Program Overview

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Bachelor of Psychological Science

The Bachelor of Psychological Science, within UC's Te Kaupeka Ptaiao | Faculty of Science, offers study in all disciplines within psychology - the field of human thought, growth, and capability.

Introduction

You will examine how our brains function, and how and why changes in our environment, culture, and relationships can influence our behaviour and overall wellbeing. Through a minor subject, you will focus your study in a particular area of psychology from brain and behavioural disorders to workplace and forensic psychology.

What will my study involve?

• Explore the human mind and how this affects everything about our behaviour, identity, and interactions with the world.
• Develop your observational skills, technical and lab abilities, and ethical knowledge of psychology practice as a professional career.
• Choose from specialised minors and customise your degree in areas such as neuroscience, mental health, and forensics and criminal psychology.
• Learn from industry professionals throughout study and complete a final-year work experience course based in the community.

Entry requirements

To enrol in the degree, you will need:

• University Entrance (or equivalent). UC offers transition programmes for those who need help meeting these requirements.
• If English is not your first language, you are also required to meet UC's Undergraduate language requirements.

Recommended preparation

This degree is open to anyone who meets entrance requirements to UC and no particular study background is required. A passion for learning about human psychology and behaviour or in supporting mental wellbeing is the best preparation for study.

Degree structure

The Bachelor of Psychological Science requires a minimum total of 360 points:

• 195 points of compulsory core courses
• 60 points towards a Psychological Science minor
• at least 60 points towards either a second minor or elective courses
• the remaining points at 100-level can be from either Psychology courses or courses from other degrees. A minimum of 90 points of courses must be at 300-level. The degree takes 3 years of full-time study, or can be studied part-time for up to 10 years.

Subjects and courses

The Bachelor of Psychological Science has introductory and specialised courses in different areas of psychology, including a final-year community project course.

Compulsory courses

• Year 1
  • PSYC105 Introductory Psychology - Brain, Behaviour and Cognition
  • PSYC106 Introductory Psychology - Social, Personality and Developmental
  • PSYC107 Foundations of Psychological Science
  • SPSC114 The Art and Science of Human Communication
  • One course chosen from these options
• Year 2
  • PSYC206 Introductory Research Methods and Statistics
  • PSYC207 Developmental Psychology
  • PSYC208 Cognition
  • PSYC213 Introduction to Social Psychology
  • PSYC215 Introductory Cognitive and Behavioural Neuroscience
• Year 3
  • PSYC375 Intermediate Research Methods and Statistics
  • PSYC377 Psychology in Action - Bridging Theory and Practice
  • PSYC379 Introduction to Psychopathology

Minor subjects

• Forensic Psychology
• Mori and Indigenous Perspectives
• Neuroscience and Cognition
• Psychological Wellbeing
• Psychology for Common Good
• Workplace Psychology

You may also choose to complete a second minor in your degree, from either one of the Psychological Science minors above, or the following options:

• Biological Sciences
• Chemistry
• Computer Science
• Economics
• Education
• Environmental Science
• Geography
• Health Education
• Human Resource Management
• Human Services
• Linguistics
• Mori and Indigenous Studies
• Marketing
• Media and Communication
• Nutrition
• Pacific Studies
• Performance Data Analysis
• Philosophy
• Physical Activity and Wellbeing
• Public Health
• Society and Policy
• Sociology
• Sport Coaching
• Sport Management
• Sport Studies
• Statistics
• Strength and Conditioning
• Te Reo Mori
• Youth and Community Leadership

Elective courses

If you choose to only complete one Psychological Science minor in your degree, you can choose elective courses from the following subjects:

• Biological Sciences
• Chemistry
• Computer Science
• Computer Engineering
• Criminal Justice
• Economics
• Education
• Environmental Science
• Geography
• Health Education
• Health Sciences
• Human Services
• Law
• Linguistics
• Mori and Indigenous Studies
• Management
• Marketing
• Media and Communication
• Pacific Studies
• Philosophy
• Professional and Community Engagement
• Psychology
• Software Engineering
• Sociology
• Sport
• Statistics
• Te Reo Mori

Fees

Domestic

2025 tuition fee estimate: $7,895 per 120 points
2026 tuition fee estimate: $8,369 per 120 points

International

2025 tuition fee estimate: $39,770 per 120 points
2026 tuition fee estimate: $41,320 per 120 points
2027 tuition fee estimate: $43,140 per 120 points

Further study

UC offers a number of postgraduate programmes in psychology, including research degrees, clinical practice, and qualifications leading to registration as a practising psychologist in Aotearoa.

Careers

• Gain experience with a final-year project working with community and industry partners.
• Learn the necessary in-depth skills to improve mental health and wellbeing, communication, scientific research, and your own professional identity.
• Graduates work in psychology and healthcare, in local and central ministries, and non-governmental organisations.