The Institute is an approved Higher Education Provider by the Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations (DEEWR). This means you can choose to pay your subject fees via the Fee Help system. Fee Help is a government loan scheme that assists eligible students to pay their tuition fees.
If you choose to pay your subject fees using Fee Help, the Australian Government pays the amount of the tuition (subject) fee to the Institute and you then repay the loan through the taxation system once your annual income exceeds the minimum amount (currently $43,151 per annum).
Alternatively, you can pay your subject fees directly to the Institute each semester for the subject/s in which you enrol.
Or you can also choose a combination of funding – some subject fees through Fee Help and the remainder yourself. As you can see, the choice is yours.
Whilst you can study internally or externally at AIP, external learning is now a very popular method to attain quality education in Psychology. It affords you significantly more flexibility (i.e. you can work and study), without compromising on a high quality education.
We understand that if you study externally you have unique learning needs. Academic support for external students is easily available by phone, email and online through our Higher Education Learning Portal. Teleclasses, online discussion forums, online videos and learning materials, as well as an entire online library mean you can learn from anywhere.
As the only private provider in the country focused solely on training Psychologists (and one of only two private providers of Psychology), AIP provides an extremely unique learning experience.
Our students come from all sorts of backgrounds. Yet all share a common interest in understanding human nature and assisting their fellow man.
As a Psychologist there are many opportunities for you as an employee or in private practice. You can make a real difference in areas such as human services, welfare, counselling, human resources, market research and ‘helping’ professions..
Our Bachelor of Psychological Science can be studied full or part time, allowing you to progress at a speed that suits you; either moderately according to your lifestyle commitments, or faster if you wish to gain your tertiary qualification more rapidly.
Irrespective of your reasons to contact us, it’s your natural desire and ability to help others that we seek to evolve and formalise through our program.
The Bachelor of Psychological Science is a three year undergraduate degree that introduces students to the broad discipline of psychology and its research basis. It meets the accreditation requirements of the Australian Psychology Accreditation Council (APAC) and as such is accredited as the first 3 years of study in the path to becoming registered as a Psychologist. It therefore provides students with the opportunity to examine the field of psychology in depth whilst providing a pathway toward professional registration and practice..
As a three year course of study, the Bachelor of Psychological Science provides relevant qualification for preliminary work in such areas as counselling, human service organisations, personnel management, market research, health and community services. It can also be used as a prerequisite requirement for entry into a 4th year graduate program in psychology.
The course progresses from a broad overview of the science, theoretical foundations and history of psychology onto more focused and specialised areas of research and practice. Upon completion you will be well versed in the theoretical underpinnings and scientific application of psychological principles while also gaining an understanding of the general areas of practice within various sub disciplines of the field.
The Bachelor of Psychological Science has been developed by our team of highly qualified and experienced academics and professionals. We’ve invested significant time in developing a unique program that intricately and progressively teaches key Psychology theory and applications to provide graduates with a strong, thorough knowledge and skill base.
The Institute is approved to offer higher education courses. The Bachelor of Psychological Science is accredited by the Minister for Education and Training, the accrediting authority under the Higher Education (General Provisions) Act 2003; and also approved by the accrediting division of the Australian Psychological Society, the Australian Psychology Accreditation Council (APAC).
The Bachelor of Psychological Science is equivalent in terms of its academic standing to any course in Psychology offered by a University. This is because all Psychology courses, irrespective of whether they are offered by a university or a private provider such as AIP, need to achieve the same level of educational outcome. The accreditation of the course by the Minister means the course meets these required educational outcomes. And all must be accredited by APAC.
The Institute sets the benchmark for service and support in Psychology studies in Australia. The Bachelor of Psychological Science can be studied internally or externally. The Institute offers a complete study support system. Whether you choose to study internally or externally, you will receive an equivalent level of education and support.
Studying internally
Students living in the South East Queensland area can study the Bachelor of Psychological Science by attending weekly classes, tutorials and laboratory sessions at our educational facility in Fortitude Valley, Brisbane.
External doesn’t mean distant
We also specialise in external education with support always close at hand for external students through phone call or email. No matter where you live, our dedicated academic and administrative staff are keen to assist you with your needs.
Toll Free Study Assistance with highly qualified Lecturers
All students have unlimited access to the Institute’s Toll Free 1300 Study Assistance Line. Your Lecturer’s focus is to assist you with academic support throughout the semester. This includes providing teaching and guidance on specific concepts if you feel you need further explanation, clarifying questions on assignment topics, and personal coaching on assignment writing.
You are also able to email your Lecturer at any time with your study query and will receive a response within one working day.
Knowledge and Experience
The Bachelor of Psychological Science is structured to ensure you graduate with a high level of knowledge so you can progress into employment and further Psychology studies. Students studying internally attend weekly tutorials or laboratories for each subject which enables exploration and discussion of the main learning topics for the week.
Some subjects of the course require external students to attend compulsory Residential Schools covering a range of topics. Residential Schools are an integral part of the learning process for external students and assist with assimilating and extending your learning.
The Residential Schools are scheduled at the end of each semester and conducted from our academic rooms in Brisbane, Australia and core subjects being offered in Melbourne and Sydney, Australia. Residential Schools are a great opportunity to get together with fellow students and participate in casework sessions under the guidance of your Lecturer. To help facilitate your learning, our Residential Schools use case scenarios relating to everyday, contemporary issues and provide a wonderful supportive forum for group discussion, interaction and reflection.
If studying full time, you complete between 5 and 10 days at a Residential School at the end of each semester. Not all subjects include a Residential School component. If you are studying part time, you only need to attend the days of the Residential School allocated to the specific subject.
The following table shows how much time is allocated for the Residential School for relevant subjects:
Subjects
Residential School
Year 1
CORE101
Scholarship: Academic Writing and Presenting
20 hrs (2.5 days)
CORE102
Communication Skills: Professional Negotiation & Conflict Resolution
20 hrs (2.5 days)
PSY101
Introduction to Psychology I: Personality, Development & Social Psychology
20 hrs (2.5 days)
PSY102
Introduction to Psychology II: Learning, Memory & Physiology
20 hrs (2.5 days)
CORE103
Group Work, Team Dynamics & Leadership
20 hrs (2.5 days)
PSY104
Research Methods and Statistical Analysis in Psychology I
40 hrs (5 days)
Year 2
PSY202
Social Psychology
20 hrs (2.5 days)
PSY205
Cognitive Psychology
20 hrs (2.5 days)
PSY206
Research Methods and Statistical Analysis in Psychology II
40 hrs (5 days)
Year 3
PSY302
Ethics and Professional Issues in Psychology
20 hrs (2.5 days)
PSY304
Psychological Assessment
20 hrs (2.5 days)
PSY306
Research methods and statistical analysis in psychology III
40 hrs (5 days)
Total Hours of Residential School Requirements
300 hours
*
The cost of attending and participating in the Residential School is included in the fee for the subject. Costs of travel to and from the Residential School, accommodation and other ancilliary costs are borne by the student.
Residential Schools are a great opportunity to get together with fellow students and participate in learning sessions under the guidance of your Lecturer. To help facilitate your learning, our Residential Schools use case scenarios and examples relating to everyday, contemporary issues and provide a wonderful, supportive forum for group discussion, interaction and reflection.
Teleclasses
Some subjects within the Bachelor of Psychological Science include progressive participation by external students in Teleclasses. Teleclasses provide an interactive and stimulating teaching environment based on discussion of concepts and ideas to encourage the transition from teaching to practice. Teleclasses are scheduled during the day or early evenings and are facilitated by the Lecturer.
Institute Web Site
The Institute website contains a Higher Education Learning Portal where you can access many study support and e-learning functions. You can:
Contact your Lecturer for study assistance;
Participate in Discussion Forums with your Lecturer and fellow students
Access online learning resources for your subjects
Log onto the Institute’s Online Library to search and borrow from the Library Catalogue and access the Proquest Psychology Journals site.
Download details of Residential Schools and Teleclasses.
AIP’s Bachelor of Psychological Science is one of the most competitively priced Psychology qualifications in the country. The Bachelor of Psychological Science has 24 subjects, of which 4 are General Core subjects and 20 are specific to Psychology. The investment for each General Core subject is $1,495, and $1,995 for each Psychology subject. Plus you have:
More personal support from our large team of lecturers and academic staff.
Greater flexibility to fit your studies around your life commitments.
Access to a comprehensive Psychology program providing you with a thorough academic foundation.
Click on the buton below to download our full course prospectus here. The prospectus is stored in PDF format and will require Adobe Acrobat or other compatible viewer. If you do not have a compatible viewer, please click here to download the free Adobe Acrobat Reader.
We also believe your future should be determined by your progressive merit, and not only by how you performed at high school. Educational entry requirements to the Institute's Psychology degree are more achievable and less onerous, thus providing many with the opportunity to study Psychology.
You can apply for entry to the Bachelor of Psychological Science if you have achieved one of the following:
A nationally recognised Diploma from any field of study; or
Completed Year 12 or Higher School Certificate with at least a Sound Achievement in English and a Sound achievement in a Mathematics subject; or
Completed a year-long tertiary studies preparation program (eg Certificate IV in Adult Tertiary Preparation); or
Completed at least 12 months of tertiary studies with a University or non-university Higher Education Provider with a GPA of at least 4.0; or
Achieved an overall score of at least 160, or a verbal subscore of at least 155, in the Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT).
With your application, you will need to include a short Essay describing why you would like to study Psychology.
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Scholarship: Academic Writing & Presenting is a core first year subject that introduces students to the important area of academic writing and presenting. Successful completion of this subject develops the skills and knowledge required to write research reports and literature reviews according to APA guidelines and allows for a foundational understanding of how to present information verbally and in poster form to the scientific community, professional colleagues and peers. This subject equips students with essential skills to meet the demands of written and verbal assessments throughout this degree program while also establishing a foundation for ongoing academic writing and presenting that is required in postgraduate study and in future careers.
CORE102 - Communication Skills: Professional Negotiation & Conflict Resolution
Communication Skills: Professional Negotiation & Conflict Resolution is a core, first year subject that examines the crucial role of negotiation and conflict resolution in the professional consulting and/or managerial environment. Specifically, three areas of professional interaction are examined. They include; (i) communication skills that aim to facilitate and enhance sound understanding and mutual respect between colleagues, superiors and subordinates within any professional work environment, (ii) negotiation strategies that encourage collaborative work environments to enhance mutually beneficial team outcomes and (iii) conflict resolution skills to deal effectively with professional disagreements and clashes around critical issues of concern.
Through lectures, tutorials, microskill practice activities and assignment tasks students are encouraged to integrate theory and specific skills within those areas of communication, negotiation and conflict resolution literature most pertinent to optimising their contribution as a professional within a range of work environments.
This subject sets a solid theoretical foundation for understanding the role of communication, negotiation and conflict resolution across an array of contexts, and also provides key theoretical models which students can operationalise through participation in group projects and future practice.
CORE103 - Group Work, Team Dynamics and Leadership
Group Work, Team Dynamics and Leadership is a core, first year subject that introduces students to the principles of leadership, the dynamics of teams and the processes of group work. Particular focus is given to an understanding of diversity and the effects of such on group and team cohesion. Power dynamics and the management of conflict within groups is considered from both participant and leader perspectives. This subject sets a solid theoretical foundation for understanding the functioning of teams and groups across an array of contexts, and also provides key theoretical models which students can operationalise through participation in group projects and future practice across a abroad range of professions.
Social Frameworks is a core, first year subject that provides students with knowledge to study real world issues through the application of theoretical frameworks such as Functionalism, Interactionism, Marxism, Feminism and Postmodernism. These frameworks are expanded upon and applied to the role of the state, social inequality, the family, health, mass media, gender and ethnicity and their impact on individual’s and groups within society. Various theoretical perspectives are explored and applied to contemporary issues to ensure students understand the social structures and issues impacting on individuals and groups within society.
PSY101 - Introduction to Psychology I: Learning, Memory and Physiology
Introduction to Psychology I is the first of two core first year subjects that combine to offer an introductory overview of the history of psychology with special attention to research methodology and statistical analysis in psychology, and to biological bases of behaviour and cognitive processes related to perception, states of consciousness, learning, memory, thought, language and intelligence. Through offering an introductory overview of such topics students develop a solid theoretical base from which to progress on to more comprehensive and specialised subject areas of cognition, biopsychology, research methodology and statistical analysis.
PSY102 - Introduction to Psychology II: Personality, Development and Social Psychology
Introduction to Psychology II is the second of two core first year subjects that combine to offer an introductory overview of psychology as a science and professional discipline. Specifically, this subject offers an introductory overview of psychology with special attention to its history and development over time including studies of the evolution of psychology, the major paradigms and key figure in psychology. This subject also gives attention to the areas of personality, social & cognitive development, motivation, emotion, attitudes, relationships, health psychology, psychological disorders and cross cultural considerations. Through offering an introductory overview of such topics in this subject and the related PSY101 students develop a solid theoretical base from which to progress on to more comprehensive and specialised subject areas offered in this degree program.
Psychology in Perspective is a core, first year subject that introduces students to opposing views on contemporary issues in psychological research. Controversies in the areas of ethics, biology, human development, cognition, mental health and social psychology are analysed in relation to existing empirical research. This subject is designed to foster the development of critical thinking skills and requires students to debate the issues in written format, through informal discussion and formal debate.
PSY104 - Research Methods & Statistics in Psychology I
Research Methods & Statistics in Psychology I is a core first year subject that offers a comprehensive introduction to research in psychology, Through introducing students to the scientist-practitioner model this subject emphasises the important role of applied research methodology and design in developing an evidence-based approach to psychological practice. Covering the primary areas of focus in research methodology, data collection and analysis, this subject provides a fundamental knowledge base for entry into the more advanced core subjects of Research Methods & Statistics in Psychology II & III.
PSY201 - Developmental Psychology I: Childhood and Adolescence
Developmental Psychology I: Childhood and Adolescence is a core second year subject that examines the broad theoretical domain of development from infancy to adolescence. Various aspects of physical, cognitive, social and emotional development are examined through reviewing theoretical and empirical data pertaining to specific areas of research and topics in the area. This subject complements the content of Developmental Psychology II: Adulthood and Aging which examines physical, cognitive, social and emotional development from early adulthood onwards. This subject is an important component of undergraduate psychology training with benefits to future practice application in the profession.
Social Psychology is a core second year subject that examines the scientific study of human thought, feeling and behaviour within the social context. As an integral area of study within psychology, it examines the ways through which people are influenced by their social situations and how people view one another and affect one another through social relationships. Emphasising the power of situations; persons and the role of cognition, students gain a thorough understanding of the major areas of focus within social psychology and a broad understanding of the causes of social behaviour. Skills and methods required to assess and, where appropriate, modify aspects of social behaviour are also examined.
Biopsychology is a core first year subject that introduces students to the biological influences of human sensation and perception. Providing an anatomical and physiological overview of the nervous system this subject links such things with the senses, movement, internal regulation, sleep and reproductive behaviours.
PSY204 - Developmental Psychology II: Adulthood and Aging
Developmental Psychology II: Adulthood and Aging is a core second year subject that examines the physical, cognitive, social and emotional development from early adulthood and beyond. This subject includes a focus on the psychology of aging as well as issues of death, dying and bereavement. Theoretical and empirical research pertaining to specific areas of mid-life are also critically examined and students are required develop a research proposal on a selected area of focus area.
Cognitive Psychology is a core second year subject that introduces mental processing and the related mechanisms of pattern recognition, attention, memory, language, problem solving, expertise, creativity and decision making. Current issues/debates in the area of cognitive research are also examined. In its study of the mind and related mental processes, cognitive psychology is an area that is applied across a broad range of domains both within psychology and further afield. It is therefore an important component of undergraduate psychology training as a prerequisite for more advanced subjects.
PSY206 - Research Methods & Statistics in Psychology II
Research Methods & Statistics in Psychology II is a core second year subject that expands on the knowledge acquired from Research Methods & Statistics in Psychology I. Particular attention is given to t-tests for two-group designs, analysis of variance and post hoc testing. This subject is a prerequisite for entry into the more advanced core third year subject of Research Methods & Statistics in Psychology III.
Principles of Counselling Psychology is a second year elective subject that introduces students to the major theoretical orientations of counselling and psychotherapy. Key issues and ethics in counselling psychology will be considered and students will be encouraged to utilise reflective practice strategies to integrate learning with personal experience.
*Availability of electives is at the Institute’s discretion.
Positive Psychology is a second year elective subject that introduces students to an important area of scientific study that focuses on human character strengths and virtues that enable individuals and communities to thrive. Focusing on factors that constitute positive emotions, positive individual traits and positive institutions, positive psychology aims to compliment the clinical approach to healing psychological damage by emphasising positive qualities in individuals, relationships and society. This subject provides a foundation for further study in the area at the honours and postgraduate level and is also an important area of applied study relevant to such professions as psychology, education, life coaching, solution-focused counselling research, health, and business.
*Availability of electives is at the Institute’s discretion.
The Evolution of Modern Psychology is a second year elective subject that offers an historical overview of the development of psychology as an empirical science and profession. Reviewing its origins from ancient times the evolution of psychology is traced to its current state. Numerous paradigms are reviewed to establish a comprehensive understanding of key differences and similarities in current psychological theory, research and practice. Through such a focus, a coherent and interconnected understanding of psychology is established with an insightfully critical view of its past, present and future direction as a science and practice.
*Availability of electives is at the Institute’s discretion.
Cross-Cultural and Indigenous Psychologies is a second year elective subject that examines human thought, feeling and behaviour as it develops in the framework of different cultures. Through examining specific features of human development in different cultural contexts this subject reviews and critiques key theories and research literature in cross-cultural psychology to uncover implicit value assumptions that underlie Western & Non-Western psychological conceptualizations.
*Availability of electives is at the Institute’s discretion.
Personality and Individual Difference is a core third year subject that examines the broad theoretical domain of personality and individual differences between people. Universal characteristics of human nature and individual differences within human nature are explored through major theoretical approaches and the latest findings from contemporary research. This subject contains a broad theoretical base that underpins an extensive range of subjects within this undergraduate psychology degree. It is therefore an important component of undergraduate psychology training and is a prerequisite for more advanced subjects.
PSY302 - Ethics and Professional Issues in Psychology
Ethics & Professional Issues in Psychology is a core third year subject that introduces students to the important area of ethics in psychological practice and research. Focusing on the development of reasoning skills to resolve complex ethical issues this subject examines the process of resolution to relevant ethical dilemmas across a range of practice and research scenarios in psychology. Knowing how to respond ethically is a fundamental requirement of any profession, therefore making this subject an important area of focus that underpins all areas of psychological practice and research.
Motivation & Emotion is a core third year subject that examines the fundamental reasons behind behavioural choices, needs and goals in the context of relationships, life choices and human endeavour. Particular focus is given to motivation and emotion at work, education, therapy, sport and the home. Applications of the theories outlined in this subject are made to a broad range of domains within psychology and related professions.
Psychological Assessment is a core third year subject that introduces students to the broad domain of psychological testing. Specifically, this subject introduces students to psychological assessment through reviewing major categories of application across the various sub-disciplines of psychology. Methods of psychological test construction are also reviewed to clarify how validity and reliability are maintained while clarity is given to the way results are reported and applied in the context of practice and research. This subject provides a foundation for further training in psychological assessment at the honours and postgraduate level, and is essential for those who aim to pursue postgraduate study and/or a career in psychology.
Abnormal Psychology is a core third year subject that introduces students to the major psychological disorders covered in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (4th ed.) – DSM-IV-TR. Specifically, this subject provides a comprehensive overview of current understanding on epidemiology (incidence & prevalence of psychological disorders), aetiology (factors contributing to the onset of psychological disorders), diagnosis (defining qualities that constitute different psychological disorders), assessment (ongoing monitoring of psychological disorders) and treatment (methods used to prevent, cure and/or manage psychological disorders). Current issues on the use of diagnosis and best methods of approach in treatment will also be critically reviewed and analysed.
PSY306 - Research Methods & Statistics in Psychology III
Research Methods & Statistics in Psychology III is a core third year subject that expands on the knowledge acquired from Research Methods & Statistics in Psychology II. It examines multivariate statistics with particular attention given to Multivariate ANOVA (MANOVA) and analysis of covariance (ANCOVA). Students will conduct psychological research and demonstrate advanced skills in the design of methodology and measures; formulation of testable hypothesis; operationalisation of variables, and collection, analysis and interpretation of data. Completion of this subject provides students with a comprehensive knowledge of multivariate statistics and, when combined with Research Methods & Statistics in Psychology I & II, it also offers a comprehensive prerequisite knowledge for entry into a 4th year honours program in psychology.
Psychology at Work is a third year elective subject that introduces students to applied principles of organisational psychology that have been derived from primary areas of research in the area. This subject aims to develop a critical thinking perspective on key psychological issues that emerge in the workplace with a particular focus on the psychology of individuals and their interactions with others around employee recruitment, performance evaluation, satisfaction, motivation and training. Conflict resolution and stress management are also considered, in the context of organisational demands and pressures.
*Availability of electives is at the Institute’s discretion.
PSY308 - Biology of Learning, Emotion and Behaviour
Biology of Learning, Emotion and Behaviour is a third year elective subject that builds on the core second year subject Biopsychology focusing on key areas of; learning, memory, intelligence and emotions. The biological basis of psychological and neurological disorders is also examined with an emphasis on broader personal, social and clinical implications. This subject also establishes the biological foundations of a biopsychosocial approach to understanding typical and disordered development in human thought feeling and behaviour.
*Availability of electives is at the Institute’s discretion.
Introduction to Applied Psychology is a third year elective subject that introduces students to the areas of clinical, counselling, health, sport, forensics and organisational psychology. This subject provides a two-week overview of these applied specialties, covering the fundamental principles of each practice area. While encouraging a critical understanding of applied areas of psychology, this subject is also an important foundation for those students wishing to embark on a more specialised focus in their postgraduate study and future career in psychology.
*Availability of electives is at the Institute’s discretion.
Applied Social Psychological Research is a third year elective subject that examines the ways in which social psychological theory can enhance our understanding of practical issues. Particular focus is given to the areas of counselling, sports, media, health, education, business, organisations, criminal justice, community, environment and diversity. Applied Social Psychological Research builds on the foundational theory of Social Psychology and emphasises the real-world relevance and application of social research. It is expected that students will relate what they have learnt to society, culture, and their own future involvement in the profession.
*Availability of electives is at the Institute’s discretion.
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