Bachelor of Psychological Science
Course code C98
Boost your CV with a unique study experience
Considering Psychology studies but want an international experience? Study Psychological Science in Perth and in the UK with ECU's and the University of Portsmouth’s unique 4-year dual degree.
More about dual degreesWhy study at ECU?
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A great student experience
As an ECU undergraduate, you can expect the best overall student experience of any of the 38 public universities in Australia. More about QILT.
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The highest quality teaching
ECU is one of the best unis in Australia for teaching. We've had 18 straight years of 5-star ratings in the Good Universities Guide to prove it!
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One of the world's young guns
We're ranked one of the world's best universities under 50 years old, and we've already established a global reputation for such a young institution.
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About this Course
This exciting international dual degree provides students with an opportunity to learn about the important field of psychology while gaining valuable international experience.
It is your bridge to employment opportunities in many different fields, including mental health, human resources, or child and family services. You’ll learn how to analyse and research behaviour and be able to explain interactions between people and their environment.
It involves three years’ study at ECU and one at the University of Portsmouth, UK. You’ll graduate with two degrees – a Bachelor of Psychological Science from ECU and a Bachelor of Science (Hons) Psychological Sciences from the University of Portsmouth (UK).
Note: When you graduate, you’ll have a pathway to Honours and postgraduate studies, leading to registration as a psychologist. This course is accredited with the Australian Psychology Accreditation Council and recognised internationally. Students who graduate with an equivalent classification of 2:2 or higher (in the British system) will be eligible to apply for Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership (GBC) of the British Psychological Society (BPS).
Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) level
This course has been accredited by ECU as an AQF Level 7 Bachelor Degree Award.
Course code C98
Entry requirements
70 Indicative ATAR
ECU admission and English language requirements apply.
See Course Entry for further information.
Admissions
Fees
Commonwealth supported - estimated 1st year indicative fee AUD $16,050
See Fees and Scholarships for further information.
Availability & Campus
| Location | Semester 1 | Semester 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Joondalup | FT PT | FT PT |
| Mount Lawley | ||
| South West | ||
| Online |
Location
This course requires attendance at more than one campus or location. See Course Notes.
About this Course
This exciting international dual degree provides students with an opportunity to learn about the important field of psychology while gaining valuable international experience.
It is your bridge to employment opportunities in many different fields, including mental health, human resources, or child and family services. You’ll learn how to analyse and research behaviour and be able to explain interactions between people and their environment.
It involves three years’ study at ECU and one at the University of Portsmouth, UK. You’ll graduate with two degrees – a Bachelor of Psychological Science from ECU and a Bachelor of Science (Hons) Psychological Sciences from the University of Portsmouth (UK).
Note: When you graduate, you’ll have a pathway to Honours and postgraduate studies, leading to registration as a psychologist. This course is accredited with the Australian Psychology Accreditation Council and recognised internationally. Students who graduate with an equivalent classification of 2:2 or higher (in the British system) will be eligible to apply for Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership (GBC) of the British Psychological Society (BPS).
Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) level
This course has been accredited by ECU as an AQF Level 7 Bachelor Degree Award.
Course code C98
CRICOS code 115507F
Entry requirements
ECU admission and English language requirements apply.
See Course Entry for further information.
Fees
International students - estimated 1st year indicative fee AUD $41,150
See Fees and Scholarships for further information.
Availability & Campus
| Location | Semester 1 | Semester 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Joondalup | FT | FT |
| Mount Lawley | ||
| South West | ||
| Online |
Location
This course requires attendance at more than one campus or location. See Course Notes.
Course Entry
Admission requirements you'll need to meet for this course.
-
All applicants must meet the academic admission requirements for this course. The indicative or guaranteed ATAR is as published (where applicable) or academic admission requirements may be satisfied through completion of one of the following:
- AQF Cert IV;
- Successfully completed 0.25 EFTSL of study at bachelor level or higher at an Australian higher education provider (or equivalent);
- Undergraduate Certificate;
- Skills for Tertiary Admissions Test;*
- University Preparation Course;*
- Indigenous University Orientation Course; or*
- Experience Based Entry Scheme.*
* Further information can be found on the Study course entry page.
For international students, requirements include your secondary school results.
-
English competency requirements may be satisfied through completion of one of the following:
- Year 12 English ATAR/English Literature ATAR grade C or better or equivalent;
- Special Tertiary Admissions Test;*
- IELTS Academic Overall band minimum score of 6.0 (no individual band less than 6.0);
- Successfully completed 1.0 EFTSL of study at bachelor level or higher in the UK, Ireland, USA, NZ or Canada;
- University Preparation Course;
- Indigenous University Orientation Course;*
- AQF Diploma, Advanced Diploma or Associate Degree;
- Successfully completed 0.375 EFTSL of study at bachelor level or higher at an Australian higher education provider (or equivalent); or
- Other tests, courses or programs defined on the English Proficiency Bands page.
* Further information can be found on the Study course entry page.
Course Entry
Admission requirements you'll need to meet for this course.
-
All applicants must meet the academic admission requirements for this course. The indicative or guaranteed ATAR is as published (where applicable) or academic admission requirements may be satisfied through completion of one of the following:
- AQF Cert IV;
- Successfully completed 0.25 EFTSL of study at bachelor level or higher at an Australian higher education provider (or equivalent);
- Undergraduate Certificate;
- Skills for Tertiary Admissions Test;*
- University Preparation Course;*
- Indigenous University Orientation Course; or*
- Experience Based Entry Scheme.*
* Further information can be found on the Study course entry page.
For international students, requirements include your secondary school results.
-
English competency requirements may be satisfied through completion of one of the following:
- Year 12 English ATAR/English Literature ATAR grade C or better or equivalent;
- Special Tertiary Admissions Test;*
- IELTS Academic Overall band minimum score of 6.0 (no individual band less than 6.0);
- Successfully completed 1.0 EFTSL of study at bachelor level or higher in the UK, Ireland, USA, NZ or Canada;
- University Preparation Course;
- Indigenous University Orientation Course;*
- AQF Diploma, Advanced Diploma or Associate Degree;
- Successfully completed 0.375 EFTSL of study at bachelor level or higher at an Australian higher education provider (or equivalent); or
- Other tests, courses or programs defined on the English Proficiency Bands page.
* Further information can be found on the Study course entry page.
Course Details
Semester availability
Semester 1: Study full-time at Joondalup
Semester 1: Study part-time at Joondalup
Semester 2: Study full-time at Joondalup
Semester 2: Study part-time at Joondalup
Course Structure
Students will undertake the first two years of study at Edith Cowan University, Year 3 at the University of Portsmouth and the final year (Year 4) at Edith Cowan University. The course will total 480 credit points, comprised of: - 24 x 15cp core units (360 credit points); and - 6 x 20cp University of Portsmouth units (120 credit points)
| Unit Code | Unit Title | Credit Points |
|---|---|---|
| PSY1101 | Introduction to Psychology | 15 |
| PSY1115 | Psychology of Motivation and Emotion | 15 |
| COU1101 | Dynamic Models of Counselling | 15 |
| CRI1103 | Criminology | 15 |
| Unit Code | Unit Title | Credit Points |
|---|---|---|
| PSY1210 | Biopsychology, Sensation and Perception | 15 |
| PSY1204 | Social Determinants of Behaviour | 15 |
| ADS1151 | Addiction Studies: Fundamental Concepts | 15 |
| CSV1103 | Interpersonal and Helping Skills | 15 |
| Unit Code | Unit Title | Credit Points |
|---|---|---|
| PSY2102 | Fundamentals of Psychological Inquiry | 15 |
| PSY2105 | Psychology of Personality and Individual Differences | 15 |
| ADS2253 | Addiction Studies: Processes of Change | 15 |
| ADS3355 | Addiction Studies: Social Action | 15 |
| Unit Code | Unit Title | Credit Points |
|---|---|---|
| PSY2231 | Developmental Psychology | 15 |
| PSY2204 | Learning, Memory and Cognition | 15 |
| ADS1252 | Addiction Studies: Psychoactive Drugs | 15 |
| CRI1104 | The Psychology of Criminal Behaviour | 15 |
ECU Students (Outbound) Year 3 of this course is studied at the University of Portsmouth in the United Kingdom. Students will complete 120 credit points (6 units x 20cp each).
Year 3 - Semester 1
Complete the following 3 units:
M30085 Professional Practice in Sports Psychology
M25530 Educational Psychology
M30672 Perspectives on Legal Psychology and Forensic Psychology
Year 3 - Semester 2
Complete the following 3 units:
M30673 Social Construction of Disability
M21625 Comparative and Evolutionary Psychology
M30923 Positive and Social Psychology in Organisations
University of Portsmouth Students (Inbound) Students from the University of Portsmouth in the United Kingdom will complete their Year 3 units as detailed below. For details of the units, please consult the ECU handbook which can be found online at https://www.ecu.edu.au/handbook.
Year 3 - Semester 1
Complete 4 units from a choice of 5 electives:
SWK3113 Social Work and Mental Health
CSV2109 Vulnerable People and Communities
CRI3120 Aboriginal Australians in the Criminal Justice System
PSY3105 Advanced Methods of Psychological Inquiry
PSY3456 Mental Health and Psychological Interventions
Year 3 - Semester 2
Complete 4 units from a choice of 5 electives:
YWK1101 Principles of Youth Work
CSV1203 Working with Groups
YWK3231 Strategies for Social Change
COU1212 Culture and Diversity in Therapeutic Practice
PSY3225 Applications of Psychological Literacy
C98|1
For more detailed unit information for this course take a look at our Handbook. To organise your life for next semester visit the Teaching timetable.
Student handbookCourse notes
Important course notes
-
The first two years of the course and final year (fourth year) are delivered at ECU's Joondalup campus. The third year (full-time) is delivered at the University of Portsmouth, Portsmouth, United Kingdom. Students will need to relocate to Portsmouth for this portion of the course.
Course learning outcomes
- Apply broad knowledge of psychological science to a range of theoretical and technical situations.
- Think critically to analyse, interpret, and conceptualise/synthesise complex knowledge and problems of psychological science.
- Think creatively to anticipate challenges and generate psychological science solutions and responses.
- Use digital technologies and psychological science related literacies to access, evaluate and synthesise relevant information from multiple sources.
- Communicate psychological science knowledge and ideas clearly, coherently and with independence.
- Demonstrate a global outlook with respect for cultural diversity, including Indigenous cultural competence.
- Work collaboratively and demonstrate initiative to implement social, sustainable, and ethical values through appropriate psychological science methods.
- Demonstrate autonomy, accountability and judgement for own learning and scholarship.
Professional Recognition
CourseAccredited by: Australian Psychology Accreditation Council (APAC)
Course Details
Semester availability
Semester 1: Study full-time at Joondalup
Semester 2: Study full-time at Joondalup
Course Structure
Students will undertake the first two years of study at Edith Cowan University, Year 3 at the University of Portsmouth and the final year (Year 4) at Edith Cowan University. The course will total 480 credit points, comprised of: - 24 x 15cp core units (360 credit points); and - 6 x 20cp University of Portsmouth units (120 credit points)
| Unit Code | Unit Title | Credit Points |
|---|---|---|
| PSY1101 | Introduction to Psychology | 15 |
| PSY1115 | Psychology of Motivation and Emotion | 15 |
| COU1101 | Dynamic Models of Counselling | 15 |
| CRI1103 | Criminology | 15 |
| Unit Code | Unit Title | Credit Points |
|---|---|---|
| PSY1210 | Biopsychology, Sensation and Perception | 15 |
| PSY1204 | Social Determinants of Behaviour | 15 |
| ADS1151 | Addiction Studies: Fundamental Concepts | 15 |
| CSV1103 | Interpersonal and Helping Skills | 15 |
| Unit Code | Unit Title | Credit Points |
|---|---|---|
| PSY2102 | Fundamentals of Psychological Inquiry | 15 |
| PSY2105 | Psychology of Personality and Individual Differences | 15 |
| ADS2253 | Addiction Studies: Processes of Change | 15 |
| ADS3355 | Addiction Studies: Social Action | 15 |
| Unit Code | Unit Title | Credit Points |
|---|---|---|
| PSY2231 | Developmental Psychology | 15 |
| PSY2204 | Learning, Memory and Cognition | 15 |
| ADS1252 | Addiction Studies: Psychoactive Drugs | 15 |
| CRI1104 | The Psychology of Criminal Behaviour | 15 |
ECU Students (Outbound) Year 3 of this course is studied at the University of Portsmouth in the United Kingdom. Students will complete 120 credit points (6 units x 20cp each).
Year 3 - Semester 1
Complete the following 3 units:
M30085 Professional Practice in Sports Psychology
M25530 Educational Psychology
M30672 Perspectives on Legal Psychology and Forensic Psychology
Year 3 - Semester 2
Complete the following 3 units:
M30673 Social Construction of Disability
M21625 Comparative and Evolutionary Psychology
M30923 Positive and Social Psychology in Organisations
University of Portsmouth Students (Inbound) Students from the University of Portsmouth in the United Kingdom will complete their Year 3 units as detailed below. For details of the units, please consult the ECU handbook which can be found online at https://www.ecu.edu.au/handbook.
Year 3 - Semester 1
Complete 4 units from a choice of 5 electives:
SWK3113 Social Work and Mental Health
CSV2109 Vulnerable People and Communities
CRI3120 Aboriginal Australians in the Criminal Justice System
PSY3105 Advanced Methods of Psychological Inquiry
PSY3456 Mental Health and Psychological Interventions
Year 3 - Semester 2
Complete 4 units from a choice of 5 electives:
YWK1101 Principles of Youth Work
CSV1203 Working with Groups
YWK3231 Strategies for Social Change
COU1212 Culture and Diversity in Therapeutic Practice
PSY3225 Applications of Psychological Literacy
C98|1
For more detailed unit information for this course take a look at our Handbook. To organise your life for next semester visit the Teaching timetable.
Student handbookCourse notes
Important course notes
-
The first two years of the course and final year (fourth year) are delivered at ECU's Joondalup campus. The third year (full-time) is delivered at the University of Portsmouth, Portsmouth, United Kingdom. Students will need to relocate to Portsmouth for this portion of the course.
Course learning outcomes
- Apply broad knowledge of psychological science to a range of theoretical and technical situations.
- Think critically to analyse, interpret, and conceptualise/synthesise complex knowledge and problems of psychological science.
- Think creatively to anticipate challenges and generate psychological science solutions and responses.
- Use digital technologies and psychological science related literacies to access, evaluate and synthesise relevant information from multiple sources.
- Communicate psychological science knowledge and ideas clearly, coherently and with independence.
- Demonstrate a global outlook with respect for cultural diversity, including Indigenous cultural competence.
- Work collaboratively and demonstrate initiative to implement social, sustainable, and ethical values through appropriate psychological science methods.
- Demonstrate autonomy, accountability and judgement for own learning and scholarship.
Professional Recognition
CourseAccredited by: Australian Psychology Accreditation Council (APAC)
Fees and Scholarships
Fees
- AUD $16,050 - Commonwealth supported estimated 1st year indicative fee 1
Note
1 The 'estimated 1st year indicative fee' is provided as a guide only, based on a typical enrolment of students undertaking the first year of this course. At ECU, you pay for the individual units you enrol in, not an overall course fee, so the total cost of your course will vary, depending on what units you choose. An indicative fee will be provided with your course offer, however you can use our Course Fee Calculator to estimate the actual amount you'll need to pay. ECU fees are adjusted annually.
Some units require the payment of a fee for incidental goods or services required to complete those units. For more information and the full list of incidental fees for courses and units, visit What are Incidental Fees.
Scholarships
ECU has a scholarship program that provides many opportunities each year to students undertaking studies here.
Find a scholarshipCareer Opportunities
Employment opportunities in psychology span across many fields, including in mental health, human resources, child and family services, alcohol and drug counselling, rehabilitation and disability, migrant support or research and policy development. Any job or role that involves understanding and guiding human behaviour, showing empathy and compassion, and displaying skills such as the ability to evaluate the needs of a client, write formal reports, and keep accurate and organised records. This course will prepare students for further postgraduate studies in psychology.
Possible future job titles
Public Sector Worker, Government Agency Worker, Market Researcher, Children and Family Service Provider, Marketer, Human Resource Worker, Statistician, Mental Health Services Worker, Financial Service Worker, Police Force Officer
Similar courses to consider
Courses you can consider if you are interested in progressing further in this area.
Fees and Scholarships
Fees
- AUD $41,150 - International students estimated 1st year indicative fee 1
Note
1 The 'estimated 1st year indicative fee' is provided as a guide only, and has been calculated based on a typical enrolment of students undertaking the first year of this course. At ECU, you pay for each individual unit you enrol in, not an overall course fee, so the total cost of your course will vary, depending on what units you choose. An indicative fee will be provided with your course offer, however you can use our Course Fee Calculator to estimate the actual amount you'll need to pay. ECU fees are adjusted annually.
Some units require the payment of a fee for incidental goods or services required to complete those units. For more information and the full list of incidental fees for courses and units, visit What are Incidental Fees.
Scholarships
ECU has a scholarship program that provides many opportunities each year to students undertaking studies here.
Find a scholarshipCareer Opportunities
Employment opportunities in psychology span across many fields, including in mental health, human resources, child and family services, alcohol and drug counselling, rehabilitation and disability, migrant support or research and policy development. Any job or role that involves understanding and guiding human behaviour, showing empathy and compassion, and displaying skills such as the ability to evaluate the needs of a client, write formal reports, and keep accurate and organised records. This course will prepare students for further postgraduate studies in psychology.
Possible future job titles
Public Sector Worker, Government Agency Worker, Market Researcher, Children and Family Service Provider, Marketer, Human Resource Worker, Statistician, Mental Health Services Worker, Financial Service Worker, Police Force Officer
Similar courses to consider
Courses you can consider if you are interested in progressing further in this area.
Need some help deciding what to study?
Our future student events include a mix of on-campus and online sessions designed to help you decide what to study at ECU.
Creative thinkers start here
Facilities
View our facilities
ECU Psychological Services Centre
Creative thinkers start here
Facilities
View our facilities
ECU Psychological Services Centre
Student stories
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Spare time is a rarity and the ability to study around all my other schedules is completely invaluable.
For any would-be mature age students thinking about further education, or for those who the lack of academic achievement has become a bit of a bugbear like myself – don't be afraid to take it on. Personal development continues well beyond your twenties and if you don't at least give it a shot, you'll never know what you could have achieved.
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Just do it!
Moving away to another country for a year is a big commitment but it is the best thing I have ever done.
Getting involved with the uni lifestyle in England allowed me to meet so many amazing people and gave me so many memories I will hold onto forever.
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If you have a goal and the passion, ECU will help you get to where you want to go.
My greatest challenge has been accepting that I am not always in control of my own health and sometimes you need to lighten the load. I really love that ECU has the option to adjust your study to what you need whether that be one unit, four or somewhere in the middle. As a full-time mum this is so valuable to me.
Quick guide to uni-speak
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The Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) is the national regulator of qualifications in the Australian education and training system. The AQF defines the essential characteristics, including the required learning outcomes, of the different types of qualifications issued across the higher education systems in Australia.
-
ATAR is the Australian Tertiary Admission Rank, the primary criterion for entry into most undergraduate university courses in Australia. The ATAR is a percentile score which denotes a student's ranking relative to their state-wide peers upon completion of their secondary education.
-
CRICOS is the Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students. A CRICOS code is allocated to education institutions (like ECU) who are approved to recruit, enrol and deliver education to overseas students. Courses with a CRICOS code are available to international students who meet the entry requirements.
-
A major, or unit set, is your chosen area of in-depth study in an undergraduate course. It usually involves 8 units of study, or one-third of the units in a 3-year degree. Talk to your Student Information Office if you need help choosing a major subject.
-
Minors include between 4 and 6 study units in a specific discipline. Not all courses require you to complete a minor. Your minor subject doesn't appear on your printed degree (parchment), but is part of your academic transcript.
-
If you're enrolled in 3 or more units in a semester this is considered full-time study. To complete most 3-year degrees studying full-time you'll need to complete 4 units per semester, i.e. 24 units over 3 years.
-
-
-
If a course is available to study part-time you can generally expect it to take twice as long to complete as it would in full-time mode. Part-time students are enrolled in 1 or 2 units maximum per semester.
Note: International students who hold a student visa can only choose the full-time study option for our courses. This is to ensure the course is completed within the duration of the student visa.
-
Most courses start in Semester 1 each year, usually in the last week of February. Some courses can be started in Semester 2 (we call this mid-year). There's a week of Orientation before each semester to help you get used to uni life.
-
A lot of our courses start in Semester 2 each year, usually in the last week of July. We call this mid-year. There's a week of Orientation beforehand to help you get used to uni life.
-
We use a points system to make it easier for you to understand your study progress. Most Bachelors degree study units are allocated 15 credit points. If you're studying a 3-year full-time degree you'll need to successfully complete 360 credit points - that's 24 units x 15 points per unit.
-
These are compulsory units you have to successfully complete as part of your course.
-
An elective is a unit you choose to study that counts towards your course requirements, but isn't compulsory. For some courses we recommend elective units. In some situations, a course coordinator may approve an elective unit as a replacement for a compulsory one.
-
Quick guide to uni-speak
-
-
The Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) is the national regulator of qualifications in the Australian education and training system. The AQF defines the essential characteristics, including the required learning outcomes, of the different types of qualifications issued across the higher education systems in Australia.
-
ATAR is the Australian Tertiary Admission Rank, the primary criterion for entry into most undergraduate university courses in Australia. The ATAR is a percentile score which denotes a student's ranking relative to their state-wide peers upon completion of their secondary education.
-
CRICOS is the Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students. A CRICOS code is allocated to education institutions (like ECU) who are approved to recruit, enrol and deliver education to overseas students. Courses with a CRICOS code are available to international students who meet the entry requirements.
-
A major, or unit set, is your chosen area of in-depth study in an undergraduate course. It usually involves 8 units of study, or one-third of the units in a 3-year degree. Talk to your Student Information Office if you need help choosing a major subject.
-
Minors include between 4 and 6 study units in a specific discipline. Not all courses require you to complete a minor. Your minor subject doesn't appear on your printed degree (parchment), but is part of your academic transcript.
-
If you're enrolled in 3 or more units in a semester this is considered full-time study. To complete most 3-year degrees studying full-time you'll need to complete 4 units per semester, i.e. 24 units over 3 years.
-
-
-
If a course is available to study part-time you can generally expect it to take twice as long to complete as it would in full-time mode. Part-time students are enrolled in 1 or 2 units maximum per semester.
Note: International students who hold a student visa can only choose the full-time study option for our courses. This is to ensure the course is completed within the duration of the student visa.
-
Most courses start in Semester 1 each year, usually in the last week of February. Some courses can be started in Semester 2 (we call this mid-year). There's a week of Orientation before each semester to help you get used to uni life.
-
A lot of our courses start in Semester 2 each year, usually in the last week of July. We call this mid-year. There's a week of Orientation beforehand to help you get used to uni life.
-
We use a points system to make it easier for you to understand your study progress. Most Bachelors degree study units are allocated 15 credit points. If you're studying a 3-year full-time degree you'll need to successfully complete 360 credit points - that's 24 units x 15 points per unit.
-
These are compulsory units you have to successfully complete as part of your course.
-
An elective is a unit you choose to study that counts towards your course requirements, but isn't compulsory. For some courses we recommend elective units. In some situations, a course coordinator may approve an elective unit as a replacement for a compulsory one.
-
Do you have any questions about the Bachelor of Psychological Science?
The Important Things
Things you should know about if you're thinking about studying here.
Course Entry
There's more than one admission pathway into an ECU course. It depends on what you've studied already, or your work or life experience.
Fees & Scholarships
Course tuition fees can change, but we can give you an estimate of your costs. If you're eligible, a scholarship or student loan can help too.
Applying
Applying for a course is a fairly simple process, especially if you have scanned copies of qualifications, your resume or other paperwork, ready to upload.
ECU Experience
Starting a course is an exciting and sometimes daunting time, so we make a massive effort to ensure you get all the support you need to have a positive experience.