Bachelor of Psychology (Honours)

In your third year of study, you will complete a fieldwork unit that includes 60 hours of work placement. You can choose to complete your placement in an organisation that aligns with your area of interest, such as community organisations (e.g. Autism Camp Australia), mental health organisations and general practices (e.g. Orygen and private psychology clinics), sport-based organisations, public and private health services, or school settings.

The fourth (Honours) year involves advanced studies in quantitative and qualitative social research methods, professional practice units, and an extended research thesis. The major focus is an independent research thesis where you plan, conduct, and report a research project with the support of a thesis supervisor. Your thesis will be written in a style appropriate to submit to a journal for publication. To be eligible for the Honours year, you must achieve a minimum Weighted Average Mark (WAM) of 70% across all core third year psychology units.

Yes, this course is accredited by the Australian Psychology Accreditation Council (APAC). Upon graduation, you can apply for provisional registration as a psychologist with the Psychology Board of Australia. To become a fully registered psychologist, you will need further training at the masters or doctoral level, such as VU's Master of Professional Psychology or Master of Applied Psychology (Clinical Psychology).

The indicative fee for a full-time student in 2026 is AU$17,399 per year for eligible students in a Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP), which is subsidised by the government. Australian citizens, permanent residents, and New Zealand citizens typically qualify for a CSP. You may be able to use a HELP loan to pay for your studies, which is repaid through the tax system once you earn above the compulsory repayment threshold. Hundreds of scholarships are also available each year at VU.

Students who have successfully completed the first three years of study but have not met the academic admission requirements for the Honours year (a minimum WAM of 70% across all core third year psychology units) will be eligible to apply to graduate with a Bachelor of Psychological Studies.