Course Overview

About This Course

The Bachelor of Psychological Science (Honours) is a one-year degree for high-achieving students who have already completed a bachelor's degree containing an APAC-accredited three-year sequence in psychology. Over the year students study neuropsychology and personality assessment tools as well as evidence-based approaches to psychological interventions, and delve into professional issues and ethics alongside practical matters such as interviewing, report writing, supervision and case preparation. They also gain experience in researching human behaviour, working through every step of the research process from formulating research questions and hypotheses to data collection, analysis and the detailed reporting of research findings.

The course is 80 credit points, split evenly between 40 credit points of specified coursework units and 40 credit points of thesis units. The coursework units are PSYC424 Research Methods, PSYC429 Assessment in Psychological Practice: Foundation Skills and Professional Issues, PSYC427 Advanced Topics in Psychology and PSYC430 Psychological Interventions: Theory, Foundational Strategies and Professional Issues, while the thesis is completed across PSYC410 Honours Thesis A and PSYC421 Honours Thesis B, each worth 20 credit points. All units are delivered in campus attendance mode, and the course runs at ACU's Melbourne and Strathfield campuses over one year full-time or the part-time equivalent. Classified at AQF Level 8, the honours degree gives graduates an edge in an increasingly competitive job market and equips them for further study at a higher degree level, including ACU's Master of Professional Psychology, Master of Psychology (Clinical) and Master of Psychology (Educational and Developmental).

Where You Can Study

Available Locations

Melbourne

1200 Mair St, Ballarat, VIC 3350

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Student Information

Fees & Entry by Student Type

Tuition Fee

AUD $9,880

Duration

1 year full-time or equivalent part-time

Intakes

Semester 1 intake: Beginning March 2027 (Applications open August 2026) | Midyear (Semester 2) intake: Not offered this intake

Study Mode

Full-time or part-time

Eligibility

Entry Requirements

General Requirements

Domestic students

An applicant must also comply with the Admission to Coursework Programs Policy.
To be eligible to apply for admission to the Honours degree course, a student must have completed, within the last five years, a Bachelor degree including:
An accredited three-year sequence in psychology
A grade point average equivalent of at least 5.0 on the ACU seven point scale
Distinction level or above in a total of at least four second or third year Psychology units
If the Bachelor degree was completed outside of Australia, applicants must seek an 'Assessment of Overseas Qualifications' from the Australian Psychological Society (APS) to confirm that it is equivalent to an Australian Psychology Accreditation Council (APAC) three-year sequence in psychology. Evidence of this must be submitted with the application.
Applicants must also comply with the Admission to Coursework Programs Policy and require an academic IELTS minimum overall score of 7.0 (with a minimum score of 7.0 in all bands), or an equivalent acceptable test score as outlined in the Admission to Coursework Programs Policy.

Disclaimer: The course entry requirements above are for 2027 Admission.

International students

International applicants must meet the same academic requirements as domestic applicants: a Bachelor degree completed within the last five years that includes an accredited three-year sequence in psychology, a grade point average equivalent of at least 5.0 on the ACU seven point scale, and distinction level or above in a total of at least four second or third year Psychology units.
If the Bachelor degree was completed outside of Australia, applicants must seek an 'Assessment of Overseas Qualifications' from the Australian Psychological Society (APS) to confirm that it is equivalent to an APAC three-year sequence in psychology, and evidence of this must be submitted with the application.
Applicants must also comply with the Admission to Coursework Programs Policy and require an academic IELTS minimum overall score of 7.0 (with a minimum score of 7.0 in all bands), or an equivalent acceptable test score as outlined in that policy's English Language Proficiency provisions.
Applicants who have completed at least two units of AQF-recognised study at bachelor level or above are assigned a new selection rank reflecting their study level, duration and grade point average, and prior study or relevant work experience may attract credit or recognition of prior learning.

Disclaimer: The course entry requirements above are for 2027 Admission.

Career & Study Pathways

Where this takes you

Career Opportunities

After completing the course our graduates have pursued careers in diverse areas such as:
• Research
• Child welfare and protection
• Community work
• Marketing and market research
• Health
• Education
• Human resources
• Further study in psychology, including Masters degrees and higher degrees such as a Doctor of Psychology or a Doctor of Philosophy
• Registered practising psychologist, after completing further studies in psychology
• Psychological research, after completing further studies in psychology

Quality & Recognition

Accreditation & Migration

Academic Regulator

TEQSA

Professional Body

Australian Psychology Accreditation Council (APAC)

Accreditation Status

Accredited

Skills Assessor

Australian Psychological Society (APS)

Course Content

Units of Competency

All Units6 units

PSYC424

Research Methods

PSYC427

Advanced Topics in Psychology

PSYC429

Assessment in Psychological Practice: Foundation Skills and Professional Issues

PSYC430

Psychological Interventions: Theory, Foundational Strategies and Professional Issues

PSYC410

Honours Thesis A

PSYC421

Honours Thesis B

Common Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the CRICOS code for the Bachelor of Psychological Science (Honours) at ACU?

The CRICOS course code for the Bachelor of Psychological Science (Honours) at Australian Catholic University is 083215J.

How long does the Bachelor of Psychological Science (Honours) take to complete?

The course has a duration of 52 weeks (approximately one year).

What are the tuition fees for this course?

The estimated total tuition cost for international students is AU$33,360, which is ACU's indicative first-year fee for this one-year course, with no additional non-tuition fees listed.

Where can I study the Bachelor of Psychological Science (Honours) at ACU?

This course is offered at two campuses: the Strathfield Campus in New South Wales and the Australian Catholic University Melbourne Campus in Victoria.

Is this course eligible for extended Post-Study Work Rights?

Based on the CRICOS criteria, this course is unlikely to be eligible for extended Post-Study Work Rights as its duration is 52 weeks, which is below the required 92-week minimum threshold for eligibility.

Application

How to Apply

Three simple steps to get enrolled

Step 01

Enquire

Click "Enquire Now" and tell us a little about yourself. It's free and takes 2 minutes.

Step 02

Submit Documents

Our team will guide you on exactly which documents to prepare and submit.

Step 03

Get Enrolled

Receive your offer letter and confirm your enrolment. Welcome to the course!

Course Snapshot

Salary, careers & skills

Typical Salary

Entry-level (0-2 years)AUD $61,000 to $80,000 per year

Early Career (2-5 years)AUD $80,000 to $100,000 per year

Mid-Level (5-10 years)AUD $100,000 to $124,000 per year

Career Paths

Clinical PsychologistCounselling PsychologistOrganisational / Industrial PsychologistForensic PsychologistSchool Psychologist / Educational Psychologist

Key Skills

Critical thinking and evidence-based reasoningPsychological assessment and diagnostic interviewingQuantitative and qualitative research design and analysisTherapeutic communication and active listeningReport writing and clinical documentation

Full Course Overview

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