B-PSYCH v.1 Bachelor of Psychology

Bachelor Degrees prepare students to develop broad and coherent knowledge and skills in a discipline for professional work and further learning corresponding to AQF level 7 qualifications. The honours component prepares students to develop advanced knowledge and skills for professional work, research and further learning corresponding to AQF level 8 qualifications.

Psychology encompasses all aspects of human behaviour, using tested theoretical frameworks to examine, explain and predict what we do as individuals and in groups. The four-year general applied psychology program emphasises the application of knowledge to problems arising in professional practice, and graduates are equipped to move directly into the workforce as provisionally registered psychologists. It also provides an understanding of the theoretical framework within which various approaches and techniques have been developed. Experimental design relevant to applied research is an important part of the course.

Course Accreditation

This course is accredited by the Australian Psychology Accreditation Council. Graduates of this course are eligible to apply for associate membership of the Australian Psychological Society (APS). To be registered as a Psychologist, graduates are required to undertake a further two years of accredited psychology study or Psychology board approved internship.

Professional Recognition

Graduates of the four-year program are eligible to apply for associate membership of the Australian Psychological Society (APS) or to apply for post graduate training (pathway to registration) in psychology. In Australia two years of further training is required for full registration as a psychologist; the completion of a two-year masters program, or a one-year professional masters and one year of supervised psychological practice.

Additional Course Expenses

Students may be expected to purchase a number of textbooks and other essential study materials.

Bachelor Degrees typically contain a series of units which may include compulsory (core), optional or elective units to cater for student preferences. They may contain a range of majors, streams and/or minors/specialisations for students to choose from to pursue learning in a specialised area of study. The honours component typically comprises an honours stream equivalent to one year of full-time study undertaken during the last year (or two) of study. Students can take no more than 250 credit points of first year level units.

Whilst the principal focus is on psychology, the course also provides a broad appreciation of human behaviour and experience by including studies in health sciences. High achieving students may be selected to participate in the Honours stream in the fourth year of the course. Due to accreditation requirements, students not attaining a credit average in their second and third year core psychology units will be required to exit the course with the Bachelor of Science (Psychology) award.

Course Learning Outcomes

A graduate of this course can:

1. apply psychological theory to evidence based practice and extend the boundaries of knowledge through research; discriminate between valid discipline knowledge and questionable esoteric theory and practice

2. apply logical and rational processes to critically analyse problems and generate innovative solutions to psychological questions

3. access, evaluate and synthesise relevant information and evidence from a range of sources applicable to psychology

4. communicate effectively with individuals, groups and communities

5. select and effectively use appropriate technologies relevant to psychological research and practice

6. demonstrate ability for self directed learning and reflective practice

7. demonstrate knowledge and understanding of international perspectives in psychology

8. demonstrate understanding and respect for human rights and cultural diversity

9. independently and collaboratively apply professional skills in an ethical manner

Duration and Availability

This course is four years' full-time or equivalent part-time study. Entering mid-year increases the course duration to 4.5 years due to pre-requisites and semester structure. You will enrol in 75 credits per semester for the first four semesters and then you will enrol in 100 credits for the remaining semesters. However, students with previous study should consult the course coordinator for a personalised study plan.

Location and delivery Mode

The information displayed above refers to study periods and locations where the course is available for first time entry. Students are normally only offered or admitted to a course once.

* The course itself may not be available either solely internally or externally but individual units may be offered in either or both of those modes. Prospective students should contact the Course Coordinator for further information.

^ Course and associated units are offered in this mode permitting International Onshore student enrolment.

# Course and associated units are offered in this online only mode and DO NOT permit International Onshore student enrolment.

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* Choose an Elective

** Eligible students may be invited by the School to complete the Honours stream.

Applicants for a Bachelor Degree or Bachelor Honours Degree are required to meet University academic and English language entry standards; details are provided at http://study.curtin.edu.au/ and include flexible entry pathways. Admission to the Honours stream is by invitation and follows high achievement within this Bachelor Degree. Any specific course entry and completion requirements must also be met.

Desirable: Mathematics Applications or Mathematics Methods. Biology, Human Biology or Psychology. Entry into Psychology Fourth Year Stream: Completion of a three-year Australian Psychology Accreditation Council (APAC) accredited psychology course in an Australian university with a minimum of a credit average in second and third year. Entry into Psychology Honours Stream: The minimum requirement is completion of a three-year Australian Psychology Accreditation Council (APAC) accredited psychology course in an Australian university with a minimum of a distinction average in second and third year. STAT elements considered are WE and either V or Q.

Credit for Recognised Learning

Applications for credit towards a course are assessed on an individual basis. Credit reduces the amount of learning required to complete the course and may be granted for formal education qualifications, non-formal learning from non-award programs of study and informal learning through work experiences. Further information can be found at http://futurestudents.curtin.edu.au/non-school-leavers/rpl.cfm

Intermediate Awards

A student who has successfully completed the requirements of an approved intermediate award may apply for graduation in that award subject to approval of Head of School/Department. Fees apply. Intermediate awards approved for this course:

Bachelor of Science (Psychology).

Pathway to Further Study

Graduates with a Bachelor Degree may qualify for entry to some Graduate Certificates, Graduate Diplomas and Master by Coursework degrees. Graduates with a Bachelor Degree with Honours may also qualify for entry to a Master or Doctorate by Research. For further details, see the University website http://curtin.edu.au.