Australian Catholic University

What you'll study

This double degree blends foundational and applied units in psychological science with a broad commerce curriculum. In the psychology component you study research methods and statistics, biological bases of behaviour, cognitive psychology, developmental and lifespan psychology, social psychology, abnormal psychology, personality, ethics and professional practice, and applied assessment and intervention principles. The commerce component covers core business disciplines such as accounting, economics, finance, marketing, management, organisational behaviour, business law and quantitative methods for business.

Typical learning activities include lectures and tutorials, laboratory and research skills classes, case studies and business simulations, group projects, and workplace or community placements where available. The structure is staged so you progressively develop research competency in psychology (including statistics and experimental methods) while gaining practical business skills in areas such as marketing analytics, human resources and financial decision-making.

Entry requirements

Admission is normally based on secondary school results (AT AR-equivalent) or recognised tertiary study. Mature-age applicants and those with vocational or work experience are considered through alternative entry pathways. International applicants need to meet ACU's English language requirements (for example IELTS or equivalent scores) and supply certified academic transcripts. Some professional placements in psychology or community settings may require a police check, working with children check and up-to-date immunisations.

Specific unit prerequisites may apply for some commerce or advanced psychology units; consult ACU's official course pages and the student handbook for detailed advice about credit, articulation and any assumed knowledge.

Career prospects

Graduates leave with a combination of psychological insight and commercial capability that is attractive to employers across sectors. Typical career directions include roles in human resources, recruitment and talent management; market and consumer research; organisational development and change consulting; business or data analysis; sales, brand and product management; and community services or mental health support roles.

For students continuing in psychology, the psychological science component provides the preparation required for fourth-year honours or postgraduate professional training (check current accreditation and pathway requirements) leading to registration as a psychologist. The commerce component also supports entry to professional streams in accounting, finance and management with appropriate additional study or professional accreditation.

Why study at Australian Catholic University

ACU emphasises applied learning, small-group teaching and ethical practice across health and business disciplines, giving students opportunities for workplace-linked learning and community engagement. The university’s psychology programs are developed to equip students with rigorous research skills and practical experience, while the commerce units focus on contemporary business practice and employability.

ACU campuses provide access to specialist facilities, placement coordination and academic support, and the university maintains industry and community partnerships that help students develop work-ready skills and professional networks relevant to both psychology and business careers.