Undergraduate Courses
  • Students are to follow the requirements of the Handbook for the year they commenced the course.

    However, the subject links below do not contain the subject information for the current year. You can view current subject information through the new Course Handbook.

Bachelor of Psychological Science (Honours)

The course information on this page is for new students commencing their degree in 2016 only. 

Students should follow the rules and requirements for the year that they commenced their course. The online course information for years prior to 2016 are available from the Archives link in the menu.

Students should also review current subject availabilities via the Subject Descriptions link in the menu.

Testamur Title of Degree:

Bachelor of Psychological Science (Honours)

Abbreviation:

BPsycSc(Hons)

UOW Course Code:

353

CRICOS Code:

084846C

Total Credit Points:

48

Duration:

1 year full-time or part-time equivalent

Home Faculty:

Faculty of Social Sciences

Intake Session(s):

Autumn

Delivery Mode:

On-campus

Delivery Campus/UAC Code:

Wollongong / N/A

Additional Information:

Course Finder

Overview

Honours in Psychology is a fourth year of study accredited by the Australian Psychology Accreditation Council (APAC). Honours in Psychology is a route to the Postgraduate coursework or research degrees in Psychology and also a qualification for eligibility for provisional registration as a psychologist with the Psychology Board of Australia. 

Entry Requirements

Academic requirements and English requirements are available from Course Finder.

Course Learning Outcomes

Students graduating from the Bachelor of Psychological Science (Honours) will be able to:

  1. Demonstrate advanced theoretical and technical knowledge of core topics in the discipline of psychology and their applications, including knowledge of the theoretical and empirical bases underpinning the construction, implementation, and interpretation of widely used cognitive and personality assessments, and evidence-based psychological interventions.
  2. Demonstrate an advanced knowledge of research methods, knowledge of how the science and practice of psychology is influenced by social, historical, professional and cultural contexts, and knowledge of ethical behaviour in research and professional contexts.
  3. Demonstrate an advanced ability to apply research methods to address psychological questions related to behaviour and mental processes.
  4. Analyse critically, evaluate and transform information from research literature and other sources to complete a range of activities.
  5. Produce advanced written work that demonstrates analysis and synthesis of information, and novel problem solving to complex problems, and orally present information in various formats.
  6. Exhibit a capacity for independent learning to sustain personal and professional development in the changing world of the science and practice of psychology.
  7. Demonstrate autonomy, well-developed judgment, adaptability and responsibility in applying critical thinking skills and knowledge of scientific method to evaluate and investigate claims regarding psychological phenomena.
  8. Use information in an ethical manner and apply knowledge of ethical and legislative requirements to determine appropriate ethical conduct in a range of contexts. 

Course Structure

To qualify for award of the degree of Bachelor of Psychological Science (Honours) a student must complete 48 credit points in accordance with the table below.

The Honours grade will be calculated in accordance with Method 1.  For further information refer to the General Course Rules.

Subject Code Subject Name Credit Points Session(s)
PSYC410 Honours Empirical Thesis 24 Annual
PSYC407 Theory and Methods 8 Autumn
PSYC408 Psychological Assessment: Principles and Applications 8 Autumn
PSYC409 Psychological Intervention: Principles and Applications 8 Spring

Candidates intending to complete Honours as part-time students will generally do PSYC407, PSYC408 and PSYC409 in the first year, and PSYC410 in the second year.

Credit Arrangements

Credit and articulation arrangements are available from the Course Finder. Refer to UOW's credit arrangements for information on how to apply for credit.

Professional Recognition/Accreditation

Completion of  four years of study in Psychology is an important first step for registration as a psychologist in Australia. The Bachelor of Arts (Psychology), Bachelor of Psychological Science and Bachelor of Social Science (Psychology) are accredited by the Australian Psychology Accreditation Council as the first three years of study. To complete the four year sequence, students must complete an add-on Honours year such as the Bachelor of Psychological Science (Honours) to meet the requirements for provisional registration with the Psychology Board of Australia. Students who are enrolled in one of the accredited three year degrees and are considering the Bachelor of Psychological Science (Honours) degree are advised to check the Psychology website for information on entry requirements and the application process.

An additional two years of supervised practice is necessary to apply for general registration as a professional psychologist with the Psychology Board of Australia. This can be through two years supervised practice in the community or a fifth year at University plus one year of supervised practice in the community or an approved Masters degree.

Accreditation with the Australian Psychological Society, the national professional association, requires six years of approved academic study.

Other Information

Further information is available at:
UOW Course Finder
Email: ssc@uow.edu.au

Last reviewed: 18 October, 2016