Bachelor of Psychology (Honours)

Victoria University

About

You’ll spend the first three years of the program focusing on psychology and social research methods, and will undertake a minor in an arts specialisation.

In the fourth (Honours) year, you’ll pursue advanced studies in quantitative and qualitative social research methods, professional practice units and a research thesis.

You’ll graduate with an in-depth knowledge of human emotion and behaviour to understand why we think and behave in the way we do – and why this differs from one individual to the next.

On completion of the Bachelor of Psychology (Honours), you’ll be able to apply for registration as a Provisional Psychologist and take up further career and post-graduate study options.

Structure

To attain the Bachelor of Psychology (Honours) students will be required to complete 384 credit points, consisting of:

  • 96 credit points (equivalent to 8 units) of Core First Year studies;
  • 216 credit points (equivalent to 18 units) of Core Psychology studies;
  • 2 x 24 credit points (equivalent to 2 units) of Core Thesis studies; and
  • 24 credit points (equivalent to 2 units) of Psychology Elective studies.

In order to be eligible to advance to the fourth (Honours) year of the course, students must achieve the stringent academic admission criteria that are required for Honours programs in Psychology. Academic admission standards are based on the average grade across all core second and third year psychology units.

Students who have successfully completed the first three years of study but have not met the academic admission requirements for the Honours year will be eligible to apply to graduate with a Bachelor of Psychological Studies.

Course structure and units

Core Units

  • Introduction to Sociology Unit code ABA1003 Credits12
  • Psychology 1A Unit code APP1012 Credits12
  • Psychology 1B Unit code APP1013 Credits12
  • Organisational Skills 1 Unit code APP1015 Credits12
  • Foundations of Psychological Research Unit code APP1016 Credits12
  • Foundations of Social Science Research Unit code ASX1003 Credits12
  • Introduction to Public Health and Wellness Unit code HHB1104 Credits12
  • Interpersonal Skills and Communication Unit code HHH1000 Credits12

Year 2, Semester 1

  • Psychology 2A Unit code APP2013 Credits12
  • Interpersonal Skills 2 Unit code APP2023 Credits12
  • Qualitative Social Research Methods 1 Unit code APS2030 Credits12
  • Developmental Psychology Unit code HPP2001 Credits12

Year 2, Semester 2

  • Psychology 2B Unit code APP2014 Credits12
  • Organisational Skills 2 Unit code APP2024 Credits12
  • Quantitative Social Research Methods 1 Unit code APS2040 Credits12

12 credit points of Psychology Elective studies

Year 3, Semester 1

  • Fieldwork Unit code APP3028 Credits12
  • Research Methods in Psychology Unit code APP3035 Credits12
  • History, Theories and Practice of Psychology Unit code APP3034 Credits12
  • Social Research Methods Unit code APS3030 Credits12

Year 3, Semester 2

  • Clinical Aspects of Psychology Unit code APP3037 Credits12
  • Psychological Issues in the Workplace Unit code APP3023 Credits12
  • Independent Research Project Unit code APS3040 Credits12

Plus

12 credit points of Psychology Elective Studies

Year 4, Semester 1

  • Research Thesis Unit code APH4012 Credits24
  • Social Research Methods in Context Unit code APH4018 Credits12
  • Professional Orientation (Psychological Assessment) Unit code APH4071 Credits12

Year 4, Semester 2

  • Psychological Interventions Unit code APH4001 Credits12
  • Psychology in Practice Unit code APH4013 Credits12
  • Extended Research Thesis Unit code APH4015 Credits24

Psychology Electives:

  • Counselling Theory and Practice Unit code APP3015 Credits12
  • Group Behaviour Unit code APP3016 Credits12
  • Organisations and Work Unit code APP3018 Credits12
  • Psychobiology Unit code APP3019 Credits12
  • Psychoanalysis Unit code APP3020 Credits12
  • Cognitive Psychology Unit code APP3026 Credits12
  • Relationship and Family Wellbeing Unit code APP3027 Credits12

Entry requirements

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.

Applicants for this course will need to have met the academic requirements and prerequisites for this course outlined below.

Meeting the minimum admission criteria does not guarantee entry into this course. Past academic performance may be considered.

Admission criteria

The minimum criteria for admission varies depending on your education background. If you’re not sure which criteria applies to you, use the help tool on this page or make an enquiry and we can assist.

Applicants with recent secondary education (within the last 2 years)

  • Australian Senior Secondary Certificate (e.g. VCE) or
  • an Australian or overseas equivalent or
  • an International Baccalaureate (IB).

Importance of ATAR for this course

ATAR+

We consider both ATAR and other criteria

NA

ATAR is not a consideration. We use other criteria

Admission criteria

Completion of an Australian Senior Secondary Certificate (VCE or equivalent) including Units 3 and 4: a study score of at least 25 in English (EAL) or 20 in any other English.

Subject adjustments

ATAR profile

Bachelor of Psychology (Honours)

VU course code: ABPC

VTAC course code: 4301042241

Campus: Footscray Park

column1 column2 column3
  ATAR (Excluding adjustment factors) Selection Rank (ATAR plus any adjustment factors)
97.75 99.50
77.75 89.25
68.55 82.60

Special admission programs

Our special admission programs cover a range of access and equity schemes that allow applicants from participating schools or disadvantaged social, economic or cultural environments to receive additional consideration. These include:

  • Special Entry Access Scheme (external link) (SEAS) for VTAC applicants.
  • Special consideration for direct applicants.

Applicants with vocational education and training (VET/TAFE) study

This information is for people who have completed an accredited award at an Australian Registered Training Organisation.

Admission criteria

Completion of an Australian Advanced Diploma or Diploma (or equivalent).

Special admission programs

Our special admission programs cover a range of access and equity schemes that allow applicants from participating schools or disadvantaged social, economic or cultural environments to receive additional consideration. These include:

  • Special Entry Access Scheme (external link) (SEAS) for VTAC applicants.
  • Special consideration for direct applicants.

Applicants with higher education study

This information is for people whose highest level of study since leaving secondary education is a higher education course.

Admission criteria

Completion of at least one semester of an Australian Higher Education award (or equivalent).

Special admission programs

Our special admission programs cover a range of access and equity schemes that allow applicants from participating schools or disadvantaged social, economic or cultural environments to receive additional consideration. These include:

  • Special Entry Access Scheme (external link) (SEAS) for VTAC applicants.
  • Special consideration for direct applicants.

Applicants with work & life experience

This information is for applicants who left secondary school more than two years ago and who have not undertaken VET or higher education study since then.

Admission criteria

Applicants that completed an Australian Senior Secondary Certificate more than two years ago.PLUS:Units 3 and 4: a study score of at least 25 in English (EAL) or 20 in any other English (or equivalent).

Special admission programs

Our special admission programs cover a range of access and equity schemes that allow applicants from participating schools or disadvantaged social, economic or cultural environments to receive additional consideration. These include:

  • Special Entry Access Scheme (external link) (SEAS) for VTAC applicants.
  • Special consideration for direct applicants.

There are many ways you can start your education journey at VU. Pathways offer an easy transition between courses at different levels, so that you can start with a certificate and progress right through to postgraduate study.

Pathways from VU courses

If you have completed any of the following course(s), you will be guaranteed a place in this course. In some cases you may receive credit for your previous study, reducing the time it takes to complete your course.

You will be guaranteed entry only.

You will be guaranteed entry only.

Find out more about pathways and credits.

Credit for skills and past study

If you have completed study with another university or institution and believe you are eligible to receive credit for skills and past study, you can apply for advanced standing.

Applications for advanced standing can be made after a discussion with your course coordinator or academic adviser.

Learning outcomes

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

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  1. Elucidate an advanced knowledge and application of psychological theory and social research methods;  
  2. Demonstrate proficiency in theoretical analysis and critical evaluation in psychology;  
  3. Exemplify skills in designing, executing and reporting a research study with some independence;  
  4. Exhibit advanced cognitive, research and problem-solving skills to successfully undertake postgraduate research or a professional career in psychology;  
  5. Critically reflect upon the nature of psychology as a profession and the ethical and legal responsibilities of individuals practising the profession;  
  6. Exhibit interpersonal skills and interventions, consistent with pre-professional and culturally sensitive practice, when working with people from diverse backgrounds;  
  7. Demonstrate independence, self-reflection and creativity to meet goals and challenges in professional and academic pursuits, and;  
  8. Critically reflect on how broader systemic factors have an impact on and help inform human behaviour and wellbeing.  

Institution