

Bachelor of Psychological Sciences (Honours)
Bachelor of Psychological Sciences (Honours)
Delve further into human behaviour. Lead a fulfilling career in psychology
Be intrigued by the human mind

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 an individual 12,000-word thesis.
This course has been accredited by the Navitas Professional Institute (NPI) under its self-accrediting authority.
All applications to this course are pending approval.

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:
Evidence-based study
Ethics and assessment
Empirical research skills and design
Course structure
This course is made up of 9 units - 7 units and 2 elective units
Level: 400 level core
Credit points: 4
Prerequisites: None
Co-requisites: PSYC4142 Research Project 1: Developing Research Projects
Mode of delivery: Blended
Unit Description:
This unit introduces students to the competencies necessary to critically analyse existing psychological research and to develop research that meets ethical and methodological standards. As part of this unit, students will demonstrate knowledge of good research project design that will complement the work being completed as part of PSYC4142 Research Project 1: Developing Research Projects (co-requisite for this unit). Students are required to participate in one workshop per week for a total of 10 weeks. Students will demonstrate the skills acquired in the workshops through completion of the PSYC4112 Applied Research Methods 1: Developing Research Projects Workbook and through an audio-visual presentation of their research project.
Learning Outcomes:
On successful completion of this unit the student should be able to:
a. Critically analyse current trends and issues in psychological research
b. Demonstrate an understanding of the role of epistemology and ontologies in the construction of knowledge
c. Evaluate key issues in the safe and ethical conduct of culturally responsive research
d. Demonstrate ability to critically appraise research design and generate a range of quantitative and/or qualitative research methods
e. Provide critical feedback on research in a collaborative, and culturally responsive manner
Learning and Teaching Process:
This unit is taught over 13 weeks and totals approximately 5 study hours per week and compulsory attendance at weekly workshops.
Students will participate in teaching and learning activities including:
a. Completion of online learning activities
b. Lab groups
c. Meetings with research supervisor(s)
d. Self-study
Level: 400 level core
Credit points: 4
Prerequisites: PSYC4112 Applied Research Methods 1: Developing Research Projects
Mode of delivery: Online
Unit Description:
In this unit, students work collaboratively as part of a lab group and individually with a research supervisor to design and propose a research project. In lab groups, students will build on knowledge gained in PSYC4112 Applied Research Methods 1: Developing Research Projects (co-requisite for this unit) and work as a group to explore how specific concepts regarding to research design and research ethics relate to their individual projects. Students, under the guidance of their supervisor and lab group leader, 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 completion of this unit students should be able to:
a. Work collaboratively to critically evaluate and communicate psychological research questions
b. Demonstrate the ability to critically evaluate research methodologies and select an appropriate approach to address a psychological research question
c. Demonstrate advanced understanding of ethical issues associated with the conduct of an independent research project and how they may be effectively managed
Learning and Teaching Process:
This unit is taught over 13 weeks and totals approximately 5 study hours per week and compulsory attendance at weekly workshops. Students will participate in teaching and learning activities including:
a. Completion of online learning activities
b. Lab groups
c. Meetings with research supervisor(s)
d. Self-study
Level: 400 level core
Credit Points: 4
Prerequisites: PSYC4112 Applied Research Methods 1: Developing Research Projects
Co-requisites: PSYC4152 Research Project 2: Conducting Research Projects
Mode of delivery: Blended
Unit Description:
This unit introduces students to the competencies necessary to conduct and interpret the results of psychological research. By completing this unit, students will be able to interpret and communicate results from existing research, perform data analyses suitable for independent psychological research projects, and critically evaluate research findings as relevant to theoretical/empirical literature. Activities completed as part of this unit will complement the work being completed as part of the PSYC4152 Research Project 2: Conducting Research Projects co-requisite unit. All students will be required to participate in four workshops designed to develop and showcase student knowledge in all areas of psychological research. Students will also self-select into four specialised workshops that address unique issues relating to either quantitative or qualitative research methodologies. However, students can access the content from all streams online, regardless of the workshop attended. Students will demonstrate the skills acquired in the workshops through completion of the Applied Research Methods 2: Conducting Research Projects Workbook and through completion of a proposed Methods section of a scientific report conforming to the American Psychological Association Seventh Edition (APA 7th Edition) format.
Learning Outcomes:
On completion of this unit students should be able to:
a. Demonstrate advanced knowledge of key issues relevant to research design and analysis
b. Communicate advanced knowledge of key issues in statistical analysis and research methods
c. Evaluate and execute data analyses suitable for quantitative and/or qualitative research
d. Interpret and report research results consistent with APA style
e. Critically analyse research findings as relevant to theoretical and empirical literature
f. Synthesise and communicate implications of research findings at micro, meso, and macro levels, in a culturally responsive manner
Learning and Teaching Process:
This unit is taught over 13 weeks and totals approximately 5 study hours per week and compulsory attendance at weekly workshops. Students will participate in teaching and learning activities including:
a. Completion of online learning activities
b. Lab groups
c. Meetings with research supervisor(s)
d. Self-study
Level: 400 level core
Credit points: 4
Prerequisites: PSYC4112 Applied Research Methods 1: Developing Research Projects
PSYC4122 Applied Research Methods 2: Conducting Research Projects
Co-requisites: PSYC4162 Research Project 3: Disseminating Research Projects
Mode of delivery: Blended
Unit Description:
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. Activities completed as part of this unit will complement the work being completed as part of the PSYC4162 Research Project 3: Disseminating Research Projects co-requisite unit. All students will be required to participate in eight workshops designed to develop and showcase student knowledge in all areas of psychological research. Students will also self-select into two specialised workshops that address unique issues relating to either quantitative or qualitative research methodologies. However, students can access the content from all streams online, regardless of the workshop attended. Students will demonstrate the skills acquired in the workshops through completion of the Applied Research Methods 3: Disseminating Research Projects and through completion of a Collaborative Research Translation Assessment.
Learning Outcomes:
On completion of this unit students should be able to:
a. Demonstrate advanced knowledge regarding the dissemination of psychological research
b. Articulate issues arising in the publication and dissemination of research
c. Translate and transmit findings from psychological research into a format suitable for customers
d. Collaborate with peers to provide a coherent exposition of research for a wide audience
e. Demonstrate advanced ability to critically analyse and communicate research findings in a safe and culturally responsive manner
Learning and Teaching Process:
This unit is taught over 13 weeks and totals approximately 5 study hours per week and compulsory attendance at weekly lab groups. Students will participate in teaching and learning activities including:
a. Completion of online learning activities
b. Lab groups
c. Meetings with research supervisor(s)
d. Self-study
Level: 400 level core
Credit points: 4
Prerequisites: PSYC4142 Research Project 1: Developing Research Projects
Mode of delivery: Blended
Unit Description:
In this unit, students work collaboratively as part of a lab group and individually with a research supervisor to conduct an individual research project. Students, under the guidance of their supervisor and lab group leader, will build on the progress of their project from PSYC4142 (pre-requisite for this unit) to launch their independent research projects, collect and begin to analyse data, and submit a raw data file. Students will also conduct and write a literature review on their topic of study.
Learning Outcomes:
On completion of this unit students should be able to:
a. Engage collaboratively and communicate responsibly with peers in reviewing, analysing, and conducting research
b. Work autonomously to plan and compose a literature review relevant to an independent research project
c. Undertake data collection and submit a data file
Learning and Teaching Process:
This unit is taught over 13 weeks and totals approximately 5 study hours per week and compulsory attendance at weekly workshops. Students will participate in teaching and learning activities including:
a. Completion of online learning activities
b. Lab groups
c. Meetings with research supervisors(s)
d. Self-study
Level: 400 level core
Credit points: 4
Prerequisites: PSYC4152 Research Project 2: Conducting Research Projects
Co-requisites: PSYC4132 Applied Research Methods 3: Disseminating Research Projects
Mode of delivery: Blended
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 PSYC4142 and PSYC4152 (pre-requisites 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 within the college to disseminate their research to their peers and the wider scientific community.
Learning Outcomes:
On completion of this unit students should be able to:
a. Demonstrate advanced knowledge of psychology and the scientific method via the completion of an independent research project
b. Prepare a high-quality journal-article style manuscript of an independent research project
c. Present a clear and coherent summary of independent research findings in a conference-style setting
d. Demonstrate autonomy and well-developed judgement in the conduct of an independent research project
Learning and Teaching Process:
This unit is taught over 13 weeks and totals approximately 5 study hours per week and compulsory attendance at weekly workshops. Students will participate in teaching and learning activities including:
a. Completion of online learning activities
b. Lab groups
c. Meetings with research supervisor(s)
d. Self-study
Level: 400 level core
Credit points: 8
Prerequisites: None
Mode of delivery: Online
Unit Description:
This unit introduces students to the competencies required to apply psychological knowledge to day to day life, the work place 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 completion of this unit students should be able to:
a. Apply and reflect culturally responsive interpersonal communication and interview skills relevant to the application of psychology
b. Demonstrate advanced knowledge and reflection of psychometric theory and principles and develop and implement culturally responsive and ethical psychological test instruments
c. Describe, analyse and evaluate the principles of basic psychological intervention strategies and how they may be applied in a range of contexts and diverse populations
d. Assess and translate the application of basic psychological intervention strategies to personal and professional resilience
e. Demonstrate and reflect interprofessional learning and critically evaluate policy, legislation, and codes of practice relevant to the profession of psychology
Learning and Teaching Process:
This unit is taught over 13 weeks and totals approximately 9 study hours per week and compulsory attendance at weekly workshops. Students will participate in teaching and learning activities including:
a. Completion of online learning activities
b. Workshops
c. Self-study
Level: 400 level elective
Credit points: 8
Prerequisites: PSYC4172 Applications of Psychology: Principles and Practice
Mode of delivery: Blended
Unit Description:
This unit introduces students to the competencies required of clinical psychologists and the foundational knowledge and skill base required to demonstrate these, including the scientist practitioner model as it applies to clinical psychology, case formulation, differential diagnosis, and treatment planning. The unit examines a range of methods of assessment and intervention relevant to clinical psychology. Students will practice and demonstrate skills that can be applied in a clinical psychology setting, including, assessment, self-reflection and ethical practice.
Learning Outcomes:
On completion of this unit students should be able to:
a. Demonstrate advanced understanding and assessment of contemporary theories and evidence-base relating to clinical psychology
b. Apply and reflect culturally responsive interpersonal communication and interview skills relevant to clinical psychology
c. Demonstrate advanced knowledge and reflection of psychometric theory and principles and develop and implement culturally responsive and ethical psychological test instruments in clinical psychology
d. Describe, analyse and evaluate the principles of basic clinical psychological intervention strategies and how they may be applied in a range of contexts and diverse populations
e. Demonstrate advanced understanding and evaluation of professional roles and competencies of clinical psychologists and the personal attributes required to work in this field
Learning and Teaching Process:
This unit is taught over 13 weeks and totals approximately 9 study hours per week and compulsory attendance at weekly workshops. Students will participate in teaching and learning activities including:
a. Completion of online learning activities
b. Workshops
c. Self-study
Level: 400 level elective
Credit points: 8
Prerequisites: PSYC4172 Applications of Psychology: Principles and Practice
Mode of delivery: Blended
Unit Description:
This unit introduces students to the competencies required of educational and developmental psychologists and the foundational knowledge and skill base required to demonstrate these, including the scientist practitioner model as it applies to educational and developmental psychology, case formulation, differential diagnosis, and treatment planning. The unit examines a range of methods of assessment and intervention relevant to educational and developmental psychology. Students will practice and demonstrate skills that can be applied in an educational and developmental psychology setting, including, assessment, self-reflection and ethical practice.
Learning Outcomes:
On completion of this unit students should be able to:
a. Demonstrate advanced understanding and assessment of contemporary theories and evidence-base relating to educational and development psychology
b. Apply and reflect culturally responsive interpersonal communication and interview skills relevant to educational and development psychology
c. Demonstrate advanced knowledge and reflection of psychometric theory and principles and develop and implement culturally responsive and ethical psychological test instruments in educational and developmental psychology
d. Describe, analyse and evaluate the principles of basic educational and developmental psychological intervention strategies and how they may be applied in a range of contexts and diverse populations
e. Demonstrate advanced understanding and evaluation of professional roles and competencies of educational and developmental psychologists and the personal attributes required to work in this field
Learning and Teaching Process:
This unit is taught over 13 weeks and totals approximately 9 study hours per week and compulsory attendance at weekly workshops. Students will participate in teaching and learning activities including:
a. Completion of online learning activities
b. Workshops
c. Self-study
Level: 400 level elective
Credit points: 8
Prerequisites: PSYC4142 Applications of Psychology: Principles and practice
Mode of delivery: Blended
Unit Description:
This unit introduces students to the competencies required of forensic psychologists and the foundational knowledge and skill base required to demonstrate these, including the scientist practitioner model as it applies to forensic psychology, case formulation, differential diagnosis, and treatment planning. The unit examines a range of methods of assessment and intervention relevant to forensic psychology. Students will practice and demonstrate skills that can be applied in a forensic psychology setting, including, assessment, self-reflection and ethical practice.
Learning Outcomes:
On completion of this unit students should be able to:
- Demonstrate advanced understanding and assessment of contemporary theories and evidence-base relating to forensic psychology
- Apply and reflect culturally responsive interpersonal communication and interview skills relevant to forensic psychology
- Demonstrate advanced knowledge and reflection of psychometric theory and principles and develop and implement culturally responsive and ethical psychological test instruments in forensic psychology
- Describe, analyse and evaluate the principles of basic forensic psychological intervention strategies and how they may be applied in a range of contexts and diverse populations
- Demonstrate advanced understanding and evaluation of professional roles and competencies of forensic psychologists and the personal attributes required to work in this field
Learning and Teaching Process:
This unit is taught over 13 weeks and totals approximately 9 study hours per week and compulsory attendance at weekly workshops. Students will participate in teaching and learning activities including:
- Completion of online learning activities
- Workshops
- Self-study
Level: 400 level elective
Credit points: 8
Prerequisites: PSYC4142 Applications of Psychology: Principles and Practice
Mode of delivery: Blended
Unit Description:
This unit introduces students to the application of research skills in several different areas, including government, policy, health, marketing and the criminal justice system. Students will develop foundational knowledge and skill base required to conduct academic and industry applied research. Students will develop skills to implement, evaluate and communicate research to organisations and industries, as well as ensuring to maintain professional responsibilities relevant to the field of psychology.
Learning Outcomes:
On completion of this unit students should be able to:
- Demonstrate advanced understanding and assessment of contemporary theories and evidence-base relating to academic and industry applied research
- Apply and reflect culturally responsive interpersonal communication when conducting academic and industry and applied research
- Demonstrate advanced knowledge, reflection and evaluation of assessments and methods used in academic and industry applied research
- Create, analyse and evaluate a research project for an organisation and explain how research skills may be applied in a range of contexts and diverse populations
- Demonstrate advanced understanding and evaluation of professional roles and the personal attributes required when conducting academic and industry applied research
Learning and Teaching Process:
This unit is taught over 13 weeks and totals approximately 9 study hours per week and compulsory attendance at weekly workshops. Students will participate in teaching and learning activities including:
- Completion of online learning activities
- Workshops
- Self-study
Pathways for future study
Should you meet the academic criteria in your undergraduate course, this 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.

