Key facts
Duration
1 year full-time or part-time equivalent
Locations
Course overview
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.
Key dates
Direct applications to Deakin for Trimester 1 2027 close 18 November 2026
Current Deakin students
To access your official course details for the year you started your degree, please visit the handbook
- Award granted
- Bachelor of Psychological Science (Honours)
- Year
2027 course information
- Deakin code
- H452
- CRICOS code?Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students
- 022030A Burwood (Melbourne), Waurn Ponds (Geelong)
- Level
- Undergraduate
- Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) recognition
The award conferred upon completion is recognised in the Australian Qualifications Framework at Level 8
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Course structure
To complete the Bachelor of Psychological Science (Honours) you must pass 8 credit points. This includes:
- DAI001 Academic Integrity and Respect at Deakin (0-credit-point compulsory unit) in your first study period
- 8 credit points of core units
- including 4 credit points of an independent research project
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.
Students are required to meet the University's academic progress and conduct requirements.
Trimester 1
Trimester 2
Karolinska Institute exchange students must enrol in:
Intakes by location
The availability of a course varies across locations and intakes. This means that a course offered in Trimester 1 may not be offered in the same location for Trimester 2 or 3. Check each intake for up-to-date information on when and where you can commence your studies.
- Start date: March
- Available at:
You can commence Trimester 1 on a part-time or full-time basis.
- Start date: July
- Available at:
Applicants who wish to apply for the Trimester 2 intake must take note of the following:
Trimester 2 commences one week earlier than the Deakin calendar for H452 Bachelor of Psychological Science (Honours), the fourth-year of H345 Bachelor of Psychology (Honours) and H650 Graduate Diploma of Psychology (Advanced) courses.
You will be commencing Trimester 2 on a part-time basis with only course work units in T2 (HPS433/HPY710 Client-Centred Skills in Practice and HPS434/HPY712 Psychology Research Methods (Advanced).
Complete the course in the following year by undertaking the research thesis units (HPS435/HPY720) in Trimester 1 and (HPS436/HPY721) Trimester 2 and course work units (HPS431/HPS715 and HPS432/HPS742) in Trimester 1.
Deakin splits the academic year into three terms, known as trimesters. Most students usually undertake two trimesters each year (March-June, July-November).
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Course duration
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.
Mandatory student checks
There are no mandatory student checks required for this course.
Workload
You should be able to commit 35 hours a week to your honours degree.
Participation requirements
At Deakin, we’re committed to creating an inclusive learning environment that supports all students to succeed. We work closely with students to identify and reduce barriers, and where possible, provide tailored support to help students engage with learning and assessment activities, ensuring every student has the opportunity to belong and thrive.
If you are disabled, neurodivergent, Deaf, and/or you live with the effects of a mental health condition, chronic health condition, or other condition that impacts your studies or participation in university life, we encourage you to reach out to our Disability Resource Centre for a collaborative and confidential discussion.
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Work experience
Not applicable
Entry requirements
Selection is based on a holistic consideration of your academic merit, work experience, likelihood of success, availability of places, participation requirements, regulatory requirements, and individual circumstances. You will need to meet the minimum academic and English language proficiency requirements to be considered for selection, but this does not guarantee admission.
Please note, there are limited places in this course and entry is competitive. Applicants are strongly encouraged to submit an application as soon as possible. Applications for this course may close prior to the published closing date if all places are filled.
To be considered for admission to this degree you will need to meet the following criteria based on the type of applicant you are:
Internal applicants (current or recent Deakin University student):
- completion of a bachelor degree from Deakin University with an approved three-year major sequence in psychology, with a minimum of a mid-credit (65%) in Research Methods B and a minimum average of 65% over all level-2 and level-3 psychology core units
- completion of a Graduate Diploma in Psychological Science or Graduate Diploma of Psychological Studies from Deakin University, with a minimum of a mid-credit (65%) in Research Methods B and a minimum average of 65% over all level-2 and level-3 psychology core units
- Applicants who completed their courses in psychology more than 10 years ago will need to articulate how they have maintained currency of Level 1 Foundational Competencies. This can be done by providing a CV showing recent and substantial relevant work in a related field (i.e., social work or counselling), and/or evidence of successful completion of formal tertiary qualifications in a related discipline. Applicants who do not meet this standard will be encouraged to complete H603 Graduate Diploma of Psychological Science before re-applying
Note: Applicants will be ranked on the basis of the marks achieved in the level-2 and level-3 HPS core units completed at Deakin University. This rank may also take into account marks achieved for level-2 or level-3 psychology core units (or their equivalent) completed at another institution and for which the applicant received recognition of prior learning from Deakin University.
External applicants (not a current or recent Deakin University student):
- completion of a bachelor degree (with an APAC accredited three-year major sequence in psychology), with a minimum of a mid-credit (65%) in a level three psychology research methods unit and a minimum average of 75% over all level-2 and level-3 psychology core units
- completion of a Foundation Level 1 APAC accredited psychology course or equivalent (for example: a 1 year bridging course - Graduate Diploma of Psychology), with a minimum of a mid-credit (65%) in level three psychology research methods unit and a minimum average of 75% over all level-2 and level-3 psychology core units
- Applicants who completed their courses in psychology more than 10 years ago will need to articulate how they have maintained currency of Level 1 Foundational Competencies. This can be done by providing a CV showing recent and substantial relevant work in a related field (i.e., social work or counselling), and/or evidence of successful completion of formal tertiary qualifications in a related discipline. Applicants who do not meet this standard will be encouraged to complete H603 Graduate Diploma of Psychological Science before re-applying
Indigenous Entry Stream (recognised as an Indigenous Australian):
- completion of a bachelor degree (with an APAC accredited three-year major sequence in psychology), with a minimum of a mid-credit (65%) in a level three psychology Research Methods unit and a minimum average of 65% over all level-2 and level-3 psychology core units
- completion of a Foundation level 1 APAC accredited psychology course or equivalent (for example: a 1 year bridging course - Graduate Diploma of Psychology) with a minimum of a mid-credit (65%) in level three psychology Research Methods unit and a minimum average of 65% over all level-2 and level-3 psychology core units.
- Applicants who completed their courses in psychology more than 10 years ago will need to articulate how they have maintained currency of Level 1 Foundational Competencies. This can be done by providing a CV showing recent and substantial relevant work in a related field (i.e., social work or counselling), and/or evidence of successful completion of formal tertiary qualifications in a related discipline. Applicants who do not meet this standard will be encouraged to complete H603 Graduate Diploma of Psychological Science before re-applying
For more information on the Indigenous Entry Scheme including eligibility and how to apply, visit the Indigenous Entry Scheme page.
To meet the English language proficiency requirements of this course, you will need to demonstrate at least one of the following:
- Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) English Units 3 and 4: Study score of at least 30 in English as an Additional Language (EAL) or at least 25 in any other English
- IELTS overall score of 6.5 (with no band score less than 6.0) or equivalent
- other evidence of English language proficiency (learn more about other ways to satisfy the requirements)
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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.
Fees and scholarships
Fee information
Estimated tuition fee - (CSP) ?Enrolling in a Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP) means the Australian Government pays part of your course fees directly to Deakin, and you pay a 'student contribution'.
$9,881 for 1 yr full-time - Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP)
Learn more about fees.
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.
Scholarship options
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.
Apply now
Apply directly to Deakin
To apply, create an account in the Deakin Application Portal, enter your personal details and education experience, upload supporting documents and submit. Need help? Play this video, or contact one of our friendly future student advisers on 1800 693 888 or submit an online enquiry.
Pathways
This course provides a pathway to higher degree by research courses and other postgraduate coursework programs.
Career outcomes
Upon graduation, if you choose not to continue with further study in psychology, your possible career options include work in:
- hospitals and clinics
- mental health organisations
- community support services
- human resources
- marketing and social research
- corrective services
- policy development
- justice and advocacy systems.
If you choose to continue studying to pursue full registration as a psychologist, you may find employment in a variety of settings such as:
- clinical psychologist
- cognitive neuroscientist
- counsellor
- criminal psychologist
- educational and developmental psychologist
- family therapist
- forensic psychologist
- health and community psychologist
- mental health officer
- organisational psychologist
- rehabilitation counsellor
- sport and exercise psychologist
- youth psychologist.
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.
Deakin's graduate learning outcomes describe the knowledge and capabilities graduates can demonstrate at the completion of their course. These outcomes mean that regardless of the Deakin course you undertake, you can rest assured your degree will teach you the skills and professional attributes that employers value. They'll set you up to learn and work effectively in the future.
| Course Learning Outcomes |
|---|
| 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. |
Note – From 2026, Deakin commenced introducing Graduate Attributes (GAs), which define the distinctive characteristics of a Deakin graduate. You may notice some courses still refer to Graduate Learning Outcomes (GLOs) during this transition period.
*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.
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