Honours Degree of Bachelor of Psychological Science

Our Honours Degree of Bachelor of Psychological Science offers the necessary foundation for postgraduate research and registration as a psychologist.It is available to students who have completed an undergraduate degree with a major in psychology, a three year psychology degree from an accredited institution, or our Bachelor of Psychological Science.

Honours Psychology is normally taken as a full-time program over one year. To complete the program candidates are required to: undertake an assessment in the compulsory topic “Current Issues in Psychology” undertake an assessment in the compulsory topic “Research Methods and Statistics” undertake assessment in two elective coursework topics attend the compulsory Honours Research Seminar series submit a research proposal for independent evaluation present for examination a thesis that reports a research project carried out under supervision Honours can be completed full-time (1-year) or part-time (2 consecutive years). Students completing a full-time load need to complete 24 units from which 12 units will be the thesis, 6 units will be 2 compulsory courses and 6-units will be 2 elective choices.Part-time enrolment is limited. Students who are accepted into a part-time load need to complete all the coursework in the first year and the thesis in the second year.Due to accreditation requirements, it is not possible to offer a combined honours degree in Psychology and another discipline. At best, a student may engage a co-supervisor from another discipline, however the thesis must be clearly psychological in nature (and the internal supervisor from Psychology must of course agree to co-supervision with someone external to the School).Find out more about studying an Honours degree in the Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences.

Academic Program Rules

The Calendar is a comprehensive handbook of the University's academic program rules.

Example Study Plan

Core Courses PSYCHOL 4301 Research Methodology & StatisticsPSYCHOL 4302 Current Issues in PsychologyElectivesCourses to the value of 6 units from the following:PSYCHOL 4310 Human Behaviour & Criminal Justice PSYCHOL 4304 Advanced Psychology in SocietyPSYCHOL 4308 Organisational PsychologyPSYCHOL 4309 Mind, Brain & BehaviourResearch DissertationStudents must complete a thesis:PSYCHOL 4300A Honours Thesis in Psychology Part 1PSYCHOL 4300B Honours Thesis in Psychology Part 2

Assessment

Assessment will be based on a combination of examinations, attendance at the compulsory Honours Research Seminar series, submission of a research proposal for independent evaluation, and the presentation of a thesis that reports a research project carried out under supervision.

For those who are based in Adelaide, we will be offering a blended delivery mode that combines face-to-face with remote learning in as many courses as possible, taking into consideration social distancing and hygiene. All lectures will continue to be delivered online for the remainder of the year, with some exceptions.

For our students who are studying offshore for the remainder of the 2020 Academic Year, the University will continue to offer high-quality access to the learning resources remotely. This includes all lectures, tutorials and other support material. Students will be advised in advance if there are course components that cannot be provided in remote mode and, wherever possible, offered alternative courses.

Career Readiness

Psychology prepares graduates for a range of exciting careers that require superior problem-solving, critical thinking and understanding of human behaviour, such as:

• human resource management
• advertising and marketing
• evaluation and applied research
• mental health services
• youth work
• family and social services
• public and private sector management
• juvenile justice and corrective services
• relationship counselling
• residential care worker
• private sector administration and management
• correctional services

• Clinical psychology—specialising in the assessment, treatment and prevention of a wide range of emotional and behavioural problems.
• Health psychology—learning skills in illness prevention and treatment in public health settings.
• Organisational psychology—applying knowledge of human behaviour to the enhancement of organisational effectiveness, productivity and individual wellbeing.
• Clinical neuropsychology—specialising in the assessment and treatment of emotional and behavioural disorders associated with dysfunction of brain processes or head injury.
• Counselling psychology—helping individuals, families and other groups with issues related to personal wellbeing, interpersonal relationships, work, recreation, health and crisis management.
• Educational psychology—working within schools or the public service.
• Sport and exercise psychology—helping individuals and teams develop the skills needed to enhance performance and enjoyment when participating in physical activity.
• Research/academic psychology—applying skills to the advancement and communication of knowledge relating to psychology.
• Geropsychology—applying practical knowledge of primary prevention strategies, clinical intervention and rehabilitation for older people.

Registration as a psychologist

The University of Adelaide Careers Service prepares, inspires and empowers students to achieve successful career transitions and connect with industry.

Graduate Attributes

Adelaide Graduate Attributes

1. Deep discipline knowledge
2. Critical thinking and problem solving
3. Teamwork and communication skills
4. Career and leadership readiness
5. Intercultural and ethical competency
6. Self-awareness and emotional intelligence

Professional Accreditation

Potential careers

Neuropsychologist, Clinical Psychologist, Organisational Psychologist, Counselling Psychologist, Educational & Developmental Psychologist, Psychologist, Sports & Exercise Psychologist, Health Psychologist