Pathway to provisional registration
#1 Victorian university for psychology facilities and resources
Independent research thesis
Why choose psychological science at Deakin
Build advanced psychology research and assessment skills with the Bachelor of Psychological Science (Honours). Designed for students seeking a pathway towards provisional registration and postgraduate psychology training, the course combines advanced coursework with independent research.
During your honours year, you will deepen your understanding of psychological theory, assessment and research while developing advanced analytical, counselling and communication skills. You will explore psychological assessment methods, counselling approaches and research design, strengthening your ability to critically analyse and apply psychological evidence.
Working closely with experienced psychology researchers and academics, you will complete an independent research thesis in an area of psychology. Accredited by the Australian Psychology Accreditation Council (APAC), the course provides a pathway to provisional registration and further postgraduate psychology study.
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Take the next step towards registration
Complete an honours qualification that supports your pathway to provisional registration and postgraduate study in psychology.
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#1 in Victoria for psychology facilities and resources
Study in a leading learning environment designed to support advanced study and research.
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Develop advanced research capability
Design, conduct and communicate an independent research project, building the skills needed for further study and research-informed practice.
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Strengthen assessment and practice skills
Build advanced knowledge in psychological assessment, counselling and research methods through focused honours-level coursework.
Connected to industry
Deakin’s strong industry connections help shape your learning. Build practical experience in real workplace contexts through work-integrated learning, mentoring and networking opportunities. Industry advisory boards also help shape our degrees, which means what you study is current, relevant and aligned to what your future employers need.
Deakin puts employability first
Career outcomes
Deakin's Bachelor of Psychological Science (Honours) equips you with an understanding of human behaviour and the research, communication and critical thinking skills employers value.
Psychologist
Support individuals, families and communities to improve their mental health and wellbeing. Psychologists assess behaviour, deliver evidence-based interventions and help people navigate emotional, social and behavioural challenges.
- $108k
Typical annual salary in Australia
- 16.8%
Projected job growth in 5 years
- 4.3/5
Job satisfaction
Human resources adviser
Apply your understanding of human behaviour to support recruitment, employee wellbeing and workplace culture. Human resources advisers act as a trusted source of guidance for employees and managers across a range of organisations.
- $100k
Typical annual salary in Australia
- 13.1%
Projected job growth in 5 years
Industries you may work in
- Healthcare
- Education
- Community services
- Government
- Public health
- Human resources
Key dates
Direct applications
Trimester 1 2027 applications close 18 November 2026
FAQs
Yes – every Deakin student can access work-integrated learning (WIL) in their degree. Each year, more than 30,000+ students complete a placement or internship with partners including Microsoft, KPMG, EY and the National Australia Bank. You can access WIL through placements, industry projects, field-based experiences, simulations and global programs, helping you apply your skills and graduate with the experience and confidence employers value.
DeakinTALENT is Deakin's award-winning career service, and you can access it for life – not just while you're studying. From personalised career coaching sessions and AI-enhanced resume support to a jobs and internships board with employment opportunities, it’s designed to give you the career management skills and connections you need to stand out. Every Deakin degree is built with input from employers, so your course is designed around real workplace needs, now and into the future.
Entry requirements and the minimum ATAR vary by degree and are detailed on the degree page, but if your ATAR is below the cut-off, you still have options. Use the pathway finder tool to find the opportunities available to you, including associate degrees and Deakin Guaranteed ATAR, which offers eligible students a guaranteed entry score that's on average 10 points below the lowest selection rank. If you don't have an ATAR, Deakin Uni Ready is a free, supported program designed to build your skills and confidence and open doors to degrees in arts, health, science and business. Access programs and equity schemes are also available.
At Deakin, employability isn't an add-on – it's built in. Our degrees are designed with industry input, so your skills are aligned to what employers actually need. Every Deakin student can access work-integrated learning through opportunities such as placements, internships and industry projects, helping you build your professional network and practical experience before you even graduate. It's an approach that works: nine out of 10 Deakin graduates get a job within four to six months of finishing their degree.
Yes. Most eligible undergraduate students are offered a Commonwealth Supported Place meaning the government subsidises part of your tuition fees. If eligible, you can pay your student contribution using a HECS-HELP loan that you only start repaying once your income is above the repayment threshold. Deakin has scholarships that cater to our diverse student community, ranging from $5,000 per year for high ATAR achievers to $10,000 per year for students facing financial or personal hardship. The University also offers support services including financial counselling, budgeting help and access to short-term, interest-free loans to help you stay on track.
Deakin is the #1 Victorian university for student support and that starts the moment you accept your offer. Orientation is designed to help you feel welcome and get to know your community of classmates and teachers from day one. Across all campuses, there's a vibrant student community with clubs, events and opportunities to build real friendships. Deakin offers a range of services to help students stay healthy and safe, including sport and fitness facilities, free counselling, on-campus medical services and around-the-clock security.
Yes, and it's straightforward. You can transfer to Deakin in a few steps and apply for credit through recognition of prior learning (RPL), so you won't necessarily repeat subjects you've already completed. If you're coming from a TAFE partner, you may get guaranteed entry into second year with guaranteed RPL. Deakin's three-trimester system also means you may be able to start mid-year rather than waiting until March.
Most Deakin courses run across three trimesters per year instead of the traditional two semesters. Trimester 1 begins around March, Trimester 2 around July and Trimester 3 around November, each with roughly 12 weeks of teaching followed by an exam period. This means you can usually start your degree at three different points in the year and have more flexibility to manage your study load. Check the intakes by location section on the course page for details.
*Deakin references data from a range of government, higher education and reputable media sources. Learn more about our achievements on our University rankings page, or explore our sources page for supporting references.
Some courses have limited places, apply early to avoid missing out.
What will I study in the Bachelor of Psychological Science (Honours)?
The Bachelor of Psychological Science (Honours) develops advanced knowledge and skills in psychology through a focused program of coursework and independent research. You will deepen your understanding of psychological theory, assessment and research while building the capability to apply evidence in professional contexts.
Complete honours and undertake advanced research
Strengthen assessment and research knowledge
Build advanced understanding of psychological assessment and research methods, including systematic review and meta-analysis, to evaluate and interpret behaviour.
Develop applied practice skills
Build advanced counselling and communication skills to support professional psychological practice.
Complete your honours thesis
Design, conduct and communicate an independent research project, from proposal through to final thesis, demonstrating your ability to apply research in academic and professional contexts.
Course structure
To complete the Bachelor of Psychological Science (Honours), you must pass 8 credit points.
Most units are equal to one credit point. As a full-time student you will study four credit points per trimester and usually undertake two trimesters per year.
Are you a current student? For course information that applies to the year you started your degree, visit the handbook.
All students are required to meet the University's academic progress and conduct requirements
Units
Trimester 1
Trimester 2
Karolinska Institute exchange students must enrol in:
Professional recognition
This course is recognised for registration purposes by the Psychology Board of Australia (PBA) and is accredited by the Australian Psychology Accreditation Council (APAC). As a graduate, you will be eligible to apply for provisional registration as a psychologist and for entry to APAC accredited master or doctoral level training programs that lead to registration as a psychologist.
What to expect while studying
You may be able to study available units in the optional third trimester to fast-track your degree, however your course duration may be extended if there are delays in meeting course requirements, such as completing a placement.
There are no mandatory student checks required for this course.
You should be able to commit 35 hours a week to your honours degree.
Not applicable
At Deakin, we're committed to ensuring an inclusive environment that supports all students to belong, thrive and succeed. We work closely with students, where needed, to identify potential barriers to participation and where possible, provide tailored support so students can engage with learning and assessment activities.
If you are neurodivergent, have a disability, health condition or mental health condition that may impact your study or participation in university life, and want to know how Deakin could support you, contact our Domestic students (opens in a new window) or International students (opens in a new window) or Disability Resource Centre (opens email client) teams for a collaborative and confidential discussion. This discussion is to support you to make plans for your studies and future career and will not have any bearing on your application to the course.
When can I start?
When you study depends on your course, location and available intakes. Check the table to see when you can start and how study is offered throughout the year.
Your course learning outcomes describe the knowledge, skills and capabilities you’ll develop and be able to demonstrate by the time you graduate. Built into your course through your units and assessments, they provide a clear picture of what you’ll be equipped to know, understand and do – preparing you to apply your learning with confidence beyond university.
| Course Learning Outcomes |
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| Apply and integrate advanced theoretical, empirical, and practical knowledge in psychological assessment, counselling, and research methods to inform evidence-based reasoning, research design, and pre-professional psychological practice |
| Demonstrate clear and effective written and oral communication skills to convey complex psychological knowledge and ideas tailored to diverse audiences including laypeople, professionals, and researchers. |
| Apply advanced skills and ethical principles to select and use digital tools to collect, interpret, adapt, analyse, and communicate discipline-specific psychological information in the context of pre-professional psychology practice. |
| Critically evaluate, integrate, and synthesise complex scientific evidence, and apply this knowledge to assessment, counselling, and case management to support evidence-based pre-professional psychology practice. |
| Use critical thinking, sceptical inquiry, and the scientific approach to collaboratively interpret, analyse and respond to problems in psychological research and practice including psychological assessment, counselling, and case management. |
| Demonstrate professional reflexivity and self-management through critical reflection, self-care and purposeful learning, emphasising accountability for pre-professional development in psychology. |
| Work effectively and respectfully with others across diverse cultural, disciplinary, and professional contexts, in preparation for interprofessional psychological practice. |
| Apply ethical principles and cultural responsiveness to work collaboratively and reflectively in diverse social, cultural, and global contexts relevant to psychology. |
- Award granted
- Bachelor of Psychological Science (Honours)
- Year
2027 course information
- Deakin code
- H452
- Level
- Undergraduate
- Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) recognition
The award conferred upon completion is recognised in the Australian Qualifications Framework at Level 8
Fees
Estimated tuition fee
$9,881
for 1 yr full-time - Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP)
The estimated tuition (student contribution) fee above is based on a typical first-year full-time enrolment of 8 credit points and is provided as a guide only. Your student contribution is determined by the units you enrol in and will vary depending on the units you choose, your study load, the course duration, and any approved recognition of prior learning. You may also be eligible for a HECS-HELP loan to defer payment of all or part of your student contribution.
Check your eligibility or learn more about CSP or HECS-HELP.
Scholarships
We want to help you excel at Deakin. Our scholarships recognise your dedication and achievements, providing financial support that can ease the cost of living and studying. With less pressure, you'll have more freedom to focus on what matters most – your education and future success.
Applications for 2027 are open
Ready to take the next step? Apply now to start your journey at Deakin. Places in this course are limited and entry is competitive, so we encourage you to submit your application early.
Key dates
Direct applications
Trimester 1 2027 applications close 18 November 2026
Apply now
Apply direct
Simply create an account in the Deakin Application Portal, enter your personal and educational details, upload your supporting documents and submit your application.
Recognition of prior learning
We value your previous study and experience. Recognition of prior learning enables you to get credit for what you've already achieved. When you apply, we'll consider your previous study and experience for recognition of prior learning.
Students who have completed components of an APAC-accredited fourth year course may apply for recognition of prior learning for up to four credit points. Recognition of prior learning can only be granted for units that are determined by the unit chairs and course directors to be equivalent to units in the Bachelor of Psychological Science (Honours) in content and assessment requirements. Recognition of prior learning cannot be granted for the thesis units or for studies completed as part of courses that are not APAC-accredited.
Pathways
This course provides a pathway to higher degree by research courses and other postgraduate coursework programs.