Bachelor of Science with Honours

The Bachelor of Science with Honours (Psychology) at Murdoch University is an advanced, one-year degree designed for students who have already completed an accredited undergraduate degree in psychology. This honours year takes your academic grounding further, with a strong emphasis on research methods, statistical analysis, project design, and critical evaluation of psychological theories and findings. Throughout the year, you'll conduct an independent research thesis, guided by academic staff, to explore a topic of your own interest in depth.

At Murdoch, honours students undertake a set of advanced coursework units, usually including both theoretical and practical components such as research seminars, advanced statistics, and ethics. In the Australian system, each unit contributes credit points towards the degree, and successful completion typically requires 1 year full time study. The honours thesis is a major assessment piece and a chance to deepen your research skills, often forming a stepping stone to postgraduate study or careers requiring high-level analytical ability.

Murdoch's psychology honours year meets Australian standards for an AQF Level 8 qualification. It suits students looking to continue on to postgraduate psychology, including pathways to professional registration, or those wanting a competitive edge in careers needing strong research, communication, and analytical skills. English proficiency is required, with IELTS Academic, TOEFL iBT, PTE Academic, Cambridge C1 Advanced, or Murdoch’s own English programmes accepted; individual visa requirements also apply.

Work-integrated learning is not a formal element of this honours year, as its primary focus is academic research. However, Murdoch has ties with the local Perth psychology community, and students benefit from exposure to real-world research practice. International students can check the CRICOS register for tuition details, and may be eligible for the Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) after graduation.

• Psychology research assistant in academic or government settings
• Data analyst or research officer in health services
• Project officer in not-for-profit organisations
• Policy and research roles in public sector agencies
• Progression to accredited postgraduate training for psychologist registration in Australia
• Employment in sectors valuing research and analytical skills, including education, health, and human services