By QUT Health Marketing, 2 July, 2026
Studying the Bachelor of Behavioural Science (Psychology) can lead to rewarding careers in a range of fields. Graduates who complete further study can become a registered psychologist.
If you are interested in understanding how the human mind develops and works, or if you are passionate about working with or advocating for people, behavioural science is a course you should explore.
Read our frequently asked questions to find out more about getting in and the different course pathways available.
Jump to:
- Why study psychology at QUT?
- What courses are available?
- ATAR and prerequisite information
- Double degree information
- Minors available
- Help to apply
- Careers and further study options
- The difference between psychology, psychiatry, and counselling.
1. Why should I study behavioural science/psychology at QUT?
We offer:
- A flexible course with a wide range of double degree or minor options
- Engaging electives to explore your interests
- Skills-based units focused on communication and counselling
- Community placement opportunities (50 hours, elective)
- Expert, friendly and approachable staff
- Access to flexible study options and learning support
- High levels of student satisfaction.
2. What courses do you offer at QUT?
You can explore the full range of undergraduate behavioural science courses and postgraduate psychology courses on the QUT website.
3. What ATAR do I need to study behavioural science at QUT?
The required ATAR or selection rank can change each year. In 2026, the entry threshold was 70.
ATAR information and entry requirements are available on the course page.
4. Do I need to choose maths or science as ATAR subjects?
No.
The course includes statistics but assumes basic maths. Find out more about assumed knowledge.
Statistics units are scaffolded across the degree, with one unit per year to help you build skills and confidence over time.
Once you're studying at QUT you can access support if you need help with maths, academic writing, or research and referencing.
Your lecturers and tutors can help to connect you with those services. They want you to succeed, so ask for help if you need it.
You can find support through the student services team at HiQ.
5. What double degree options are available?
You can combine psychology with disciplines such as business, design, creative arts, justice, law, nursing or social work.
6. How can I complete a double degree faster than two single degrees?
A single psychology degree includes four general elective units.
In a double degree, there’s no general electives. These are replaced with units from your second course.
As you complete fewer units in a double degree than studying two separate, single degrees, you finish sooner.
7. Can I change from a double degree to a single degree (or vice versa)?
Yes. You can switch between a single degree and a double degree, depending on your preferences and academic progress.
8. If I move from a double to a single degree, will my completed units count?
You may receive advanced standing (credit) for relevant units, usually up to four general electives depending on what you’ve completed.
9. Can I complete a minor?
Yes, if you’re enrolled in in a single psychology degree you can complete a four-unit minor. Options include:
- Counselling Practice and Skills
- Addiction and Trauma
- University wide minors
Minors aren’t available in a double degree as there are no general electives.
10. Where can I get help with applying to QUT?
Applying to QUT involves choosing your course, checking entry requirements, and applying through QTAC (domestic) or the QUT website (international).
Key deadlines are 30 January for February start and 29 June for July start.
For immediate help, contact HiQ by chat, phone, or in-person at Gardens Point or Kelvin Grove campuses.
Come along to our events and find the answers to your questions about our courses and how to apply.
11. Where can I get information about HECS/HELP and financial support?
There’s a range of financial support options available, including HECS‑HELP and scholarships.
➡️ Explore fees and financial support
➡️ View scholarships
12. What are the job prospects for graduates?
Outcomes depend on your career choices, further study and the job market.
Our graduates move into professional positions across a variety of settings. For those who become registered psychologists, employment prospects are outstanding.
Studying a double degree can broaden your job prospects.
Explore the different options available in our Behaviour Specialist Job Kit developed by QUT and Next Gen Careers.
Download the job kit (12.4 MB)
13. I really want to be a psychologist, is there anything I should know?
Becoming a psychologist takes six years of study. You’ll need to complete:
- A three-year undergraduate degree
- An honours year
- A two-year master degree.
Entry to honours and master degrees is competitive. You’ll need a high Grade Point Average (GPA) to progress through each stage.
University subjects are graded from 1-7. In this scale a 4 is a pass and a 7 is a high distinction. Each semester your results are averaged to determine your GPA.
If your goal is to go on to do further study to become a psychologist it's important you consider your results and your GPA.
You can talk to the HiQ student services team, your lecturers and tutors, and seek study support early if you need help.
14. What can I do with a three-year psychology degree?
Our behavioural science graduates work across a range of fields, including:
Business and corporate
- Human resources
- Advertising
Justice and community services
- Corrections counsellor
- Parole officer
Social and community services
- Youth work
- Aging and disability services
- Housing and emergency relief
- Refugee and settlement support.
Many students also go on to further training in counselling, psychology or social work.
You can complete a minor in counselling or continue with a Master of Counselling.
15. What’s the difference between psychology, psychiatry, and counselling?
- Psychiatry is a medical field that diagnoses mental illness and can prescribe medications.
- Psychology focuses on thoughts, emotions and behaviour using evidence‑based therapies.
- Counselling focuses on wellbeing, life challenges and personal growth, with less emphasis on diagnosis.
