Bachelor of Arts (Psychology)

2013 Deakin University Handbook

Course sub-headings

• Course overview
• Professional recognition
• Fees and charges
• Course rules
• Major sequences
• Course structure

Course overview

The Bachelor of Arts (Psychology) combines research-based and professional studies in psychology with broad studies in the liberal and creative arts, and provides you with opportunities to develop skills of critical and systematic thinking; an imaginative understanding and appreciation of the theory and practice of the social sciences, the humanities or the arts; and enhanced cultural sensitivity and understanding through genuine reciprocity of values.

The course develops capabilities inherent in interpreting sources of knowledge, and develops the capacity for quantitative and qualitative analysis, and the capacity for critique and creative thinking in various arts disciplines. At the same time, you will develop an understanding of psychology as a scientific discipline and appreciate the role it plays within society as a whole.

In the Bachelor of Arts (Psychology) you will:

• be exposed to a contemporary integrative approach to the understanding of psychology
• recognise the importance of, and interrelationships between, biological, developmental, social, cognitive, and developmental factors
• understand the broad areas of psychology, including behavioural and clinical neuroscience, child and adolescent psychology, relationships and the psychology of groups, cognitive psychology, forensic psychology, and psychopathology
• acquire knowledge and competence in the theory and practice of psychological assessment with a range of clients
• acquire knowledge and competence in the design and delivery of empirically informed treatment programs for a range of clients
• understand the subject matter, concepts and techniques of selected arts, social sciences and humanities disciplines at internationally recognised levels and standards 
• gain an awareness of ethical issues, social responsibility and cultural diversity in the arts and in psychological practice
• acquire cross-cultural and international awareness in order to take citizenship and leadership roles in local, national or international communities 
• reflect on the experience of personal and professional practice in international and cross-cultural settings and have the capacity to act in professionalised settings responsibly, ethically and with integrity.

The psychology and arts sequences seek to develop in students the skills required to integrate, evaluate, and communicate knowledge; produce new knowledge through research and analysis; apply knowledge of theory and methodology into professional situations; and work successfully both independently and in teams. Moreover, it strives to engage and enthuse students, instilling a lifelong passion for learning, coupled with the desire and confidence to become agents of positive change.

Professional recognition

Deakin's Bachelor of Arts (Psychology) is accredited by the Australian Psychology Accreditation Council (APAC) and enables you to undertake additional study in pursuit of professional registration.

Transition to University study
The faculty offers two units ASC160 Introduction to University Study and ALW117 Writing for Professional Practice, that are specifically designed to ease the transition into university study. New students are encouraged to enrol in one or both of these units in their first year.

Prerequisites
Since several disciplinary studies are cumulative, in that knowledge, technical competencies, and, study and research skills develop across units, there are prerequisites that direct students to take some units before others. Students must seek advice from a course adviser before enrolling in units for which they do not have prerequisite or recommended units.

Multi-level offerings
A number of units within the course are offered at more than one level, with appropriate adjustments to assessment requirements. Students who pass a unit at a particular level cannot enrol in the same unit at another level. For example, ASS205/ASS305 Anthropology of Poverty and Development is offered at levels 2 and 3. If students pass this unit at level 2, then they cannot enrol in it again at level 3.

Assessment
Assessment within the award of Bachelor of Arts (Psychology) varies from written assignments and examination to practical and technical exercises and performance. In some units assessment may also include class participation, online exercises, workshop exercises, and tests.

Cross-institutional arrangements
Continuing Deakin students may apply to study units offered by another Australian tertiary institution and have them credited to their Deakin University degree. Further information is available from Arts and Education Student Support and Enrolment Enquiries.

Fees and charges

Unit fees can be viewed within individual unit descriptions. You can search for a unit using the Unit Search.

Please be aware:

• Fees are calculated on a per unit basis
• Fees charged will depend on the individual units chosen
• Fees per unit/credit point may increase annually due to rises in the cost of course delivery and services

Course rules

To qualify for the Bachelor of Arts (Psychology), a student must successfully complete 24 credit points of study including:

• 10 credit points of Psychology units including the approved 10-credit-point Psychology major sequence
• 10 credit points of Arts units including an approved Arts major sequence of at least 8 credit points.
• 4 electives credit points from units offered by either Faculty or by another Faculty
• no more than 10 credit points at Level 1
• a minimum 4 credit points at level 3

Major sequences

Arts major sequence

Refer to A300 Bachelor of Arts handbook course entry for list of Arts majors on offer.

Course structure

Psychology core units

Level 1

Level 2

Level 3