Bachelor of Psychological Science (Honours)
Bachelor of Psychological Science (Honours)
Delve further into human behaviour. Lead a fulfilling career in psychology
Overview
You love being able to understand and help others achieve an understanding of themselves. Our Bachelor of Psychological Science (Honours) delivers an advanced level of psychological knowledge, research and writing skills.
This one-year degree provides you the fourth year of accredited study in psychology, perfect if you’ve already completed three years of accredited study and want to train to work as a registered psychologist in Australia.
This course includes submission of a thesis based on the student’s original research.
This course has been accredited by ACAP under its self-accrediting authority.
All applications to this course are pending approval. This course is only available to international students on Sydney campus.
What you'll learn
Expertise in human behaviour forms the foundation of all our courses including our Bachelor of Psychological Science.
EXPLORE WITH AN APPLIED FOCUS:
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Evidence-based study
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Ethics and assessment
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Empirical research skills and design
Course structure
The Bachelor of Psychological Science (Honours) course is made up of 6 units, which are all level 400 units. To find out unit delivery information view the relevant Yearly Planner.
The course duration is 1 year full time or up to 3 years part time. For more information on the recommended course sequence click here.
Level: 400 level core
Credit points: 8
Prerequisites: None
Corequisites: PSYC4252: Applied Research Methods: Analysing and Interpreting Data
Unit Description:
In this unit, students work collaboratively and individually with a research supervisor to conduct an individual research project. Students, under the guidance of their supervisor and the Unit Coordinator, students will explore how specific concepts regarding to research design and research ethics relate to their individual projects. This unit introduces students to the competencies necessary to critically analyse existing psychological research and to develop research that meets ethical and methodological standards. Throughout this unit, students will conduct a literature search using available databases and prepare an individual project proposal with a budget. Students will also use their understanding of research ethics to complete and where required submit (under guidance) an ethics application to the ACAP Human Research Ethics Committee.
Learning Outcomes:
On successful completion of this unit, students will be able to:
Level: 400 level core
Credit points: 8
Unit Description:
This unit reviews quantitative and qualitative research methods and concepts in psychological research. It considers research methodology and data analysis at an advanced level to prepare students for their independent research project in the BPsychSci(Hons) degree. By completing this unit, students will understand advanced analytical approaches used in psychological research, and will be able to evaluate, select, and execute appropriate analytical techniques using real-life research data. Students will also gain skills in data communication and interpretation, and will prepare a Results section in accordance with approved scientific conventions.
Learning Outcomes:
On successful completion of this unit, students will be able to:
Level: 400 level core
Credit points: 8
Prerequisites: PSYC4222 Research Project 1, PSYC4252: Applied Research Methods: Analysing and Interpreting Data
Unit Description:
Students will build on the progress of their research project from PSYC4222 (a pre-requisite for this unit) to finalise a Literature Review, in addition to collecting and analysing sufficient data to meet Course requirements. Students will also develop an outline of their final Thesis. By completing this unit, students will be able to perform data analyses suitable for independent psychological research projects, and critically evaluate research findings associated with theoretical/empirical psychological literature.
Learning Outcomes:
On successful completion of this unit, students will be able to:
Level: 400 level core
Credit points: 8
Unit Description:
This unit introduces students to the competencies required to apply psychological knowledge to day to day life, the workplace and professional practice. The diversity of specialisations in psychology will be explored in the context of key aspects that identify the profession of psychology. This includes knowledge of overarching concepts in practice, for example the scientist practitioner model as it applies to applied psychology, reflective practice, ethical decision making, cultural competence and interpersonal and interprofessional communication.
This unit will provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the steps involved in conducting psychological assessment and interventions in a range of settings. It will cover the assessment and intervention of children and adults, the importance of obtaining information from a range of sources including interview and formal assessment, the use of test manuals, cultural issues in assessment and intervention, working with diverse populations, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders, and report writing. The unit also covers key ethical issues that psychologists encounter and provides a framework for addressing these. Through practical work, students will become familiar with selected tests and intervention that are frequently used by psychologists.
Learning Outcomes:
On successful completion of this unit, students will be able to:
Level: 400 level core
Credit points: 8
Prerequisites: PSYC4222 Research Project 1, PSYC4232 Research Project 2, PSYC4252 Applied Research Methods: Analysing and Interpreting Data
Unit Description:
In this unit, students work collaboratively and individually with a research supervisor to conduct an individual research project. Students, under the guidance of their supervisor and the unit coordinator, will build on the progress of their project from PSY4222 and PSY4232 (prerequisites for this unit) to analyse their research data and write up their project in the form of a journal manuscript. Students will also give a conference presentation to disseminate their research to their peers and the wider scientific community. Further, this unit introduces students to the competencies necessary to report and disseminate findings from psychological research. By completing this unit, students will be able to communicate findings generated from independent research across multiple modalities and in a manner that is suitable for different stakeholders.
Learning Outcomes:
On successful completion of this unit, students will be able to:
Level: 400 level core
Credit points: 8
Unit Description:
This unit is one of the coursework units in fourth year psychology for students in the Bachelor of Psychological Science (Honours). This unit examines recent advances in the discipline of psychology, in particular the theoretical and empirical bases underpinning evidence-based approaches to psychological intervention and the influence of social, historical, professional, and cultural contexts on the science and practice of psychology. The unit is divided into broad areas of psychological endorsement as specified by the APS. These broad areas might change from one trimester to the next, but could broadly include topics on Clinical, Educational and Developmental, Forensic, Organisational, and Health Psychology.
Learning Outcomes:
On successful completion of this unit, students will be able to:
View unit descriptions
RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING
Students wishing to apply for Recognition for Prior Learning for the Bachelor of Psychological Science (Honours) should contact the relevant course coordinator for advice prior to submitting the application due to limitations of credit that can be granted.
Pathways for future study
Should you meet the academic criteria in your undergraduate course, the Bachelor of Psychological Science (Honours) course will help you on the path to becoming a registered psychologist, or provide you the pathway to a research or academic career in psychology.