Bachelor of Psychology (Honours)

VU course code: ABPC | CRICOS: 077996C | Level of study: Undergraduate

Duration

4 years

Delivery mode

In person

Fees

Tuition fee per semester : AU$16,700

Location

Footscray Park

Next start date

29 July 2024

View all start dates

Overview

Understand the human mind and the science of personality with a Bachelor of Psychology (Honours) from Victoria University (VU).

Learn about human behaviour, motivation and relationships in this psychology degree. Prepare to apply for registration as a provisional psychologist and take up further career and postgraduate study options.

You’ll spend the first three years of the program focusing on psychology and social research methods. This includes a work placement during your third year, in which you’ll gain practical experience in a professional setting.

In the fourth (honours) year, you’ll pursue advanced studies in quantitative and qualitative social research methods, professional practice units and a research thesis.

You’ll graduate with an in-depth knowledge of human emotion and behaviour to understand why we think and behave in the way we do – and why this differs from one individual to the next.

: On successful completion of this course, students will be able to:

Elucidate an advanced knowledge and application of psychological theory and social research methods;

Critically analyse and exemplify skills in psychological assessment and evidence-based intervention strategies with due reference to cultural considerations;

Exhibit advanced problem-solving and research skills to investigate substantive research questions relevant to the discipline of psychology;

Critically evaluate the nature of psychology as a profession, the legal and ethical responsibilities of the psychologist, and the role of relevant regulatory bodies and professional organisations;

Exhibit interpersonal communication and interviewing skills consistent with pre-professional and culturally sensitive practice, when working with people from diverse backgrounds;

Exemplify independence, self-reflection and creativity to meet goals and challenges in professional and academic pursuits, and

Interrogate how broader systemic factors have an impact on and help inform human behaviour and wellbeing.
: As a Bachelor of Psychology (Honours) student, you’ll get the valuable opportunity in your third year of study to complete a fieldwork unit, which includes 60 hours of work placement.

Choose to complete your placement in an organisation that aligns with your area of interest, such as these examples experienced by our students:

community organisations, such as Autism Camp Australia

mental health organisations and general practice, such as Orygen and private psychology clinics

sport-based organisations

public and private health services

school settings.
Find out more about VU’s psychology fieldwork program.
: The major focus of your fourth year of study will be an extended research thesis, in which you’ll spend the year focusing on an area that aligns with your interests.

You’ll learn to work as an independent researcher, taking responsibility for planning, conducting and reporting a research project with the support of a thesis supervisor.

Your thesis will report the findings of your independent research in a style appropriate to submit to a journal for publication.

Entry requirements

Applicants for this course will need to meet the entry criteria outlined below. If you don’t meet the entry criteria, you may be able to gain entry by first completing a related course or unit(s). We call this a ‘pathway’.

If you've completed a qualification where English was the primary language of instruction, you may be eligible for an exemption of English-language requirements.

In some cases, there may be additional entry requirements.

Learn more about entry requirements for international students.

Entry criteria

Credit & Entry pathways into this course

Victoria University is committed to providing a transparent admissions process. Find out more about how to apply for our courses, and our commitment to admissions transparency. Meeting the minimum admission criteria does not guarantee entry into this course. Past academic performance may be considered.

Course Structure

To attain the Bachelor of Psychology (Honours) students will be required to complete 384 credit points, consisting of:

96 credit points (equivalent to 8 units) of Core First Year studies;
216 credit points (equivalent to 18 units) of Core Psychology studies;
2 x 24 credit points (equivalent to 2 units) of Core Thesis studies; and
24 credit points (equivalent to 2 units) of Psychology Elective studies.

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. A minimum Weighted Average Mark (WAM) of 70% across all core third year psychology units is required.

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.

Units

Fees & Scholarships

As an international student at Victoria University, you will be required to pay your tuition fees up front each semester.

There may be additional materials fees throughout your studies, depending on your chosen course, as well as an administrative fee as part of your course.

Victoria University is proud to support our international scholarship recipients and sponsored students.

Fees

Scholarships

CAREERS

The number of jobs for psychologists is expected to grow strongly over the next five years as more people are reaching out to psychologists and counsellors.

Once you graduate from VU’s Bachelor of Psychology (Honours), you can apply for provisional registration as a psychologist and find employment in: