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Bachelor of Psychology (Honours)

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The Bachelor of Psychology (Honours) is a four-year integrated undergraduate/ Honours degree in psychology designed to give you an understanding of human behaviour, motivation, relationships and communication.

In the first three years of the program students complete specialisations in psychology and social research methods, and a minor in an arts specialisation. In the fourth (Honours) year, students complete advanced studies in quantitative and qualitative social research methods, professional practice units and a research thesis.

Students who have successfully completed the first three years of study but have not met the academic entry requirements for the Honours year will be eligible to apply to graduate with a Bachelor of Psychological Studies degree.

Completion of the Bachelor of Psychology (Honours) will allow students to apply for registration as a Provisional Psychologist and to seek further career and post-graduate study options.

The course is designed to meet Australian Psychology Accreditation Council requirements for a fourth-year course in Psychology.

Course Essentials

How to apply

We are currently accepting applications for this course.

Methods of applying:

  • You can apply direct to VU

Please note that part-time study may not be available at all campuses.

Already a VU student?

You can transfer into this course through our internal transfer process.

For more info contact the
College of Arts

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Careers

Graduates of the Bachelor of Psychology (Honours) are eligible to apply for provisional registration as a psychologist.

Further training at the Masters and Doctoral level is required to become fully registered psychologists.

Graduates of the course may also find employment in areas such as welfare, community services and human resources, or may undertake further study to qualify as teachers or social workers.

Learn more about your career options on the Australian government's Career Information and Resources website.

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Course Objectives

Graduates of this course will be able to:

  1. Demonstrate advanced theoretical knowledge of psychology theories which prepares students for the further study necessary for practising the profession

  2. Apply skills in theoretical and critical analysis in psychology

  3. Demonstrate skills in planning and executing research with some independence

  4. Illustrate understanding of the nature of psychology as a profession and the ethical and legal responsibilities of individuals practising the profession

  5. Demonstrate communication and interpersonal skills when working with others that prepare students, including those students who do not intend to become psychologists, for employment in diverse work contexts.

The course is designed to meet Australian Psychology Accreditation Council requirements for a fourth-year course in Psychology.

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Units and electives

All students must complete a total of 384 credit points. In the first three years of study students must complete 24 units of study (288 credit points). In order to be eligible to advance to the fourth (Honours) year of the course, students must achieve the stringent academic admission criteria that are required for Honours programs in Psychology. Academic admission standards are based on the average grade across all core second and third year psychology units. Students who have successfully completed the first three years of study but have not met the academic admission requirements for the Honours year will be eligible to apply to graduate with a Bachelor of Psychological Studies (ABPA) degree. In the fourth (Honours) year of study students must complete an additional six units of study (96 credit points).

Plus Elective 1

Plus Elective 2

Plus Elective 3

Plus Elective 4

Plus Elective 5

Plus Psychology Elective 1

Plus Elective 6

Plus Psychology Elective 2

Plus one of the following two units:

Plus one** of the following units:

**only a selection of these units will be offered each year

Psychology Electives available to second and third year students

- may be available at St Albans and/or Footscray Park campus

- only a selection of these units will be offered each year

What's a unit?

A unit or 'subject' is the actual class you'll attend in the process of completing a course.

Most courses have a mixture of compulsory 'core' units that you need to take, and optional 'elective' units that you can choose to take based on your area of interest, expertise or experience.

Credits

Each unit is worth a set amount of study credits based on the amount of time you study. Generally, 1 credit is equal to 1 hour of study per week.

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Admission Information

  • TAFE: VET applicants will be considered and a pathway is available.
  • Year 12: VCE with minimum study score of 20 in English units 3 and 4 (any) or equivalent.
  • International: Completion of secondary school qualifications equivalent to Australia's year 12 or VCE qualification. IELTS minimum 6.0 (no band less than 6) or equivalent.
  • Mature: Applicants with relevant work, education and/or community experience may be considered on the basis of equivalence.

English language requirements

Find out if you meet the entry requirements, including English language and academic requirements.

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How to apply for this course

Apply online

If you have questions about your application, you can:

Get in touch

Contact us to discuss your course options:

Ring us on +61 3 9919 1164

Find answers and ask questions at GOTOVU

Information and fees listed above are for non-resident students starting the course in 2013. Fees are subject to approval and may change. In some courses students must buy equipment or clothing that they will need in the course. These equipment or clothing costs are not included in the course fees listed above and we recommend you seek advice from the relevant faculty.

VU takes care to ensure the accuracy of this course information, but reserves the right to change or withdraw courses offered at any time. Please check that course information is current with the Student Contact Centre.

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