligible for admission to the Bachelor of Applied Science (Psychology) (Honours).
When you successfully complete this program you may be eligible for entry to the Bachelor of Applied Science (Psychology) (Honours).
Alternatively, you may be eligible for entry into other RMIT honours or other postgraduate programs.
Fees
2020 indicative fees
In 2020, the annual student contribution amount (tuition fee) you will pay for a standard year of full-time study is between AU$6,684 to AU$11,155*.
Additional expenses
- Student services and amenities fee (SSAF): AU$308 maximum fee for 2020.
- Other items related to your program, including field trips, textbooks and equipment.
Annual fee adjustment
Amounts quoted are indicative fees per annum, and are based on a standard year of full-time study (96 credit points). A proportionate fee applies for more or less than the full-time study load.
Fees are adjusted on an annual basis and these fees should only be used as a guide.
Defer your payment
You may be eligible to apply for a HECS-HELP loan, which can be used to defer payment of up to the full amount of your student contribution fees. You may also be eligible to apply to defer payment of your SSAF through the SA-HELP loan scheme.
Learn more about fees for undergraduate study.
All undergraduate and honours degrees have Commonwealth supported places (CSP) available. In 2020, the annual student contribution amount (tuition fee) you will pay for a standard year of full-time study is between AU$6,684 to AU$11,155.
In a CSP, your tuition fees are subsidised by the Australian Government. Your share of the fee (student contribution) is set each year by the Australian Government and is determined by the discipline areas (bands) of the courses in which you enrol, not the overall program.
How much can I expect to pay for my Commonwealth supported place?
Courses (subjects) fall into one of three bands. The band determines the student contribution amount for the course.
Amounts listed in the table below are based on a standard, full-time study load (96 credit points per year) with all courses in the same band. A proportionate fee applies for more or less than the full-time study load or for enrolment in courses (subjects) from a combination of bands.
You can learn how to calculate your exact tuition fees for units from different bands at fees for Commonwealth supported students.
Maximum student contribution amount for Commonwealth supported places in 2020
Student contribution band by course (subject) |
Maximum annual student contribution amount in 2020 |
Band 1: humanities, behavioural science, social studies, clinical psychology, foreign languages, visual and performing arts, education, nursing |
$6,684 per standard year $835 per standard (12 credit point) course |
Band 2: mathematics, statistics, computing, built environment, other health, allied health, science, engineering, surveying, agriculture |
$9,527 per standard year |
|
$11,155 per standard year |
HECS-HELP Loans
The Australian Government provides financial assistance via the HECS-HELP loan scheme, which allows eligible students (such as Australian citizens or holders of an Australian permanent humanitarian visa) to defer payment of up to the full amount of their student contribution.
SA-HELP Loans
You may be eligible to apply to defer payment of the Student services and amenities fee (SSAF) through the SA-HELP loan scheme. If you use SA-HELP, the amount will be added to your accumulated HELP debt.
How does a HELP loan work?
If your HECS-HELP and/or SA-HELP loan application is successful, the Australian Government will pay RMIT, on your behalf, up to the full amount of your fees. This amount will become part of your accumulated HELP debt.
You will only start repaying your accumulated HELP debt to the Australian Government once you earn above the minimum income threshold for repayment, which is set each year by the Australian Government (this also applies if you are still studying).
The Australian Taxation Office (ATO) will calculate your compulsory repayment for the year and include this on your income tax notice.
For more information about loan repayment options see Commonwealth assistance (HELP loans) or Study Assist.
In addition to tuition fees, you will be charged an annual student services and amenities fee (SSAF), which is used to maintain and enhance services and amenities that improve your experience as an RMIT student.
The SSAF is calculated based on your enrolment load and the maximum fee for 2020 is $308.
For more information about calculating your actual SSAF see Paying SSAF.
You may also be required to purchase other items related to your program, including field trips, textbooks and equipment. These additional fees and expenses vary from program to program.
The annual tuition fee for 2020 is AU$34,560.
The total indicative tuition fee for 2020 commencement is AU$106,560.
In addition to tuition fees you also need to pay for:
- Student services and amenities fee (SSAF) in each calendar year.
- Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) - Student visa holders must have cover for the total duration of their visa.
- Some programs incur additional expenses.
You also need to account for your living expenses. Estimate the cost of living in Melbourne.