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Course Overview
Eligibility
Internal applicants (current or recent Deakin University student):
Completion of a bachelor degree from Deakin University with an approved three-year major sequence in psychology, with a minimum of a mid-credit (65%) in Research Methods B and a minimum average of 65% over all level-2 and level-3 psychology core units
Completion of a Graduate Diploma in Psychological Science or Graduate Diploma of Psychological Studies from Deakin University, with a minimum of a mid-credit (65%) in Research Methods B and a minimum average of 65% over all level-2 and level-3 psychology core units
Applicants who completed their courses in psychology more than 10 years ago will need to articulate how they have maintained currency of Level 1 Foundational Competencies via a CV showing recent and substantial relevant work in a related field, and/or evidence of successful completion of formal tertiary qualifications in a related discipline
External applicants (not a current or recent Deakin University student):
Completion of a bachelor degree (with an APAC accredited three-year major sequence in psychology), with a minimum of a mid-credit (65%) in a level three psychology research methods unit and a minimum average of 75% over all level-2 and level-3 psychology core units
Completion of a Foundation Level 1 APAC accredited psychology course or equivalent (for example: a 1 year bridging course - Graduate Diploma of Psychology), with a minimum of a mid-credit (65%) in level three psychology research methods unit and a minimum average of 75% over all level-2 and level-3 psychology core units
Applicants who completed their courses in psychology more than 10 years ago will need to articulate how they have maintained currency of Level 1 Foundational Competencies
Indigenous Entry Stream (recognised as an Indigenous Australian):
Completion of a bachelor degree (with an APAC accredited three-year major sequence in psychology), with a minimum of a mid-credit (65%) in a level three psychology Research Methods unit and a minimum average of 65% over all level-2 and level-3 psychology core units
Completion of a Foundation level 1 APAC accredited psychology course or equivalent (for example: a 1 year bridging course - Graduate Diploma of Psychology) with a minimum of a mid-credit (65%) in level three psychology Research Methods unit and a minimum average of 65% over all level-2 and level-3 psychology core units
English Language Proficiency (at least one of the following):
Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) English Units 3 and 4: Study score of at least 30 in English as an Additional Language (EAL) or at least 25 in any other English
IELTS overall score of 6.5 (with no band score less than 6.0) or equivalent
Other evidence of English language proficiency
Career & Study Pathways
Quality & Recognition
Course Content
Academic Integrity and Respect at Deakin
0 credit point compulsory unit completed in first study period
Principles of Psychological Assessment
Trimester 1 core unit
Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Trimester 1 core unit
Research Project A
Trimester 1 core unit; includes thesis literature review draft and thesis proposal presentation
Applied Counselling Skills (Advanced)
Trimester 2 core unit
Psychology Research Methods (Advanced)
Trimester 2 core unit
Research Project B
Trimester 2 core unit; includes thesis poster and final thesis (5500-6000 words)
Research Project A (Karolinska Exchange)
For Karolinska Institute exchange students only
Research Project B (Karolinska Exchange)
For Karolinska Institute exchange students only
Common Questions
Entry requirements vary by applicant type. Internal Deakin applicants need a bachelor degree with an approved three-year major sequence in psychology, a minimum of mid-credit (65%) in Research Methods B, and a minimum average of 65% over all level-2 and level-3 psychology core units. External applicants require a minimum average of 75% over level-2 and level-3 psychology core units. Indigenous Entry Stream applicants require a minimum average of 65%. All applicants must also meet English language proficiency requirements, such as an IELTS overall score of 6.5 (with no band score less than 6.0).
The course consists of 8 credit points in total, including 4 credit points of an independent research project. It is divided into two components: coursework (contributing 50% to the final honours grade) and a thesis (contributing 50%). The coursework covers research methods, issues in psychological assessment, and Applied Counselling Skills (Advanced). The thesis is a write-up of an individual research project based on an original piece of empirical research and consists of four components across two trimesters.
Upon graduating, you will be eligible to apply for provisional registration as a psychologist with the Psychology Board of Australia (PBA). For full registration, you can complete two years of relevant work under the supervision of a registered psychologist, or complete a master's or doctorate that includes work placement. Further postgraduate study options include the Master of Psychology (Clinical), Master of Psychology (Organisational), Master of Professional Psychology, or Doctor of Psychology (Clinical).
The course is offered in Trimester 1 (starting March) at Burwood (Melbourne), Waurn Ponds (Geelong), and Online on either a full-time or part-time basis. A Trimester 2 (starting July) intake is also available, but on a part-time basis only, at the same locations. Note that direct applications to Deakin for Trimester 2 2026 close on 15 June 2026, and Trimester 2 for this course commences one week earlier than the standard Deakin calendar.
The course takes 1 year full-time or part-time equivalent. You should be able to commit 35 hours a week to your honours degree. As a full-time student you will study four credit points per trimester and usually undertake two trimesters per year. Part-time students must complete the coursework component in the first year of their course.
Application
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Step 01
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Step 02
Submit Documents
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Step 03
Get Enrolled
Receive your offer letter and confirm your enrolment. Welcome to the course!
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