Bachelor of Psychological Studies (Honours)

VU course code: AHPA | CRICOS: 071137F | Level of study: Undergraduate

Duration

1 year

Delivery mode

In person

Fees

Tuition: per semester AU$17,500

Location

Footscray Park

Next start date

24 February 2025

Overview

Develop specialist knowledge to truly understand people with the Bachelor of Psychological Studies (Honours) at Victoria University.

Gain a deeper awareness of our motivations, responses and relationships through this popular psychology course offered by VU.

We’ll help you to further your understanding of psychological studies at an advanced level. By carrying out a research thesis, you’ll graduate with a sought-after honours qualification. From there, you'll be ready to explore postgraduate study or careers from social work to community services.

This psychology degree will focus your learning within informed, conceptual thinking and research skills.

Specifically, you’ll learn to:

use advanced cognitive, research, and problem-solving skills to help you pursue postgraduate research or a professional career in psychology
employ skills in independent research and theoretical analysis in psychology
critically apply advanced knowledge in selected areas of psychology and applied psychology
assess and evaluate the nature of psychology as a profession, the ethical and legal responsibilities of the psychologist and the role of the Australian Psychological Society.

If you choose to continue on to postgraduate studies, you’ll be able to take up professional training at VU’s Psychology Clinic, providing discounted psychological services to the community.

: On successful completion of this course, students will be able to:

Elucidate an advanced knowledge and application of psychological theory and social research methods;

Critically analyse and exemplify skills in psychological assessment and evidence-based intervention strategies with due reference to cultural considerations;

Implement skills in independent research to investigate substantive research questions relevant to the discipline of psychology;

Critically evaluate the nature of psychology as a profession, the legal and ethical responsibilities of the psychologist, and the role of relevant regulatory bodies and professional organisations;

Exhibit interpersonal communication and interviewing skills consistent with pre-professional and culturally sensitive practice when working with people from diverse backgrounds; and

Exemplify independence, self-reflection and creativity to meet goals and challenges in professional and academic pursuits.

Entry requirements

Applicants for this course will need to meet the entry criteria outlined below. If you don’t meet the entry criteria, you may be able to gain entry by first completing a related course or unit(s). We call this a ‘pathway’.

If you've completed a qualification where English was the primary language of instruction, you may be eligible for an exemption of English-language requirements.

In some cases, there may be additional entry requirements.

Learn more about entry requirements for international students.

International applications closing date: Applications for the February 2025 intake close 30 October 2024.

Entry criteria

Credit & Entry pathways into this course

Victoria University is committed to providing a transparent admissions process. Find out more about how to apply for our courses, and our commitment to admissions transparency. Meeting the minimum admission criteria does not guarantee entry into this course. Past academic performance may be considered.

Course structure

To attain the Bachelor of Psychological Studies (Honours), students will be required to complete 96 credit points, consisting of:

48 credit points of Core studies; and
2 x 24 credit points of Core Thesis studies.

Units

Fees & scholarships

As an international student at Victoria University, you will be required to pay your tuition fees up front each semester.

There may be additional materials fees throughout your studies, depending on your chosen course, as well as an administrative fee as part of your course.

Victoria University is proud to support our international scholarship recipients and sponsored students.

Fees

Scholarships

Careers

Honours graduates can pursue research postgraduate degrees which lead to accreditation as a registered psychologist.

As a psychologist, you could be employed in one of several thriving industries including health care, public administration or education.

Alternatively, your career can span the fields of:

welfare
social work
community services
human resources.

Salaries

See the average salary for psychologists in Australia. Starting salaries for graduates may be different.

Placement in VU's Psychology Clinic

Honours graduates have the foundation to pursue research postgraduate degrees (Masters by Research or PhD) which lead to accreditation as a registered psychologist.

If you continue on to postgraduate studies in psychology, you will work with clients in the VU Psychology Clinic. The Clinic provides discounted psychological services to the community.

Assessment and treatment for anxiety, learning difficulties and difficult life events are provided by provisional psychologists who are supervised by experienced clinical psychologists.

Employment growth

More people are reaching out to psychologists and counsellors, as the benefits of cognitive therapy and psychoanalysis over traditional practices and medication become evident.