Bachelor of Psychology (Honours)

Course information for - 2025 entry

Offered at 2 locations

Duration
4 years full-time or equivalent part-time
CRICOS Code
102185D
IELTS
7.0 minimum overall score (with a minimum score of 7.0 in all bands)
Fees (first year)*
$26992
Start dates
February 2026, February 2027

Overview

Explore how the mind works, and why people behave the way they do. You can choose to undertake a minor in counselling, criminology, exercise science (exercise & nutrition), exercise science (physiology and psychology), human biology or an Arts minor. 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.

Community engagement

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.

Visit the faculty’s Work Integrated Learning (WIL) webpage to view opportunities in psychology.

Volunteer experience

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.

Visit the faculty’s Work Integrated Learning (WIL) webpage to view opportunities in psychology.

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

Course map

Open all

Please note: Course maps are subject to change.

Commencing Semester 1

  • Psychology Specified UnitsPSYC100Foundations of Psychology10 cp
  • Psychology Specified UnitsPSYC108Psychological Practice: Theory and Techniques10 cp
  • General Elective UnitElective Unit 110 cp
  • Health Sciences MinorORArts Minor Minor Unit 1 (100 level) 10 cp
  • Psychology Specified UnitsPSYC101Applications of Psychology10 cp
  • Psychology Specified UnitsPSYC110Research Design and Data Analysis 1

    (Inc: PSYC104)

    10 cp
  • Core Curriculum UnitsCore Curriculum Unit 1See the ACU Core Curriculum page for details.10 cp
  • Health Sciences MinorORArts MinorMinor Unit 2 (100 or 200 level)10 cp

At least one of your three elective units needs to be a Psychology electiveYou can either take one Psychology Elective and two General Electives OR two Psychology Electives and one General Elective (but you cannot take three General Electives).

All units are delivered in campus attendance mode unless otherwise indicated in the map.

Prerequisites (Pre:) are other units that you must have passed before enrolling in the unit.

Graduate statement

Insight

As an ACU graduate you have personal insight founded on an understanding of who you are as a professional, a citizen and a scholar. You embrace change and growth through critical self-awareness and learning autonomy. You are empowered to seek truth and meaning, drawing on the principles of justice, equity, and the dignity of all human beings.

Empathy

As an ACU graduate you value human dignity and diversity. This appreciation is founded on deep reflection, and empathy. You have experience of Indigenous Knowings and perspectives and can engage respectfully when working alongside Australia's First Peoples. You can connect with people and cultures and work with community in ways that recognise the dignity of the human person and all cultures

Imagination

As an ACU graduate you utilise imagination and innovation to solve problems. You critically analyse information from a range of sources to creatively solve practical problems and use critical thinking to make decisions and advance the common good. You appreciate the role of innovation and creative thinking in developing a better future for each person and community.

Impact

As an ACU graduate you recognise your responsibility to work for social justice and a sustainable world founded on a commitment to human dignity and the common good. You lead change through respectful collaboration and effective communication of ideas to diverse peoples, groups and communities in local and global contexts. You are empowered to positively impact your profession and the community.

AQF framework

Bachelor Honours - AQF Level 8

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:

StatePrerequisites

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 2025 Admission. Refer to your relevant Tertiary Admission Centre website for future years' entry requirements.

View transparency admission information

International applicants

Applicants require the equivalent of an Australian Year 12 Certificate. 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 (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.

Learn more about adjustment factors

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

  • Unit fee: $3375
  • Average first year fee: $26992
  • Estimate total cost: $107968

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. 

Explore your options 

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.  

Search our scholarships 

How to apply

International applicants

Direct application

Apply now

Deferment

Yes. See Defer your offer.

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.

 

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