Bachelor of Psychology (Honours)

You'll spend the first three years of the program focusing on psychology and social research methods, and will undertake a minor in an arts specialisation.

In the fourth (Honours) year, you'll pursue advanced studies in quantitative and qualitative social research methods, professional practice units and a research thesis.

You'll graduate with an in-depth knowledge of human emotion and behaviour to understand why we think and behave in the way we do - and why this differs from one individual to the next.

On completion of the Bachelor of Psychology (Honours), you'll be able to apply for registration as a Provisional Psychologist and take up further career and post-graduate study options.

Graduates of VU's Bachelor of Psychology (Honours) can apply for provisional registration as a psychologist and can find employment in:

• welfare
• community services
• human resources.

Some of our graduates undertake further study to qualify as teachers or social workers.

If you'd like to become a fully-registered psychologist, you'll need further training at the Masters and Doctoral level.

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

More people are reaching out to psychologists and counsellors, as the benefits of cognitive therapy and psychoanalysis over traditional practices and medication become evident.

To attain the Bachelor of Psychology (Honours) students will be required to complete 384 credit points, consisting of:

• 96 credit points (equivalent to 8 units) of Core First Year studies;
• 216 credit points (equivalent to 18 units) of Core Psychology studies;
• 2 x 24 credit points (equivalent to 2 units) of Core Thesis studies; and
• 24 credit points (equivalent to 2 units) of Psychology Elective studies.

In order to be eligible to advance to the fourth (Honours) year of the course, students must achieve the stringent academic admission criteria that are required for Honours programs in Psychology. Academic admission standards are based on the average grade across all core second and third year psychology units.

Students who have successfully completed the first three years of study but have not met the academic admission requirements for the Honours year will be eligible to apply to graduate with a Bachelor of Psychological 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.

Before applying, you should consider whether you also want to apply for:

• Special admission programs: Depending on your life circumstances you may be eligible for special consideration of your application.
• Advanced standing: If you have significant experience or studies elsewhere you may be eligible for credit for some units of your course and not have to undertake them.

Find out more about applying for our courses.