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International student

You are an international student if you are:

  • a temporary resident (visa status) of Australia;
  • a permanent resident (visa status) of New Zealand;
  • a resident or citizen of any other country, intending to study on a student visa.
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Bachelor of Psychological Science (Honours)

Pathway to provisional registration

I am an international student ?International students are students who intend to study, or are currently studying, in Australia and are temporary residents of Australia, permanent residents of New Zealand, or residents or citizens of any other country.
Domestic International

Entry requirements for

I am an international student ?International students are students who intend to study, or are currently studying, in Australia and are temporary residents of Australia, permanent residents of New Zealand, or residents or citizens of any other country.
Domestic International
English requirements 6.5 IELTS overall score of 6.5 (with no band score less than 6.0) or equivalent View entry requirements
Academic requirements Course-specific academic requirements apply.
English requirements 6.5 IELTS overall score of 6.5 (with no band score less than 6.0) or equivalent View entry requirements
Academic requirements Course-specific academic requirements apply.
Campus
  • Burwood
  • Waurn Ponds
Duration 1 year full-time
Intakes Trimester 1 View how to apply
Fees $43,000 for 1 yr full-time AUD View fees and scholarships
EnquireApply

Pathway to provisional registration

#1 university in Melbourne for psychology facilities

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.

  • Progress to advanced study in psychology

    Complete an honours qualification that prepares you for postgraduate coursework or research programs in psychology and related fields.

  • #1 in Victoria for psychology facilities and resources

    Study in a leading learning environment designed to support advanced study and research.

  • Develop advanced research capability

    Design, conduct and communicate an independent research project, building strong analytical and research skills.

  • Strengthen assessment and practice skills

    Build advanced knowledge in psychological assessment, counselling and research methods.

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 international students walk through Burwood Campus.

Proven employability

Deakin graduates are highly valued by employers. Gain a degree you will value as much as your future career. #1 university in Melbourne for international student graduate employment.

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

*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.

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.

This learning journey is intended as a guide only. Individual study journeys may vary.

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

Academic Integrity and Respect at Deakin (0 credit points)
DAI001
Principles of Psychological Assessment
HPS431
Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
HPS432
Research Project A
HPS435

Trimester 2

Applied Counselling Skills (Advanced)
HPS433
Psychology Research Methods (Advanced)
HPS434
Research Project B
HPS436

Karolinska Institute exchange students must enrol in:

Research Project A (Karolinska Exchange)
HPS435X
Research Project B (Karolinska Exchange)
HPS436X

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 student smiling and holding a bag, dressed in business wear.

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.

Explore important dates

Campus
Trimester 1
Trimester 2
Trimester 3
BurwoodMelbourne
Waurn PondsGeelong

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

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
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

View detailed course and unit information in the Handbook

Your academic history, work and life experience, and individual circumstances will be considered. Meeting the minimum academic and English language requirements does not guarantee admission, but alternative pathways may be available.

Please note, places in this course are limited and selection is competitive. Meeting the minimum entry and course-specific requirements allows you to be considered for admission but does not guarantee an offer. Offers are made in order of merit until all available places are filled.

Entry requirements

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)

Get credit for your experience

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.

Admissions information

Learn more about Deakin courses and how we compare to other universities when it comes to the quality of our teaching and learning.

Fees

Estimated tuition fee

$43,000

for 1 yr full-time AUD

The estimated tuition fee above is based on a typical first-year full-time enrolment of 8 credit points and is provided as a guide only. Your tuition fees are determined by your course and unit enrolment. Your tuition fees will vary depending on your study load, the course duration, and any approved recognition of prior learning.

Learn more about tuition fees for international students.

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Scholarships

Deakin scholarships recognise your hard work and achievements. Our support can ease the financial pressure of studying in Australia so you stay focused on your success. Numbers are limited, so apply early for the best chance.

Browse scholarships

Apply now

Apply directly to Deakin

Applications can be made directly to the University through StudyLink Connect - Deakin University's International Student Application Service.

We recommend engaging with a Deakin Authorised Agent who can assist you with the process and submit the application.

Apply through StudyLink Connect

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.

Pathways

This course provides a pathway to higher degree by research courses and other postgraduate coursework programs.

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