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
- CRICOS Code
- 083215J
- IELTS
- 7.0 minimum overall score (with a minimum score of 7.0 in all bands)
- Fees (first year)*
- $25568
- Start dates
- February 2024, February 2025
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
View transparency admission information
International applicants
Applicants must have completed, within the last five years, a Bachelor degree including:
- an accredited three-year sequence in psychology;
- with a GPA equivalent of at least 5.5 on the ACU seven point scale; and
- distinction level or above in a total of at least 4 second or third year Psychology units.
If the Bachelor degree was completed outside of Australia, applicants must seek an ‘Assessment of Overseas Qualifications’ from the Australian Psychological Society (APS) to confirm that it is equivalent to an Australian Psychology Accreditation Council (APAC) three-year sequence in psychology. Evidence of this must be submitted with the application.
Applicants must also comply with the Admission to Coursework Programs Policy and 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).
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
- Unit fee: $3196
- Average first year fee: $25568
- Estimate total cost: $25568
The tuition fees quoted above are for commencing students in the current year who undertake a normal full-time load. The Unit Fee is based on a 10cp unit. Fees are reviewed annually.
Tuition fees for continuing students may increase by up to 3 percent each year for the minimum duration of the course as provided on your electronic Confirmation of Enrolment (eCOE). Students who continue to study beyond the minimum duration will have the relevant annual commencing rate applied to their fees for subsequent study periods.
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
International applicants
Direct application
Apply nowDeferment
No deferment available.
Students with a Student Visa will need to complete the program in minimum duration, study at least one subject on-campus each semester and must not undertake more than 33% of the program online.
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.