Key facts
Duration
1 year full-time
Locations
Course overview
Gain an insight into why people think, feel and behave the way they do. After a solid foundation in the elements of human behaviour, your Bachelor of Psychological Science (Honours) year allows you to pursue a career as a psychologist, and prepare yourself for postgraduate study.
Do you want to learn from industry professionals and begin a rewarding psychology career?
During your honours year, you will get the chance to build on your relevant undergraduate degree and learn an extended range of psychological assessment methods, as well as gain an understanding of the process of formulating psychological opinion in casework.
The research and analytical skills you develop in your honours year will strengthen the quality of your research projects, and become indispensable tools in your future career.
Upon graduating, you will be eligible to apply for provisional registration as a psychologist with the Psychology Board of Australia (PBA). If you would like to pursue full registration, you can go on to complete two years of relevant work under the supervision of a registered psychologist, or complete a master’s or doctorate that includes work placement. Students wishing to become fully registered psychologists can then apply to continue their study by undertaking one of the following:
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
2026 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.
All students are required to meet the University's academic progress and conduct requirements.
The Bachelor of Psychological Science (Honours) consists of 2 components: coursework and a thesis.
The coursework component (consisting of classes and seminars) contributes 50% to the final grade of Honours awarded. Part-time students must complete the coursework component in the first year of their course. As required by the accreditation guidelines of the Australian Psychological Society, the coursework covers:
- research methods;
- issues in psychological assessment; and
- Applied Counselling Skills (Advanced)
For further details of the coursework component, see the unit description for HPS431, HPS432, HPS433 and HPS434
The thesis component (see HPS435 and HPS436) contributes 50% to the final grade of honours awarded. The thesis is a write-up of an individual research project based on an original piece of empirical research. A range of types of data (qualitative, quantitative, subjective, objective) and a range of data-collection settings and methodologies can be used as the basis of the thesis component. The Fourth Year Thesis consists of 4 components:
Research Project A in Trimester 1
1. Thesis literature review draft (1500-2000 words; 0% hurdle assessment)
2. Thesis proposal presentation (10-minute oral presentation; 0% hurdle assessment)
Research Project B in Trimester 2
3. Thesis poster (A0 research poster; 0% hurdle assessment)
4. Thesis (5500-6000 words; 4 credit points; 100%).
Students are encouraged to attend the annual School Fourth Year Conference online.
Karolinska Institute exchange students must enrol in HPS435X Research Project A (Karolinska Exchange) and HPS436X Research Project B (Karolinska Exchange).
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:
- Burwood (Melbourne)
- Waurn Ponds (Geelong)
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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Fees and scholarships
Fee information
Estimated tuition fee - full-fee paying place
$41,600 for 1 yr full-time AUD
Learn more about fees and your options for paying.
The tuition fees you pay are determined by the course you are enrolled in. The 'Estimated tuition fee' is provided as a guide only and represents the typical first-year tuition fees for students enrolled in this course. The cost will vary depending on the units you choose, your study load, the length of your course and any approved Recognition of prior learning you have.
Each unit you enrol in has a credit point value. The 'Estimated tuition fee' is calculated by adding together eight credit points of a typical combination of units for this course. Eight credit points is used as it represents a typical full-time enrolment load for a year.
You can find the credit point value of each unit under the Unit Description by searching for the unit in the handbook.
Learn more about international student fees.
Scholarship options
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.
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.
Need more information on how to apply?
For information on the application process, including required documents and important dates, visit the How to apply webpage.
If you need assistance, please contact us.
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.
| Deakin Graduate Learning Outcomes | Course Learning Outcomes |
|---|---|
| Discipline-specific knowledge and capabilities | 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 |
| Communication | 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. |
| Digital literacy | 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. |
| Critical thinking | 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. |
| Problem solving | 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. |
| Self-management | Demonstrate professional reflexivity and self-management through critical reflection, self-care and purposeful learning, emphasising accountability for pre-professional development in psychology. |
| Teamwork | Work effectively and respectfully with others across diverse cultural, disciplinary, and professional contexts, in preparation for interprofessional psychological practice. |
| Global citizenship | Apply ethical principles and cultural responsiveness to work collaboratively and reflectively in diverse social, cultural, and global contexts relevant to psychology. |
*Deakin references data from a range of government, higher education and reputable media sources. For more information, visit our University rankings page.
