Key facts
Domestic students course information. This course is currently not available to international students.
Guaranteed ATAR: 72.55
Entry is based on recent secondary (ATAR), higher education (GPA), VET study, or work experience.
View full entry requirements- 1 year part-time
| Start Dates and Campus | Trimester 1 – February 2024 | Trimester 2 – June 2024 | Trimester 3 – October 2024 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Online | Offered | Offered | Offered |
| Armidale Campus | Not Offered | Not Offered | Not Offered |
| Sydney Campus | Not Offered | Not Offered | Not Offered |
Course information
Download course brochure
Explore the mind and enhance your career with our new Undergraduate Certificate in Psychological Science. This new program has been specifically designed for those who want a basic grounding in the field but are not necessarily considering a career as a psychologist.
As such, it is a highly valuable add-on to related studies, such as in education, law or business. It is also ideal if you are already working in a related field and want to enhance your skills, or you’d like to ‘test the water’ to determine if psychology is the right career path for you. It may also be used as an exit pathway from the Bachelor of Psychological Science (BPSYSC), or if you’re unable to meet the progression requirements for the BPSYSC.
Why study the Undergraduate Certificate in Psychological Science with UNE?
This course has been designed by the School of Psychology at UNE, a leading provider of psychology education and training with unique expertise in rural and regional Australia.
We produce well above world standard research and provide cutting edge training in psychological science and professional and clinical practice. Additionally, we rank among the best in Australia with a strong tradition in both teaching and research and are renowned for providing a high-quality student experience.
The Undergraduate Certificate in Psychological Science provides a foundational overview of the general study of psychology as well as the opportunity to explore more advanced areas such as Research Methods and Statistics and Social Psychology.
What makes our course different?
Through the study of the two introductory psychology units and any two second-year PSYC coded units, you will have the opportunity to:
- Gain a solid introduction to the history and philosophy of the science of psychology, as well as research methods, neuroscience and the biological bases of behaviour.
- Learn about perception, learning, memory, motivation and emotion, and lifespan developmental psychology.
- Explore contemporary data analysis, cognition and language, intelligence, personality and individual differences along with psychological health and wellbeing.
- Learn about psychological disorders, evidence-based intervention, social psychology and cross-cultural psychology.
- Extend your introductory psychology knowledge as you explore the theories that underpin the field of Social Psychology, informed by an evidence-based approach.
- Explore a range of current topics in social psychology including social cognition, social perception, the self, justification, conformity, attitudes and attitude change, group behaviour, prejudice and cultural competence.
- Learn how social psychology can be applied to real-world problems.
- Develop your critical evaluation, problem solving and communication skills.
- Continue your career and balance family life while completing your study at times that work for you.
Study online
Most of our students choose to study online across three study periods with 24/7 tutor support* and fit study around work and family commitments. Uniquely, our online students are mostly over 30 and form a community of adults who share the same challenges and priorities. They bring their life and work experience together at UNE in order to become future-fit and better respond to a rapidly changing world.
* 24/7 tutor support includes: essay feedback (within 24 hours); live chat 24/7 for generic feedback on academic writing; and subject-specific help at a foundation or first-year level for subjects including mathematics, chemistry, biology, physics, business, accounting, microeconomics, macroeconomics and statistics. There are also a wide range of workshops, resources and courses available in academic skills support to assist you and help you to succeed.
Entry requirements
Select the option that best describes your experience.
You are currently studying Year 12 (school or TAFE) or have done so within the past 2 years.
If you are admitted on the basis of your ATAR, you will be eligible for admission under standard entry. Please see the Course Structure (Program of Study).
Please note: all admissions are subject to UNE’s Admission, Credit and Enrolment Policy. Please read and familiarise yourself with the details of the policy. See our Glossary for help with university terms.
These requirements are in addition to the entry requirements above.
When applying you may be required to show how you satisfy the English Language Requirements for this course.
By applying for this course, we assume that you have sound knowledge of any 1 unit of English and any 1 unit of Mathematics studied at a Year 12 level (or overseas equivalent). You are also expected to have sufficient computer literacy in order to undertake online learning.
> Learn more about Assumed Knowledge
Before starting this course, we recommend you have a sound understanding of any 2 units of English and any 2 units of Mathematics studied at a Year 12 level (or overseas equivalent).
> Learn more about Recommended Studies
There are no mandatory intensive schools for the Undergraduate Certificate in Psychological Science.
You have studied at UNE or other higher education institutions, completed or otherwise.
You can apply for this course if you have undertaken any of the following qualifications with an appropriate Grade Point Average (GPA):
- Undergraduate Certificates
- Diplomas
- Advanced Diplomas/Associate degrees
- Bachelor degrees
- Postgraduate degrees
If you are admitted on this basis, you will be eligible for admission under standard entry. Please see the Course Structure (Program of Study).
Please note: all admissions are subject to UNE’s Admission, Credit and Enrolment Policy. Please read and familiarise yourself with the details of the policy. See our Glossary for help with university terms.
These requirements are in addition to the entry requirements above.
When applying you may be required to show how you satisfy the English Language Requirements for this course.
By applying for this course, we assume that you have sound knowledge of any 1 unit of English and any 1 unit of Mathematics studied at a Year 12 level (or overseas equivalent). You are also expected to have sufficient computer literacy in order to undertake online learning.
> Learn more about Assumed Knowledge
Before starting this course, we recommend you have a sound understanding of any 2 units of English and any 2 units of Mathematics studied at a Year 12 level (or overseas equivalent).
> Learn more about Recommended Studies
There are no mandatory intensive schools for the Undergraduate Certificate in Psychological Science.
You have undertaken VET study through a Registered Training Organisation (RTO), e.g. TAFE.
You can apply for this course if you have undertaken VET studies. When assessing your application, we will look at the following factors:
- Level and type of qualification (Certificate IV or above)
- Graded or ungraded (competency-based)
- Complete or incomplete.
If you are admitted on this basis, you will be eligible for admission under standard entry. Please see the Course Structure (Program of Study).
Please note: all admissions are subject to UNE’s Admission, Credit and Enrolment Policy. Please read and familiarise yourself with the details of the policy. See our Glossary for help with university terms.
These requirements are in addition to the entry requirements above.
When applying you may be required to show how you satisfy the English Language Requirements for this course.
By applying for this course, we assume that you have sound knowledge of any 1 unit of English and any 1 unit of Mathematics studied at a Year 12 level (or overseas equivalent). You are also expected to have sufficient computer literacy in order to undertake online learning.
> Learn more about Assumed Knowledge
Before starting this course, we recommend you have a sound understanding of any 2 units of English and any 2 units of Mathematics studied at a Year 12 level (or overseas equivalent).
> Learn more about Recommended Studies
There are no mandatory intensive schools for the Undergraduate Certificate in Psychological Science.
You left high school more than two years ago or did not finish Year 12.
You can apply for this course on the basis of work and/or life experience via at least one of the following methods:
Professional Experience
If you have completed at least one year of paid professional experience, we can assess you for admission on this basis. Simply provide a resume and a Statement of Service from your employer/s in your application.
> Find out more about applying based on professional experience
> Learn about our Statement of Service requirements
Mature Age Special Entry
Tell us more about your work and life experience, demonstrating why you believe you will be successful in the course you are applying for. Simply complete the form and upload it in your application.
> Download the Mature Age Special Entry form (PDF)
Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT)
The STAT is a test that assesses a range of competencies considered important for successful tertiary study. UNE accepts the multiple-choice component provided you have completed it within the three years prior to course commencement.
> Visit ACER for more information
If you are admitted on this basis, you will be eligible for admission under standard entry. Please see the Course Structure (Program of Study).
Please note: all admissions are subject to UNE’s Admission, Credit and Enrolment Policy. Please read and familiarise yourself with the details of the policy. See our Glossary for help with university terms.
Pathways Enabling Course
This is a free (fees exempt) and 100% online course designed to help you prepare for university. It will provide you with all the skills needed to undertake undergraduate study.
> Learn more about the Pathways Enabling Course
TRACKS (Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander applicants)
TRACKS is a preparation course run by the UNE Oorala Aboriginal Centre. Over two trimesters you will experience what university study is about and learn in a supported environment. Be part of a community of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples who share your goals and interests.
> Learn more about TRACKS
Internal Selection Program (Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander applicants)
This program is designed for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples who have professional work or community experience, or any formal VET qualifications, e.g. TAFE study.
> Learn more about the Internal Selection Program
These requirements are in addition to the entry requirements above.
When applying you may be required to show how you satisfy the English Language Requirements for this course.
By applying for this course, we assume that you have sound knowledge of any 1 unit of English and any 1 unit of Mathematics studied at a Year 12 level (or overseas equivalent). You are also expected to have sufficient computer literacy in order to undertake online learning.
> Learn more about Assumed Knowledge
Before starting this course, we recommend you have a sound understanding of any 2 units of English and any 2 units of Mathematics studied at a Year 12 level (or overseas equivalent).
> Learn more about Recommended Studies
There are no mandatory intensive schools for the Undergraduate Certificate in Psychological Science.
Some courses require you to provide documentary evidence, or interviews to support your application. The following documents are required to support your application:
- Any supporting documents related to your admission pathway. For example, if you apply based on previous study, upload evidence of your study so we can use this to assess eligibility.
- If you are applying through Mature Age Special Entry, you will need to include a completed Mature Age Special Entry form in your online application. Learn more about Mature Age Special Entry.
- If you are applying based on professional experience you will need to provide a resume and a Statement of Service from your employer/s on company letterhead. Learn about our Statement of Service requirements.
Advanced Standing is credit or recognition of your previous study, work and/or life experience. This can reduce the cost and length of your studies.
Individual Unit Advanced Standing
If you are admitted into this course and believe you have already completed the equivalent of one or more of the units in your Course Structure (Program of Study) within the last ten years, you can apply for Individual Unit Advanced Standing.
> Learn how to apply for Individual Unit Advanced Standing
Course structure
To qualify for the award a candidate must pass units to the value of 24 credit points.
12 credit points
Complete the following units:- Introductory Psychology I (PSYC101) – 6 credit points
- Introductory Psychology II (PSYC102) – 6 credit points
12 credit points
Complete 12 credit points from the following units:- Social Psychology (PSYC200) – 6 credit points
- Research Methods and Statistics (PSYC202) – 6 credit points
- Cognitive Psychology (PSYC206) – 6 credit points
- Lifespan Developmental Psychology (PSYC213) – 6 credit points
See UNE Handbook for more details. The Handbook contains detailed course information designed for enrolled students, including course plans, exit awards, intensive schools, and work placement requirements.
Fees and scholarships
How much will it cost?
Estimated fees for your first year of study in this course are:
| Fee type | Cost |
|---|---|
| Commonwealth Supported Place | $7,392* |
| Estimated amenities fee per year if studying full-time | $351 |
What are the course fee payment options?
A Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP) is a government subsidised place in a university course. The government pays part of your tuition fees, and you pay the remainder.
If you have a CSP in either an undergraduate or postgraduate (coursework) degree, you may be eligible for a HECS-HELP Loan, which allows you to defer payment of your fees until you are earning above the threshold.
UNE scholarships are open for all to apply and offer financial help while you are studying. There are scholarships for students with high academic achievement, from rural areas, studying specific degrees, in disadvantaged groups, experiencing financial hardship, who excel at sport or want to live in a UNE residential college.
UNE scholarship applications are free and confidential. You may apply for more than one scholarship.
Your career
Although the Undergraduate Certificate in Psychological Science is not a professionally accredited course, the units studied may be able to be transferred to an accredited degree such as the Bachelor of Psychological Science. The skills gained will be of standalone value to fields such as:
- counselling and education
- law
- personnel management
- learning support worker
- market research
- community services or youth work.
Graduates of the Undergraduate Certificate in Psychological Science may apply for admission to a range of Diploma and Bachelor courses with credit granted for units completed in the Undergraduate Certificate in Psychological Science.
Course outcomes
- demonstrate coherent theoretical and empirical knowledge of the selected areas of psychology with the ability to communicate that knowledge effectively;
- apply effective critical thinking, learning strategies and skills as independent learners;
- describe, apply and evaluate the different research methods in psychology and demonstrate practical skills in essay or report writing using American Psychological Association (APA) structure and formatting conventions;
- critically evaluate psychological literature, question claims that arise from untested assumptions, and recognise the link between theory and practical application of that theory in the world; and
- demonstrate cognitive, technical and communication skills for independent learning to sustain life-long personal and professional development.
- Knowledge of a Discipline
Graduates will possess a foundational body of knowledge in psychology through the study of introductory psychology and selected additional units. This knowledge will be taught in lectures, unit materials and online activities and will be assessed throughout the course with a range of different activities. Information provided within each unit embeds current global knowledge within the discipline of psychology.
- Communication Skills
Graduates will have well developed communication skills which are taught, assessed and practised through written assignments and face-to-face (or online equivalent) tutorial and laboratory sessions.
- Problem Solving
Most of the post-100 level psychology units include data collection and/or in-depth analysis of a topic in order to address an issue in the literature. The onus is then on the student to generate a research report or essay providing a clarification to that issue.
- Information Literacy
Through the writing of essays and research reports graduates will develop the foundational skills with which to discover and process relevant information and to present it in a coherent fashion.
- Ethical Conduct and Social Responsibility
Graduates will be taught about the ethical behaviour associated with the discipline of Psychology.
- Lifelong Learning
All psychology units within this course develop the student's skills in identifying and accessing information that is relevant to their needs, through both library searches and the internet. This skill empowers graduates to continue accessing new information as required.
- Independence and Collaboration
Graduates will have developed foundational group participation skills and the ability to work collaboratively achieved through on-campus and/or online interactive teaching strategies, where they will learn the importance of participating in discussions in a professional, respectful and ethical manner.
A five-star experience
Five Stars,
18 Years in a Row
UNE is the only public uni in Australia awarded 18 straight years of five stars for Overall Experience
Good Universities Guide 2007-2024
No.1 in NSW for
Student Experience
QILT (government-endorsed) ranks UNE as the top public NSW uni for Student Experience
QILT Student Experience Survey
Five Stars for
Teaching Quality
UNE rates among the top 20 per cent of universities in Australia for Teaching Quality
Good Universities Guide 2024
Studying online
At UNE we know it takes more than just being online to be a great online university. It takes time and experience. We pioneered distance education for working adults back in the 1950s, so we’ve been doing this longer than any other Australian university.
We understand the challenges faced by busy adults studying at home. We know that a vital part of online study is your engagement with the learning community. Communication with your classmates, teaching staff and university support staff will enhance your study experience and ensure that your skills extend beyond the subject matter. UNE’s teaching staff are experts in their field which is why UNE consistently receives five stars from students for teaching quality, support and overall experience.*
*The Good Universities Guide
Stay connected
Register your interest and we'll keep you updated
Why study with us?
If I were to continue studying in the field of health, I would choose UNE again. I know that I'm in safe, respectful, kind and competent hands here.
How to apply
Preparing to apply
You should always provide the details of past or current studies in your application. You may also need to include documents to support your application.
The kind of documents you need will depend on:
- Your preferred course/s
- Your personal circumstances
Important Dates
Different application methods and courses can have different closing dates. To find your correct application method click the Apply Now button below. Please check the appropriate application website for opening and closing dates.
If you are applying online direct to UNE please see below for application dates.
| Intake | Application Closing Date | Trimester Start Date |
|---|---|---|
| Trimester 1 | 16 February 2024 | 26 February 2024 |
| Trimester 2 | 14 June 2024 | 24 June 2024 |
| Trimester 3 | 11 October 2024 | 21 October 2024 |
Important Notice for Prospective Students
For accurate, up-to-date details on entry requirements, course structure, and other essential information, please consult the UNE Student Handbook before applying or enrolling. The Handbook provides comprehensive guidance to assist in your decision-making process. We apologise for any inconvenience.
