Course details

Summary

With so many options to choose from, the Bachelor of Science degree (BSc) is your opportunity to create a good foundation for your study in the Earth, Chemical, Computational, Human, Life, Mathematical and Physical Sciences.

Programme overview

If you have a mind for science and you’re keen to keep your options open, then the BSc is the degree for you. With many undergraduate majors in a wide range of subject areas, the BSc will allow you to incorporate different areas of interest and expertise. As well as strongly emphasizing transferable skills to improve your employment opportunities, this programme will expose you to cutting-edge technologies and provide a gateway to independent research. Throughout your undergraduate degree you’ll be taught by knowledgeable scientists, many of whom are major contributors in their field.

Psychology Major

Psychology is the study of the mind and behavior. It is a wide subject that ranges from, on the one hand, a strictly quantitative and scientific approach to, on the other, a more qualitative and personal approach. It also ranges from the strongly theoretical to the eminently practical.

Modern psychologists base their theories on observable and repeatable behavioral data, ranging from counts of simple behaviour in animals to verbal reports of emotions and feelings in humans. Thus, practical work in the laboratory or field is an essential part of an education in psychology.

Psychology is available as a major in both the Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science. Students in both the BA and the BSc can take the same courses, but BA students should check the BA programme requirements for their Psychology major.

This is a wealth of major, subjects and specialization on offer within the Bachelor of Science (BSc). The main areas include biological sciences, human and earth sciences, computational sciences, physical sciences and health-orientated sciences. As well as skills that are part of your academic learning in your chosen major, you’ll be exposed to new technologies including IT. This is the degree for you if you’re science-minded and want to keep your options open.

Career opportunities

Many avenues open up to graduates with training in psychology. Registered psychologists work in many aspects of mental health care, and clinical psychology. Jobs are available in the business environment involving the use of psychological tests, statistical analyses, or survey and questionnaire development. Staff recruitment, personnel training and evaluation are also areas which employ a lot of psychology graduates. Research careers can be developed in neural function and cognitive science.

Further study options

• Bachelor of Science (Honours)
• Graduate Diploma in Science (GradDipSci)
• Postgraduate Diploma in Science (PGDipSci)
• Master of Science (MSc)
• Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

Structure

First or single major must include:

At least 60 points from PSYCH 303-364 or EXERSCI 304

Second major:

At least 45 points from PSYCH 303-364 or EXERSCI 304

Note: Students intending to continue to postgraduate level in Psychology should consult the School of Psychology postgraduate entry requirements, as some postgraduate degrees have specific entry requirements.

Entry criteria

Secondary school qualifications

You need to have one of the following: International Baccalaureate Diploma with a minimum total score of 24. General Certificate of Education (GCE) Advanced Level. You must have completed a minimum of three A-Level subjects with at least a 'C' grade or higher. General Studies or similar general papers cannot be included.

GCE ‘A’ Level requirements apply to ‘A’ Level qualifications examined by bodies such as AQA, OCR, Edexcel, WJEC, CCEA, Pearson Education Limited and CIE taken outside of New Zealand.

English language requirements:

IELTS 6.0; TOEFL (iBT) 80; TOEFL (paper-based) 550; CAE or CPE 169; PTE 50; MELAB 80.