Bachelor of Arts (Psychology)
Course summary for local students
Student Information Centre
Tel 1300 334 733
enquire@deakin.edu.au
B = Melbourne Burwood Campus
G = Geelong Waurn Ponds Campus
S = Geelong Waterfront Campus
W =Warrnambool Campus
X = Off campus
| Award granted | Bachelor of Arts (Psychology) |
|---|---|
| Campus | Offered at Melbourne Burwood Campus, Geelong Waurn Ponds Campus, Warrnambool Campus |
| Off-campus | Yes |
| Length | 3 years full-time or part-time equivalent |
| Next available intake | March (Trimester 1), July (Trimester 2), November (Trimester 3) |
| Indicative annual fee 2013 | $5,870* - Commonwealth Supported Place (HECS) |
| Faculty contacts | Arts and Education Student Support and Enrolment Enquiries artsedstudentsupport@deakin.edu.au
artsedstudentsupport@deakin.edu.au
|
| Level | Undergraduate |
| VTAC Codes | 16261 - Burwood (Melbourne), Commonwealth Supported Place (HECS) 16271 - Burwood (Melbourne) - off campus, Commonwealth Supported Place (HECS) 16281 - Waurn Ponds (Geelong), Commonwealth Supported Place (HECS) 18301 - Warrnambool, Commonwealth Supported Place (HECS) |
| CRICOS course code | 077384J |
| Deakin course code | A301 |
New course commencing 2013. | |
Course sub-headings
- Course overview
- Professional recognition
- Fees and charges
- Career opportunities
- Course rules
- Major sequences
- Course structure
- Entry requirements - general
- Entry requirements - specific
- Credit for prior learning - general
- How to apply
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.
Fees and charges
Equivalent Full Time Student Load (EFTSL)EFTSL is the standard annual full time load. Eight credit points is the standard full time load for one year of study.
Commonwealth supported place (CSP)
A Commonwealth supported place is one for which the university receives some government funding. As such, students enrolled in these places are required to contribute only part of the cost of their course. To be eligible for a Commonwealth supported place you must be an Australian citizen, or a New Zealand citizen or holder of a permanent visa who will be residing in Australia for the duration of your unit/s of study.
* The "indicative annual course fee" cited has been provided as a guide only. It has been calculated on the basis of a typical enrolment of a student undertaking the course in 2013, and reflects the cost involved in undertaking a full-time quota of units within the specified discipline.
The actual fees charged by Deakin University will depend upon the discipline from which each individual unit is chosen, and may vary from the indicative course fee cited, particularly if units are chosen from a number of disciplines. The cost of each unit offered in 2013 can be viewed from the Unit Search.
Please note that the fees per unit/credit point may increase annually due to rises in the cost of course delivery and service.
Deakin assumes no responsibility for persons relying on "indicative course fees" to calculate the total future cost of their course.
Career opportunities
As a Deakin Bachelor of Arts (Psychology) graduate you will develop some of the most important skills a student can gain at university. You will become expert at managing knowledge and communicating information, and develop skills of critical analysis and systematic thinking.
Graduates of this course will be well placed to enter a variety of employment fields after a combination of a broad range of specialised and general skills, often demanded by today's employers. Some of these fields include psychology, media and communication, photography, politics and policy studies, history, languages and visual arts. The broad range of major sequence options ensures that graduates have the opportunity to gain qualifications in a number of areas.
On completion of this degree, you may choose to undertake an honours degree or postgraduate study. These studies normally provide professional qualifications directed to a particular career.
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
| HPS111 | Introduction to Psychology A |
| HPS121 | Introduction to Psychology B |
Level 2
| HPS201 | Research Methods in Psychology A |
| HPS202 | Child and Adolescent Development |
| HPS205 | Behavioural Neuroscience |
| HPS203 | Understanding the Mind |
| HPS204 | Introduction to Social Psychology |
Level 3
| HPS301 | Research Methods in Psychology B |
| HPS307 | Personality |
| HPS308 | Psychopathology |
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.
Entry requirements - general
Deakin University offers admission to undergraduate courses through a number of Admission categories.In all categories of admission, selection is based primarily on academic merit as indicated by an applicant's previous academic record.
For more information on the Deakin Admissions Policy visit The Guide.
Entry requirements - specific
Applicants should have successfully completed VCE, or equivalent, including Units 3 and 4–a study score of at least 25 in English (ESL) or 20 in any other English.
The Faculty offers alternative entry options for mature age and other special categories of applicants. Information about these is available in the VTAC guide and on the Deakin University’s website at http://www.deakin.edu.au/future-students/applications-enrolments/index.php
Credit for prior learning - general
The University aims to provide students with as much credit as possible for approved prior study or informal learning which exceeds the normal entrance requirements for the course and is within the constraints of the course regulations. Students are required to complete a minimum of one-third of the course at Deakin University, or four credit points, whichever is the greater. In the case of certificates, including graduate certificates, a minimum of two credit points within the course must be completed at Deakin.
You can also refer to the Credit for Prior Learning (Credit Transfer) Search which outlines the credit that may be granted towards a Deakin University degree.
How to apply
Applications for on and off campus study for Trimester 1 must be made through the Victorian Tertiary Admission Centre (VTAC). For more information refer to VTAC (external site).
Applications for Trimester 2 and Trimester 3 must be made directly to the University through the Applicant Portal. For information on the application process and closing dates, see the Apply web page. Please note that closing dates may vary for individual courses.
