• Length 4 years full-time
  • Minimum 192 Units
Admission requirements
Prerequisites Adjustment factors availability
  • Academic plan BMEDS / BSPSY
  • CRICOS code 079093D
  • UAC code 130010
Bachelor of Medical Science / Bachelor of Science (Psychology)

Follow in the footsteps of Nobel Prize winner Howard Florey and kick-start your career in medical research with the Bachelor of Medical Science.

You’ll delve into genetics, immunology, nutrition, physiology, microbiology, biochemistry and anatomy to understand how the human body works.

Learn directly from biomedical scientists and health professionals, who are working to develop new cancer vaccines or ground-breaking treatments for autoimmune diseases.

Find out more about medical science, the degree structure, the university experience, career opportunities and student stories on our website.

Get the inside story on what it’s like to be an ANU student by visiting our student blog.

This program is not available for Semester 2 commencement.

What makes the human brain tick?

Find out with the Bachelor of Science (Psychology), which provides you with a great base in the key areas of psychology: developmental, social, personality, health and mental health, research methods, cognition and the biological bases of behaviour.

In your later year courses, you’ll apply this knowledge and your skills in more specialised areas such as neuroscience, counselling, health, mental health and organisational (business) psychology.

Once you’ve completed your third year, you can apply to undertake an Honours year and pursue further postgraduate study. This will allow you to practice as a psychologist or clinical psychologist.


Find out more about psychology, the degree structure, the university experience, career opportunities and student stories on our website.

Career Options

ANU ranks among the world's very finest universities. Our nearly 100,000 alumni include political, business, government, and academic leaders around the world.

We have graduated remarkable people from every part of our continent, our region and all walks of life.

Learning Outcomes

  1. develop, apply, integrate and generate scientific knowledge in educational and professional contexts;
  2. use a range of skills and methods to identify, analyse and respond to problems and issues;
  3. convey and relate professional and disciplinary information and ideas to diverse audiences in effective and appropriate ways;
  4. work in both independent and collaborative ways with others to encompass diverse abilities and perspectives; and
  5. exercise personal, professional and social responsibility as a global citizen.
  1. Understand, critically evaluate, apply, integrate and generate psychological knowledge in educational and professional contexts.
  2. Develop and engage in a range of skills and methods to identify, analyse, critique and respond to complex problems involving psychological processes.
  3. Systematically identify relevant psychological theory and concepts, relate these to appropriate methodologies and evidence, and draw appropriate conclusions.
  4. Apply appropriate psychological research methods, including statistical techniques, to evaluate data.
  5. Communicate psychological concepts and results clearly and effectively in written and oral formats to diverse audiences.
  6. Work and learn in both independent and collaborative ways with others to encompass diverse abilities and perspectives on psychological issues.
  7. Critically examine psychological knowledge and skills, and their application, from diverse cultural perspectives, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples’ perspectives.
  8. Utilise psychological knowledge and skills for exercising personal, professional and social responsibility as a global citizen.

Further Information

What courses should you take in your first year of study?


Additional advice:

  • For students taking BIOL3023, BIOL3208 or BIOL3209 as part of this major, the research project must be in the field of Medical Science.


How can I satisfy the Transdisciplinary Problem-Solving course requirements?

  • Transdisciplinary Problem-Solving courses can be found using the Programs and Courses search engine.
  • Many majors offered by the College of Science (not required for the Bachelor of Medical Science) may identify in the "Advice for students" section which courses listed in the major will contribute towards this requirement. This might also be of assistance in identifying courses.
  • Students undertaking the Bachelor of Medical Science as part of a flexible double degree will need to take care when selecting 2000 level BIOL courses for a smooth progression into 3000 level BIOL courses. For advice, please book an appointment with the Science Sub Dean .


Internship opportunities

Students interested in incorporating an internship into their degree can find out more from the College of Science website.


How can I get a study plan to help me map out my degree?

Want to learn more about the structure of the Bachelor of Medical Science or wish to map out your degree? Click here to access the study plan.


Vertical Double Degree pathway UGRD-PGRD (not available in FDD)

  • This program is part of the Vertical Double Degree pathway structure offered by the College of Science and the College of Health and Medicine. The Vertical Double Degree pathway presents students with the opportunity to complete a 3-year undergraduate single degree offered by the ANU College of Science or the College of Health and Medicine with a cognate 2-year Masters degree in 4 years (full-time) instead of 5 years (full-time). For more information on applicable combinations, benefits and how to apply, eligibility and conditions, please visit https://science.anu.edu.au/vertical-double-degrees or https://health.anu.edu.au/vertical-double-degrees
  • Students who are interested in pursuing a Vertical Double Degree pathway with this program, are advised to contact the College of Science Student Services Office at students.cos@anu.edu.au and seek academic advice. Students who are already in an undergraduate degree offered by the College of Science or College of Health & Medicine should seek academic advice before completion of the first 72 units of their undergraduate studies.
  • This pathway is not available to students in an undergraduate Flexible Double Degree.

Progression hurdle:

  • Students in the Bachelor of Medical Science who have opted for the Vertical Double Degree pathway must achieve a minimum GPA of 5.0 in the first 96 units attempted to commence the 24 units of Masters courses in their Bachelor degree. Students who do not achieve this GPA will be able to complete and graduate from their Bachelor degree but will not be able to undertake Masters courses.
  • If the total number of units attempted exceeds 96 in the same teaching period in which the 96th unit is attempted, all courses attempted will be used in the calculation of the GPA.


Academic or enrolment advice:

If in doubt, please seek further advice from the academic contact for this program (details above), or the College of Science Student Services Team (students.cos@anu.edu.au).

What courses should you take in your first year of study?


Additional advice:

  • For students taking BIOL3023, BIOL3208 or BIOL3209 as part of this major, the research project must be in the field of Medical Science.


How can I satisfy the Transdisciplinary Problem-Solving course requirements?

  • Transdisciplinary Problem-Solving courses can be found using the Programs and Courses search engine.
  • Many majors offered by the College of Science (not required for the Bachelor of Medical Science) may identify in the "Advice for students" section which courses listed in the major will contribute towards this requirement. This might also be of assistance in identifying courses.
  • Students undertaking the Bachelor of Medical Science as part of a flexible double degree will need to take care when selecting 2000 level BIOL courses for a smooth progression into 3000 level BIOL courses. For advice, please book an appointment with the Science Sub Dean .


Internship opportunities

Students interested in incorporating an internship into their degree can find out more from the College of Science website.


How can I get a study plan to help me map out my degree?

Want to learn more about the structure of the Bachelor of Medical Science or wish to map out your degree? Click here to access the study plan.


Vertical Double Degree pathway UGRD-PGRD (not available in FDD)

  • This program is part of the Vertical Double Degree pathway structure offered by the College of Science and the College of Health and Medicine. The Vertical Double Degree pathway presents students with the opportunity to complete a 3-year undergraduate single degree offered by the ANU College of Science or the College of Health and Medicine with a cognate 2-year Masters degree in 4 years (full-time) instead of 5 years (full-time). For more information on applicable combinations, benefits and how to apply, eligibility and conditions, please visit https://science.anu.edu.au/vertical-double-degrees or https://health.anu.edu.au/vertical-double-degrees
  • Students who are interested in pursuing a Vertical Double Degree pathway with this program, are advised to contact the College of Science Student Services Office at students.cos@anu.edu.au and seek academic advice. Students who are already in an undergraduate degree offered by the College of Science or College of Health & Medicine should seek academic advice before completion of the first 72 units of their undergraduate studies.
  • This pathway is not available to students in an undergraduate Flexible Double Degree.

Progression hurdle:

  • Students in the Bachelor of Medical Science who have opted for the Vertical Double Degree pathway must achieve a minimum GPA of 5.0 in the first 96 units attempted to commence the 24 units of Masters courses in their Bachelor degree. Students who do not achieve this GPA will be able to complete and graduate from their Bachelor degree but will not be able to undertake Masters courses.
  • If the total number of units attempted exceeds 96 in the same teaching period in which the 96th unit is attempted, all courses attempted will be used in the calculation of the GPA.


Academic or enrolment advice:

If in doubt, please seek further advice from the academic contact for this program (details above), or the College of Science Student Services Team (students.cos@anu.edu.au).

Admission Requirements

ATAR:
85
International Baccalaureate:
32

Prerequisites

ACT: Chemistry (Major)

NSW: Chemistry or equivalent

VIC: Chemistry

QLD: Chemistry

TAS: Chemistry

SA / NT: Chemistry

WA: Chemistry

IB: Chemistry SL or HL


  • More information about interstate subject equivalencies can be found here .
  • Students who do not meet the chemistry requirement are advised to seek academic advice by contacting students.cos@anu.edu.au. A Chemistry bridging course is available in February through the ANU Research School of Chemistry - contact rsc.teaching@anu.edu.au for more information.


Adjustment Factors

Adjustment factors are combined with an applicant's secondary education results to determine their Selection Rank. ANU offers adjustment factors based on equity, diversity, and/or performance principles, such as for recognition of difficult circumstances that students face in their studies.

To be eligible for adjustment factors, you must have:

  • achieved a Selection Rank of 70 or more before adjustment factors are applied
  • if you have undertaken higher education, completed less than one year full-time equivalent (1.0 FTE) of a higher education program
  • applied for an eligible ANU bachelor degree program

Please visit the ANU Adjustment Factors website for further information.

Indicative fees

Domestic International

Bachelor of Medical Science - Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP)

Bachelor of Science (Psychology) - Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP)

For more information see: http://www.anu.edu.au/students/program-administration/costs-fees

Annual indicative fee for international students
$53,700.00

Scholarships

ANU offers a wide range of scholarships to students to assist with the cost of their studies.

Eligibility to apply for ANU scholarships varies depending on the specifics of the scholarship and can be categorised by the type of student you are.  Specific scholarship application process information is included in the relevant scholarship listing.

For further information see the Scholarships website.

Program Requirements

This double degree requires the completion of 192 units.

The Bachelor of Medical Science flexible double degree component requires completion of 96 units, of which:

 

A maximum of 30 units may come from completion of 1000-level courses

 

The 96 units must include:

54 units from completion of the following compulsory courses:

BIOL1003 Evolution, Ecology & Genetics (6 units)

BIOL1004 Molecular and Cell Biology (6 units)

BIOL2142 General Microbiology (6 units)

BIOL2161 Genes: Replication and Expression (6 units)

BIOL2171 Biochemistry and Nutrition (6 units)

BIOL3190 Medical Science in the Workplace (6 units)

CHEM1101 Chemistry 1 (6 units)

CHEM1201 Chemistry 2 (6 units)

MEDN2001 Medical Physiology and Pharmacology (6 units)


6 units from completion of quantitative research skills courses from the following list:

BIOL2001 Introduction to Quantitative Biology (6 units)

BIOL2202 Experimental Design and Analysis in Biology (6 units)


A maximum of 12 units from completion of courses from the following list:

BIOL1008 Human Biology (6 units)

BIOL2117 Cell Biology (6 units)

BIOL2151 Genetics (6 units)

BIOL2174 Cell Physiology in Health and Disease (6 units)


 A minimum of 24 units from completion of 3000- level courses from the following lists:

A minimum of 12 units of core biomedical courses from the following list:

BIOL3107 Advances in Medical and Plant Biochemistry (6 units)

BIOL3108 Hallmarks of Cancer (6 units)

BIOL3141 Infection and Immunity (6 units)

BIOL3142 Biomedical Parasitology (6 units)

BIOL3144 Advanced and Applied Immunology (6 units)

BIOL3161 Genomics and its Applications (6 units)

MEDN3186 Human Anatomy (6 units)

MEDN3820 Biomedical Imaging: Principles, Technologies and Applications in Health Sciences (6 units)

NEUR3101 Cellular Neuroscience (6 units)

NEUR3112 Systems Neuroscience (6 units)

POPH3000 Introduction to Population Health (6 units)


A maximum of 12 units from completion of research project/topics courses from the following list, in which the project/topic must be in the field of Medical Science:

BIOL3023 Special Topics in Biology (6 units)

BIOL3208 Biology Research Project (6 units)

BIOL3209 Biology Research Project (12 units)


The Bachelor of Science (Psychology) requires completion of 144 units, of which:

A maximum of 36 units may come from the completion of 1000-level courses

A minimum of 84 units must come from completion of courses from the discipline area PSYC – Psychology

The 96 units must include:

A minimum of 84 units, which must come from completion of courses from the following lists

72 units from the completion of the following compulsory courses:

PSYC1003 Psychology 1: Understanding Mind, Brain and Behaviour (6 units)

PSYC1004 Psychology 2: Understanding People in Context (6 units)

PSYC2001 Social Psychology (6 units)

PSYC2007 Biological Basis of Behaviour (6 units)

PSYC2008 Cognition (6 units)

PSYC2009 Quantitative Methods in Psychology (6 units)

PSYC2012 Culture and Psychology (6 units)

PSYC3018 Advanced Research Methods (6 units)

PSYC3020 Health Psychology (6 units)

PSYC3025 Psychopathology Across the Lifespan (6 units)

PSYC3026 Personality Psychology (6 units)

PSYC3202 Developmental Psychology (6 units)

12 units from completion of 3000-level courses in the subject area PSYC- Psychology

Study Options

Year 1 CHEM1101 Chemistry 1 6 units BIOL1003 Biology 1: Evolution, Ecology and Genetics 6 units PSYC1003 Psychology 1: Understanding Mind, Brain and Behaviour 6 units BSPSY or ANU elective course 6 units
CHEM1201 Chemistry 2 6 units BIOL1004 Biology 2: Molecular and Cell Biology 6 units PSYC1004 Psychology 2: Understanding People in Context 6 units BSPSY or ANU elective course 6 units
Year 2 BIOL2161 Genes: Replication and Expression 6 units BIOL2171 Biochemistry and Nutrition 6 units PSYC2009 Quantitative Methods in Psychology 6 units PSYC2012 Culture and Psychology 6 units
BIOL2142 General Microbiology 6 units BMEDS or ANU elective 6 units PSYC2001 Social Psychology 6 units PSYC2008 Cognition 6 units
Year 3 MEDN2001 Health and Medical Physiology 6 units BMEDS or ANU elective 6 units PSYC3018 Advanced Research Methods 6 units PSYC3025 Psychopathology Across the Lifespan 6 units
BIOL2001 Introduction to Quantitative Biology 6 units BIOL3190 Medical Science in the Workplace 6 units PSYC2007 Biological Basis of Behaviour 6 units PSYC3020 Health Psychology 6 units
Year 4 3000 level BMEDS Course 6 units 3000 level BMEDS Course 6 units PSYC3202 Developmental Psychology 6 units 3000 level PSYC course 6 units
3000 level BMEDS Course 6 units 3000 level BMEDS Course 6 units PSYC3026 Personality Psychology 6 units 3000 level PSYC course 6 units

Back to the Bachelor of Medical Science page

Do you want to know how the human body works?

The ANU Bachelor of Medical Science brings the disciplines of genetics, immunology, nutrition, physiology, microbiology, biochemistry and anatomy into a single degree.

Our well-regarded program will provide you with a fundamental knowledge of the medical sciences -giving you a platform from which to undertake further study in medicine, pharmacology, physiotherapy, nutrition, dietetics or forensic science.

This flexible degree also lets you choose additional subjects in complementary disciplines such as neuroscience, psychology, molecular biology and ethics in order to develop your interests further.

You will learn about the real applications of medical science by having the opportunity to interact with various health professionals through seminars, work place visits and interviews

This program is not available for Semester 2 commencement.

Note: Advice on this page is indicative only. Where a number of courses has been identified, it assumes that all of your courses are 6-units. If you take a course worth 12-units please refer to the unit-load in the study requirements in the program orders.

This degree can be taken as a single degree or combined with another degree in a Flexible Double Degree (FDD). When the Bachelor of Medical Science is combined with another undergraduate degree through a Flexible Double Degree, 48 units of ANU electives units are replaced with the core requirements of the other degree and the total program duration is expanded to 192 units (4 years Full-Time) or 240 units (5 years Full-Time) depending on the duration of the other program.

Single degree

The Bachelor of Medical Science requires 144 units (24 courses), including:

  • A maximum of 10 x 1000-level courses
  • A minimum of 5 x 3000-level courses from courses listed in the core requirements of the BMEDS
  • 9 x compulsory courses
  • A minimum of 2 transdisciplinary problem-solving (TD) courses
  • 1 x quantitative skills course
  • A maximum of 2 x courses from the BMEDS electives list
  • A maximum of 10 courses from the lists in the BMEDS not previously taken or other ANU electives

Double degree

The total number of overall units in a Flexible Double Degree (FDD) depends on the FDD combination eg.

  • 4050: 192 units
  • 4350, 4569, 4750: 240 units

 Of which a minimum of 2 courses must be tagged as transdisciplinary problem-solving. These courses may be taken in either component of the FDD.

The Bachelor of Medical Science component of an FDD requires 96 units, including:

  • A maximum of 6 x 1000-level courses
  • A minimum of 5 x 3000-level courses from courses listed in the core requirements of the BMEDS
  • 9 x compulsory courses
  • A minimum of 2 transdisciplinary problem-solving (TD) courses
  • 1 x quantitative skills course
  • A maximum of 2 x courses from the BMEDS electives list
  • A maximum of 2 courses from the lists in the BMEDS  not previously taken or other ANU electives

About this degree

Transdisciplinary Problem-Solving courses

In this degree, you will have to complete 12 units of courses flagged as Transdisciplinary Problem-Solving (TD). TD courses can be identified using the Programs and Courses search engine. 

You can satisfy this requirement through a course/s listed in the program or through the ANU electives it all depends on how you structure your degree and your other enrolment choices.

Enrolment Status

Duration

The Bachelor of Medical Science typically takes three years to complete on a full-time basis. Students will usually take 24-units (four six-unit courses) each semester and there are two semesters each year. One course is typically worth six-units.

In total, students need to complete 144 units of study towards the Bachelor of Biotechnology. This will be 24 courses if all courses are worth six-units, but may be fewer if one or more courses of 12-units or more are taken.

  • If you combine the Bachelor of Medical Science with another degree in a Flexible Double Degree, you will need to complete a total of 192 units (32 six-unit courses) or 240 units (40 six-unit courses)  depending on the combination. This will typically take four years for a 192-unit degree or five years for a 240-unit degree .

 Domestic students may choose to enrol in fewer than 24-units in any semester or half-year study period. Students studying 18 or more units in a half year (January – June or July – December) are considered full-time. Students studying less than this are considered part-time.

If you take fewer than 24-units in any half year period, then your degree is likely to take longer than three years to complete.

International students on a student visa are required to enrol in a full-time study load of 24-units in each half year study period (Summer, Semester 1, Autumn or Winter, Semester 2, Spring) unless they have been approved for Reduced Study Load or program leave.

Maximum time for completion

  • The maximum period for completion of the single Bachelor of Medical Science degree is ten years from the date of first enrolment in the program. This ten years includes any periods of leave.
  • The maximum period for completion of a flexible double degree is ten years for a 192-unit degree or 11 years for a 240-unit degree from the date of first enrolment in the program. The maximum period includes periods of leave.


A transfer of credit (status) from previous studies will reduce the total amount of time remaining to complete the balance of your degree. When you are assessed for credit, you will be notified of the new maximum end date for your degree in your credit offer.


Important things to keep in mind when choosing your 1000-level courses

There are 4 compulsory 1000 level courses you must take in your first year:

You may take 1000-level courses later in your program.  But remember you can’t count more than ten 1000-level courses (60 units) towards your single degree or six 1000-level courses (36 units) towards your Medical Science half of the double degree.

Electives

Remember you can choose up to 10 courses from another ANU College at the University if you are undertaking the single Bachelor of Medical Science program.

How do I use my electives?

Electives are courses that provide freedom for you to select subjects that align to your personal interests and career aspirations in a more individualised way than is possible through general major or degree requirements. An ANU elective is a course that you can select without restriction, beyond the global requirements of your program (e.g. limits on 1000-level courses, etc).

We also recommend holding some ANU electives in reserve to keep other opportunities open, such as international exchange, internships, and meeting the transdisciplinary requirements of your degree.

Study Options

Bachelor of Medical Science - single degree

This is a typical study pattern for the first year of a student undertaking a Bachelor of Medical Science.

Study Options

Year 1 48 units CHEM1101 Chemistry 1 6 units BIOL1003 Biology 1: Evolution, Ecology and Genetics 6 units Science or non-science course 6 units Science or non-science course 6 units
CHEM1201 Chemistry 2 6 units BIOL1004 Biology 2: Molecular and Cell Biology 6 units Science or non-science course 6 units Science or non-science course 6 units

Bachelor of Medical Science - double degree

This is a typical study pattern for the first year of a student undertaking a Bachelor of Medical Science with another three year degree, such as the Bachelor of Arts. Please note that for some double degrees (e.g. with Bachelor of Engineering) you may only be able to take one course in semester 1 for your science degree. In these circumstances it is recommended that in your first year you take CHEM1101, CHEM1201 and BIOL1004. You can then take BIOL1003 in your second year of study.

Study Options

Year 1 48 units CHEM1101 Chemistry 1 6 units BIOL1003 Biology 1: Evolution, Ecology and Genetics 6 units Degree B course 6 units Degree B course 6 units
CHEM1201 Chemistry 2 6 units BIOL1004 Biology 2: Molecular and Cell Biology 6 units Degree B course 6 units Degree B course 6 units

Academic Advice

For further information, you can:

If you need help on any aspect of university life, our "Need Help" webpage is a good place to start and can link you to services across the University.

Back to the Bachelor of Science (Psychology) page

What is consciousness? Do people see colours the same way? How do we make decisions?

Contrary to popular belief most psychologists work with healthy people, trying to find the answers to questions like these.

Studying psychology at ANU will expose you to a wide range of psychological sciences, covering topics as varied as how groups interact, vision and how it can be tricked to see what is not really there, how the brain develops as a baby and how it will change again as you get older, how impulses are carried from brain to muscle, and how things go wrong in abnormal psychology.

The ANU Bachelor of Science (Psychology) teaches you skills sought after by employers including statistics and experimental design, critical thinking and communication, and provides an excellent grounding to enter the workforce or continue with further study.

Note: Advice on this page is indicative only. Where a number of courses has been identified, it assumes that all of your courses are 6-units. If you take a course worth 12-units please refer to the unit-load in the study requirements in the program orders.


This degree can be taken as a single degree or combined with another degree in a Flexible Double Degree (FDD).When the Bachelor of Science is combined with another undergraduate degree through a Flexible Double Degree, 48 units of ANU electives units are replaced with the core requirements of the other degree and the total program duration is expanded to 192 units (4 years Full-Time) or 240 units (5 years Full-Time) depending on the duration of the other program.

Semester 2 commencers
Please note that if you are commencing your studies in Semester 2 there may be restrictions on the courses available for enrolment. If you have concerns, please contact students.cos@anu.edu.au. Advisory sessions will be held the week before semester commences.


Single degree

The Bachelor of Science (Psychology) requires 144 units (24 courses), including:

  • A maximum of 10 x 1000-level courses
  • A minimum of 7 x 3000-level courses PSYC coded courses
  • 12 x compulsory PSYC courses
  • A minimum of 2 transdisciplinary problem-solving (TD) courses (embedded in the compulsory courses)
  • A maximum of 10 courses from the lists in the BSPSY not previously taken or other ANU electives

Double degree

The total number of overall units in a Flexible Double Degree (FDD) depends on the FDD combination eg.

  • 4050: 192 units
  • 4350, 4569, 4750: 240 units

Of which a minimum of 2 courses must be tagged as transdisciplinary problem-solving. These courses may be taken in either component of the FDD.

The Bachelor of Science (Psychology) component of an FDD requires 96 units, including:

  • A maximum of 6 x 1000-level courses
  • A minimum of 7 x 3000-level courses PSYC coded courses
  • 12 x compulsory PSYC courses
  • A minimum of 2 transdisciplinary problem-solving (TD) courses (embedded in the compulsory courses)
  • A maximum of 2 courses from the lists in the BSPSY not previously taken or other ANU electives

About this degree

This program is accredited by the Australian Psychology Accreditation Council (APAC). You will need to complete a minimum of 14 Psychology (84 units) including the following APAC accredited sequence of courses:

Transdisciplinary Problem-Solving courses

 In this degree, you will have to complete 12 units of courses flagged as Transdisciplinary Problem-Solving (TD). TD courses can be identified using the Programs and Courses search engine. 
In the Bachelor of Science (Psychology), this requirement will be satisfied through PSYC2007 and PSYC3020.

Enrolment Status

Duration

The Bachelor of Science (Psychology) typically takes three years to complete on a full-time basis. Students will usually take 24-units (four six-unit courses) each semester and there are two semesters each year. One course is typically worth six-units.

In total, students need to complete 144 units of study towards the Bachelor of Science. This will be 24 courses if all courses are worth six-units, but may be fewer if one or more courses of 12-units or more are taken.

  • If you combine the Bachelor of Science (Psychology) with another degree in a Flexible Double Degree, you will need to complete a total of 192 units (32 six-unit courses) or 240 units (40 six-unit courses)  depending on the combination. This will typically take four years for a 192-unit degree or five years for a 240-unit degree .

 Domestic students may choose to enrol in fewer than 24-units in any semester or half-year study period. Students studying 18 or more units in a half year (January – June or July – December) are considered full-time. Students studying less than this are considered part-time.

If you take fewer than 24-units in any half year period, then your degree is likely to take longer than three years to complete.

International students on a student visa are required to enrol in a full-time study load of 24-units in each half year study period (Summer, Semester 1, Autumn or Winter, Semester 2, Spring) unless they have been approved for Reduced Study Load or program leave.

Maximum time for completion

  • The maximum period for completion of the single Bachelor of Science (Psychology) degree is ten years from the date of first enrolment in the program. This ten years includes any periods of leave.
  • The maximum period for completion of a flexible double degree is ten years for a 192-unit degree or 11 years for a 240-unit degree from the date of first enrolment in the program. The maximum period includes periods of leave.


A transfer of credit (status) from previous studies will reduce the total amount of time remaining to complete the balance of your degree. When you are assessed for credit, you will be notified of the new maximum end date for your degree in your credit offer.

Important things to keep in mind when choosing your 1000-level courses

There are 2 compulsory 1000 level courses you must take in your first year:

You may take 1000-level courses later in your program.  But remember you can’t count more than ten 1000-level courses (60 units) towards your single degree or six 1000-level courses (36 units) towards your Psychology half of the double degree.

Electives

Remember you can choose up to 10 courses from another ANU College if you are undertaking the single Bachelor of Science (Psychology) program. You can try a range of courses or take a major or minor in a non-psychology subject, such as philosophy, history or computing. The choice is yours.

How do I use my electives?

Electives are courses that provide freedom for you to select subjects that align to your personal interests and career aspirations in a more individualised way than is possible through general major or degree requirements. An ANU elective is a course that you can select without restriction, beyond the global requirements of your program (e.g. limits on 1000-level courses, etc).

We also recommend holding some ANU electives in reserve to keep other opportunities open, such as international exchange, internships, and meeting the transdisciplinary requirements of your degree.



Study Options

Bachelor of Science (Psychology) - single degree

This is a typical study pattern for the first year of a student undertaking a Bachelor of Science (Psychology).

Study Options

Year 1 48 units PSYC1003 Psychology 1: Understanding Mind, Brain and Behaviour 6 units ANU elective 6 units ANU elective 6 units ANU elective 6 units
PSYC1004 Psychology 2: Understanding People in Context 6 units ANU elective 6 units ANU elective 6 units ANU elective 6 units

Bachelor of Science (Psychology) - double degree

This is a typical study pattern for the first year of a student undertaking a Bachelor of Science (Psychology) with another three year degree, such as the Bachelor of Arts.

Study Options

Year 1 48 units PSYC1003 Psychology 1: Understanding Mind, Brain and Behaviour 6 units ANU elective 6 units Degree B Course 6 units Degree B Course 6 units
PSYC1004 Psychology 2: Understanding People in Context 6 units ANU elective 6 units Degree B Course 6 units Degree B Course 6 units

Academic Advice

For further information, you can:

If you need help on any aspect of university life, our "Need Help" webpage is a good place to start and can link you to services across the University.

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