Bachelor of Psychological Science (Honours)

The Bachelor of Psychological Science (Honours) is a one-year degree for students who have already completed a three-year psychology sequence and want to take the next step. It sits at AQF level 8, above the bachelor degree and below a master's. At ACAP, the year is built around coursework in research methods and advanced topics, plus a supervised research thesis on a question you choose. You work with an academic supervisor, collect and analyse data, and write up your findings to an honours standard.

How the year is structured

Most Australian honours years run over two semesters, though some institutions use trimesters. You enrol in units of study, each with a credit point value, and you need to pass them all to graduate. The coursework units cover research design, statistics and ethics, and the thesis is usually the largest single piece of work. Assessment is a mix of assignments, exams where relevant, and the thesis itself. The exact unit list and credit points are set by ACAP, so check the official course page before you apply.

Skills you build

You learn to read research critically, design a study, run statistical analyses, and write for an academic audience. You also practise presenting your work and responding to feedback. These are the skills that psychology honours is known for, and they are what postgraduate programs and employers look for.

Who it suits

This degree suits students who have finished a three-year psychology degree and want to pursue a career as a psychologist, which in Australia requires further study beyond honours. It also suits people who want to work in research, policy, or human services, or who need honours for a master's or PhD. International students should note the English requirement published for this course and confirm the current IELTS or equivalent score on the official page. While studying, a student visa allows up to 48 hours of work per fortnight during term. After graduating, the Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) post-study work stream may be available, depending on your circumstances. Confirm all details with ACAP and the Department of Home Affairs.

• Research assistant in universities, medical research institutes and government agencies
• Policy or program officer in state and federal health, education and community services departments
• Human resources or organisational development officer in private and public organisations
• Case worker or support worker in community mental health, disability and youth services
• Data and evaluation officer in non-profits and consultancies that assess social programs
• Pathway to further study, honours is the standard entry point for master's degrees in psychology and for PhD research

Many graduates go on to postgraduate training to become registered psychologists. Others move into research, policy or human services where strong research and analytical skills are valued.