Bachelor of Psychological Science (Honours)
Course information for - 2023 entry
Offered at 2 locations
- Study mode
- Attendance
- Duration
- 1 year full-time or equivalent part-time
- ACU code
- 1220002041
- ATAR
- New
- Fees (first year)*
$8296 CSP
- Start dates
-
Semester 1 intake: Beginning February 2024Applications open August 2023Midyear (Semester 2) intake: Not available
This is a one-year degree for students who have already completed a relevant Bachelor degree. Please visit the Psychology Honours page for further information.
Overview

The Bachelor of Psychological Science (Honours) is a one-year degree for high-achieving students who have completed a Bachelor’s degree that included an accredited three-year sequence in psychology.
Students in this honours degree will:
- learn more about neuropsychology and personality assessment tools as well as evidence-based approaches to psychological interventions
- delve into professional issues and ethics as well as practical issues such as interviewing, report writing, supervision and case preparation
- gain experience in researching human behaviour. This includes all steps of the research process from formulating research questions and hypotheses to data collection, analysis and detailed reporting of research findings.
A psychological science honours degree will give you an edge in an increasingly competitive job market.
The Bachelor of Psychological Science (Honours) will also equip you for further study at a higher degree level.

Professional recognition
This course is currently accredited by the Australian Psychology Accreditation Council (APAC)
Please note that a minimum six-year sequence of education and training in psychology is required for an individual to become eligible for general registration as a psychologist in Australia.

Careers
Our graduates have pursued careers in:
- child care work
- career counselling
- welfare support
- drug and alcohol counselling
- research assistance
- case work
- juvenile justice
- advertising
Course details
Course structure
To complete the Bachelor of Psychological Science (Honours), a student must complete 80 credit points (cp).
Sample program map
Year - Study period | Unit 1 | Unit 2 | Unit 3 | Unit 4 | Unit 5 |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Year 1 - Semester 1 | PSYC410 Honours Thesis A | PSYC424 Research Methods | PSYC429 Assessment in Psychological Practice: Foundation Skills and Professional Issues | ||
Year 1 - Semester 2 | PSYC421 Honours Thesis B | PSYC430 Psychological Interventions: Theory, Foundational Strategies and Professional Issues | Elective |
This is a sample program only and units will vary depending on your campus and mode of study. Please refer to the handbook for the prerequisite units and the current listing.
AQF framework
Entry requirements
An applicant must also comply with the Admission to Coursework Programs Policy.
To be eligible to apply for admission to the Honours degree course, a student must have completed, within the last five years, a Bachelor degree including
- an accredited three year sequence in Psychology;
- with a GPA of at least 5.50 on the ACU seven point scale; and
- distinction level or above in a total of at least four (4) of the second or third year Psychology units.
International applicants need to meet the English Language Proficiency requirements as defined in the Admission to Coursework Programs Policy .
Disclaimer: The course entry requirements above are for 2023 Admission.
View transparency admission information
English language requirements
Applicants require an academic IELTS minimum overall score of 7.0 (with a minimum score of 7.0 in all bands), or an equivalent acceptable test score as outlined in the Admission to Coursework Programs Policy (Schedule 3).
Inherent requirement
There are essential components of a course or unit that demonstrate the capabilities, knowledge and skills to achieve the core learning outcomes of that course or unit. You will need to be able to meet these inherent requirements to complete your course.
Learn more about inherent requirements for your course and how they affect you
Pathways
Further study
Students who complete the Bachelor of Psychological Science (Honours) may be eligible to apply for the Master of Professional Psychology, the Master of Psychology (Clinical) or the Master of Psychology (Educational and Developmental) offered at ACU, or a range of other postgraduate courses in psychology.
Fees
Course costs
$8296 CSP
All costs are calculated using current rates and are based on a full-time study load of 40 credit points (normally 4 units) per semester.
A student’s annual fee may vary in accordance with:
- the number of units studied per semester;
- the choice of major or specialisation; and
- elective units.
The University reviews fees annually.
Payment options
You should be able to concentrate on getting good marks instead of worrying about how you’ll pay your fees. We have a number of options that can help you ease the financial burden, including government assistance, scholarships and income support.
Scholarships
You could be eligible for one of the hundreds of scholarships we award each year to help students from across the university with the cost of studying, accommodation or overseas study opportunities. Some of our scholarships are awarded on the basis of merit, but these aren’t just for the academically gifted; ACU also recognises excellence in community engagement and leadership. We also offer a range of scholarships for those who may be struggling financially or who have faced other barriers to accessing education.
How to apply
Deferment
No deferment available.
Testimonial

I have always had an interest in the mental health of myself and others. Studying psychology has given me an incredible insight into how the mind works and how I can help others with this knowledge. Studying at ACU has given me hands on experience and ready access to supervisors who treat me like a peer. This has fast-tracked what I’ve learnt and resulted in me having an even deeper passion for this field of science.