Bachelor of Psychology (Honours)
Course information for - 2024 entry
Offered at 2 locations
- Duration
- 4 years full-time or equivalent part-time
- VTAC code
- 1200210381
- ATAR
- 85.00 for Melbourne
- Fees (first year)*
$9866 CSP
- Start dates
-
Semester 1 intake: Beginning February 2024Applications open August 2023Midyear (Semester 2) intake: to be advised
Please note the Public Health minor is not offered in 2024.
This is a four-year embedded Honours program for students who attain and maintain the required GPA to progress to the Honours year. Please visit the Psychology Honours page for further information and details of sample Honours research projects.
Overview
Explore how the mind works, and why people behave the way they do. This course gives you the opportunity to complete a four-year sequence in psychology by including an embedded honours year. This meets APAC's requirements that enable you to apply for postgraduate courses in Psychology which may lead to registration as a psychologist
If you already hold a bachelor’s degree (in any other discipline), you could obtain the same qualification in a shorter period of time by applying for our fully online Level 1 program, the Graduate Diploma in Psychology (1.25 years full-time), which upon completion makes you eligible to apply for the Bachelor of Psychological Science (Honours) (1 year full-time on-campus).
Professional experience
Students will complete 50 -100 hours of volunteer community engagement work when they undertake the unit PSYC310 Psychological Services Experience during the third year of their course.
Work placement
During your time at ACU you’ll take part in volunteering work that has a psychological focus. This may be with organisations such as the Department of Health and Human Services, community groups or schools.
With an emphasis on work-integrated learning, there are opportunities throughout the third year of the program to undergo 50-100 hours of community engagement to develop knowledge and skills related to psychology .
Community engagement organisations and opportunities range from Challenges Abroad Australia (Nepal Trip), Asylum Seeker Resource Centre, Islamic College of Melbourne (Wellbeing team), Switchboard Peer Counselling and Casey Youth Support.
Accreditation
This course is accredited by the Australian Psychology Accreditation Council (APAC) (APAC Levels 1 and 2)
Please note that a minimum six-year sequence of education and training in psychology is required to register as a psychologist in Australia. Students who complete this course will be eligible to apply for postgraduate studies in psychology.
Careers
After completing the course our graduates have pursued careers in diverse areas such as psychological research assistants, child welfare and protection, community work, marketing and market research, health, education, case-work and human resources. Graduates who also go onto complete postgraduate studies in psychology have registered as practicing psychologist or have pursued careers in the area of psychological research.
Course details
Course structure
To complete the Bachelor of Psychology (Honours), a student must complete 320 credit points (cp).
Available Minor(s)
-
Counselling
Criminology
Exercise Science (Exercise and Nutrition)
In the Exercise Science (Exercise and Nutrition) minor sequence you will be introduced to exercise and nutrition strategies that underpin a healthy lifestyle. You will explore the different organ systems within the body, with particular emphasis on the cardiovascular, respiratory and musculoskeletal systems and how they respond to, and are shaped by, exercise.
Exercise Science (Physiology and Psychology)
In the Exercise Science (Physiology and Psychology) minor sequence you will explore the psychological and physiological influences that underpin performance. You will be introduced to the key body systems related to exercise and evidence-based strategies for promoting behavioural change and maximising performance and wellbeing in sporting settings.
Human Biology
In the Human Biology minor stream, you will gain a deep understanding of the functions of all body systems, including their development and the changes that occur to them over the life span. You will also be introduced to the workings of the human body at molecular- and cellular-levels, and will get familiar with important aspects of neuroscience, pathology, and foundational-level pharmacology.
Course map
Graduate statement
AQF framework
Overseas study available
There are several international experiences for psychology students at ACU, however, these are subject to international border restrictions. You may also like to view other short-term international study experiences (STISE) that the faculty has on offer.
Entry requirements
An applicant must also comply with the Admission to Coursework Programs Policy.
To be eligible for admission to the course, an applicant must have completed the following prerequisites at year 12, or equivalent:
| State | Prerequisites |
|---|---|
New South Wales | English (Standard) (Band 2) or EAL (Band 3) |
Victoria | Units 3 and 4 – a study score of at least 30 in English (EAL) or 25 in any other English. |
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 2024 Admission. Refer to your relevant Tertiary Admission Centre website for future years' entry requirements.
View transparency admission information
Applicants with recent secondary education
You’ll need to meet the minimum entry requirements and subject prerequisites for your chosen course.
If your school result was affected by circumstances outside of your control, such as financial hardship, illness, disability or a challenging home environment, you may qualify for an access scheme. You can apply through your TAC as part of your application process.
Applicants with vocational education and training (VET) study
You’ll need to meet the minimum entry requirements and subject prerequisites for your chosen course.
For current year 12 students
If you’re a current Year 12 applicant you can be given a selection rank separate from, and in addition to, your ATAR if you’ve completed a competency-based and graded AQF Certificate III or above.
For non-school leavers
If you’ve completed, or are completing a competency-based AQF Certificate IV or AQF diploma you will be assigned a selection rank by your local Tertiary Admission Centre (TAC). This is an entry score based on your individual qualifications and achievements.
ACU has partnerships with TAFE and many private education providers. If you have completed a qualification with one of these partners or with ACU College, you may be eligible for guaranteed entry and/or credit into a related ACU degree. Please apply through your local TAC and then submit a credit application for your previous study.
Applicants with higher education study
You’ll need to meet the minimum entry requirements and subject prerequisites for your chosen course.
If you have completed at least two units of AQF-recognised study at bachelor level or above, you’ll be assigned a selection rank based on your study level, duration and grade point average that will be applied during the admission process.
If your previous study has equipped you with knowledge, skills or experiences that align with the learning outcomes of units in your new course you may be able to apply for recognition of prior learning and you may be able to complete your course sooner.
Applicants with work and life experience
You’ll need to meet the minimum entry requirements and subject prerequisites for your chosen course.
If you have no formal education qualifications you may be eligible for a selection rank based on your work, life or service experience.
- If you’ve been in paid employment, relevant to the course you’re applying for, for a minimum of six months full-time (or equivalent), this work may be assessed for your selection rank.
- If you’re 21 years or older you can sit the Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT) through your local TAC.
- You can apply for an ACU bridging course. Our bridging courses allow you to transition back into studying and can give you a head start on the relevant undergraduate degree.
- If you have served in the defence force, your rank and time in service may contribute to your selection rank.
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 (see English Language Proficiency).
Adjustment factors
If you’re currently completing Year 12 you may be eligible for adjustment factors that can boost your rank and help you get into your desired course.
Adjustment factors may be applied to your TAC application if you study particular subjects, attend schools geographically close to our campuses or in certain regional areas, apply as an elite athlete or performer or meet certain other criteria.
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
Graduates of this course may be eligible to apply for further study in psychology, including masters programs, clinical doctorates, and/or Higher Research Degrees (Doctor of Philosophy).
Fees
Course costs
$9866 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
Domestic applicants
Deferment
Deferment is available for one year. Find out more about deferment: Deferment Information.
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