Bachelor of Psychological Studies (Honours)

Gain a deeper awareness of our motivations, responses and relationships through this popular psychology course offered by VU.

We'll help you to further your understanding of psychological studies at an advanced level. By carrying out a research thesis, you'll graduate with a sought-after honours qualification. From there, you'll be ready to explore postgraduate study or careers from social work to community services.

This psychology degree will focus your learning within informed, conceptual thinking and research skills.

Specifically, you'll learn to:

• use advanced cognitive, research, and problem-solving skills to help you pursue postgraduate research or a professional career in psychology
• employ skills in independent research and theoretical analysis in psychology
• critically apply advanced knowledge in selected areas of psychology and applied psychology
• assess and evaluate the nature of psychology as a profession, the ethical and legal responsibilities of the psychologist and the role of the Australian Psychological Society.

If you choose to continue on to postgraduate studies, you'll be able to take up professional training at VU's Psychology Clinic, providing discounted psychological services to the community.

Honours graduates can pursue research postgraduate degrees which lead to accreditation as a registered psychologist.

As a psychologist, you could be employed in one of several thriving industries including health care, public administration or education.

Alternatively, your career can span the fields of:

• welfare
• social work
• community services
• human resources.

See the average salary for psychologists in Australia via Labour Market Insights. Starting salaries for graduates may be different.

Honours graduates have the foundation to pursue research postgraduate degrees (Masters by Research or PhD) which lead to accreditation as a registered psychologist.

If you continue on to postgraduate studies in psychology, you will work with clients in the VU Psychology Clinic. The Clinic provides discounted psychological services to the community.

Assessment and treatment for anxiety, learning difficulties and difficult life events are provided by provisional psychologists who are supervised by experienced clinical psychologists.

To attain the Bachelor of Psychological Studies (Honours), students will be required to complete 96 credit points, consisting of:

• 48 credit points of Core studies; and
• 2 x 24 credit points of Core Thesis studies.

Use our credit calculator to find out how much credit you could get towards your course, based on your previous study.

If you have completed study with another university or institution and believe you are eligible to receive credit for skills and past study, you can apply for advanced standing.

Applications for advanced standing can be made after a discussion with your course chair or academic adviser.