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Bachelor of Psychological Science with Honours (M4Y)

Overview (2027)

Duration

Minimum 1 Year, up to a maximum of 3 years.

This course is available to study as both part-time or full-time
Duration
Duration refers to the minimum and maximum amounts of time in which this course can be completed. It will be affected by whether you choose to study full or part time, noting that some programs are only available part time.

Location

Hobart
Semester 1
Launceston
Semester 1

It is the science behind how the brain processes spelling and language that drove Emilia’s passion to study the Bachelor of Psychological Science with Honours.

Read more about Emilia's story.

Dr Rosalind Woodworth, Dr Rosalind Woodworth, psychology graduate

Take your academic journey further with an Honours degree.

An Honours year is a one-year full time or part time program designed for high-achieving students who are ready to deepen their expertise and explore their passion through research.Honours is designed to provide students with the opportunities to learn the ethical principles, and content areas of psychology as a scientific discipline.

The Bachelor of Psychological Science with Honours, BPsychSc(Hons) is an Australian Psychology Accreditation Council (APAC) accredited fourth year program in Psychology.

The BPsychSc(Hons) program provides training in research, advanced theoretical topics and an introduction to professional training. Honours combines advanced study with a significant research project in your chosen field which you’ll also undertake with an academic supervisor, which lays the foundation for further psychology qualifications.

Whether you're aiming to boost your employability, develop specialised analytical skills, or pave the way to a PhD, an Honours degree offers a powerful platform to elevate your academic and professional future.

The BPsychSc(Hons) is normally undertaken by full-time study. Part-time enrolments require prospective approval from the School of Psychological Sciences. Students must have first graduated with an APAC accredited undergraduate degree in Psychology.

  • 1 Conduct and evaluate research in an ethical manner, which includes responsible personal and professional behaviour
  • 2 Collaborate with peers and integrate diverse viewpoints to complete complex projects.
  • 3 Assess the potential influences of personal, professional, and cultural interests in problems related to behaviour, mental processes and health.
  • 4 Apply the scientific method to construct explanations for behaviour that synthesise the influences of diverse personal, professional, and cultural perspectives, and embrace the complexity and ambiguity of competing alternatives.
  • 5 Construct and communicate coherent and integrated arguments for contemporary problems in psychological science that uses language, exemplars and level of complexity for different audiences.

Improve your communication, teamwork and leadership skills, meet new people, inspire and help others, and developing lasting friendships and networks as a student ambassador. Our ambassadors proudly represent the University throughout Tasmania in schools, at University and community events, and support a range of recruitment and engagement activities.

Through the Student Ambassador Program you will have many opportunities for training and professional development, experience in real-world community engagement and outreach, networking, and public speaking, plus end up with a key point of distinction on your CV.

Tasmania is a place filled with creativity, industry, nature, and adventure. Because we’re the only university in the state, you get close access to the industry leaders, artists, and deep thinkers who are shaping our island. That means learning alongside the very best so you can hone your job skills for a successful career.

Whatever you’re passionate about, we’ll give you a hands-on education and an unforgettable adventure with our work integrated learning opportunities.

The Bachelor of Psychological Science with Honours is a professionally accredited degree. This course is accredited by the Australian Psychology Accreditation Council (APAC). 

Note that completing the Bachelor of Psychological Science with Honours does not entitle graduates to register or practice as a psychologist. To be eligible to register as a psychologist, graduates must complete an APAC accredited Honours year[(e.g., Bachelor of Psychological Science (Honours)), followed by an APAC accredited postgraduate degree.

If you have any queries about the accreditation process, please contact us for further information. 
 

Career outcomes

There is great demand for psychologists in Australia, with the number of psychologists expected to grow by 31.4% by 2034.* There are many career pathways available for students who complete a degree in psychology including:

  • Mental Health Services
  • Aged, Family and Child Services
  • Community Health and Welfare
  • Health Services Support e.g. Drug and Alcohol, Cancer, Disability, Rehabilitation
  • Human Resource Management
  • Marketing and Market Research
  • Employment and Training Services
  • Teaching
  • Probation and Parole Services
  • Policy and Planning

* Labour Market Insights, 2024 Employment projections for the ten years to 2034.

If you aim to become a registered psychologist, there are two options open to you after completing an APAC accredited Honours degree in psychology:

Option 1: 5 + 1 Internship Pathway e.g. Master of Professional Psychology

Option 2: APAC-accredited postgraduate professional psychology degree e.g. Master of Psychology (Clinical)

For further information about these options refer to the Australian Psychological Society.

Postgraduate study

In addition to the above, if you successfully complete this course, you may be also be eligible to apply for a range of other postgraduate courses including Graduate Certificates and Graduate Diplomas and Masters by coursework and research. Find out more about postgraduate Psychology.

Course structure

An accredited fourth year in psychology must provide students with advanced education and training in core areas and must contain a substantial individual research project. An opportunity for coverage of applied topics and applied skills as a basis for subsequent training in advanced professional skills may also be offered.

The course comprises four coursework units (50%), plus a research thesis (50%).

Full time students should enrol in all coursework and research units. Students approved to study part-time should enrol in the four coursework units in Year 1 and the two Research Project units in Year 2.

Entry requirements

Please note: The closing time and date for the receipt of applications for admission to the Bachelor of Psychological Science with Honours degree in 2027 is 11.59pm on 31st October 2026 (AEDT). Incomplete and late applications will not be considered.

We encourage you to apply for the courses you most want to study. If you are not eligible to enter your chosen course right now, the UTAS admissions team will work with you to find the best pathway option. 

Enquire online for advice on the application process and the available pathways to study at UTAS. 


The entrance requirements for the Psychology Honours Program include a Bachelor's Degree (BA, BSc, BPsychSc, BBehavSc or equivalent) with a sequence in Psychology accredited by the Australian Psychology Accreditation Council, and a good academic record. Applicants are expected to have a substantial background in psychology, including statistical methods. Applicants who have completed their undergraduate studies at the University of Tasmania will have completed the twelve APAC accredited psychology units (four each at 100, 200 and 300 level).

Applicants should note that meeting minimum entrance requirements does not guarantee entry to the Psychology Honours Program as each year the number of applicants greatly exceeds the number of places. Places are limited by the availability of research facilities and staff resources. A competitive entry process is followed based on academic merit. Candidates who have completed their undergraduate studies at the University of Tasmania would normally be expected to obtain at least a Distinction average in the 200 and 300 level units of the psychology accredited sequence. Candidates who have completed their undergraduate degree at other institutions would normally be expected to have a UTAS equivalent GPA calculated based on the grades achieved in the APAC accredited undergraduate degree from their institution.

Aboriginal Entry Pathway
An Aboriginal Entry Pathway exists to facilitate access for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander applicants to enter the Bachelor of Psychological Science with Honours program. 

Rural Entry Pathway 
If you live in a disadvantaged outer regional/rural area of Australia, you may be eligible to apply via the Rural Application Process.¿Eligibility is based on location. Up to 10% of offers made into the course each year will be reserved for applicants applying through this pathway and who meet the minimum eligibility criteria for the course (at least a distinction average in the 200 and 300 level unit of an accredited psychology sequence). 

You must have lived in a disadvantaged regional or remote area of Australia prior to commencing this course for: 
•    Five or more consecutive years, OR 
•    Ten cumulative years 

You will be asked to provide these addresses, and the dates (month/year) for which you lived there, when completing your application to study this course. 
 
Applicants must meet eligibility criteria for both rural location and relative disadvantage at the date of application. 
•    Rural location criteria: Modified Monash Model¿areas MM3 – MM7. 
•    Relative disadvantage criteria: SEIFA Relative Socio-economic Disadvantage (IRSD) decile less than 5 in Australia 

For further information regarding applying for the Psychology Honours Program please refer to the Psychology Honours FAQs 2027

 

Please note: The closing time and date for the receipt of applications for admission to the Bachelor of Psychological Science with Honours degree in 2027 is 11.59pm on 31st October 2026 (AEDT). Incomplete and late applications will not be considered.

Admission to Honours courses at the University of Tasmania require qualifications equivalent to an Australian Bachelor degree. Applicants must achieve the required grade in their qualifying studies, meet any prerequisite subjects and the English language requirements to be eligible for an offer. Admission is conditional on research project and supervisor availability.

English Language Requirements

This degree requires IELTS (Academic) Score 6.5 (no individual band less than 6.0), or PTE Academic 58 with no score lower than 50.

For students who do not meet the English Language Requirement through citizenship or prior studies in English in an approved country, evidence of an approved English language test completed within the last 2 years must be provided. See the English Language Requirements page for more information.

Course Specific Requirements
The entrance requirements for the Psychology Honours Program include a Bachelor's Degree (BA, BSc, BPsychSc, BBehavSc or equivalent) with a sequence in Psychology accredited by the Australian Psychology Accreditation Council, and a good academic record. Applicants are expected to have a substantial background in psychology, including statistical methods. Applicants who have completed their undergraduate studies at the University of Tasmania will have completed the 12 APAC accredited psychology units (4 each at 100, 200 and 300 level).
Applicants from international institutions will need to demonstrate they have completed equivalent units by providing an Australian Psychological Society (APS) assessment of the qualification to confirm equivalence with an APAC-accredited undergraduate program in Psychology:

Assessment of Psychology Qualifications.

Applicants should note that meeting minimum entrance requirements does not guarantee entry to the Psychology Honours Program as each year the number of applicants greatly exceeds the number of places. Places are limited by the availability of research facilities and staff resources. A competitive entry process is followed based on academic merit. Candidates would normally be expected to obtain at least a Distinction average in the 200 and 300 level units in an accredited undergraduate sequence in Psychology.

For further information regarding applying for the Psychology Honours Program please refer to the Psychology Honours FAQs 2027.

Applications for credit can be made in your course application. Find out more information about how to apply for a credit transfer/advanced standing at Recognition of Prior Learning.

 

BPsych(Hons) graduates will be eligible to apply for entry to postgraduate professional training courses in psychology, e.g. MPsych(Clin), MProfPsych and other professional specialisations offered at the University of Tasmania and other tertiary institutions.

Detailed admissions information and advice for all undergraduate courses, including comprehensive, course-level student profiles, is available from UTAS Admissions.

Fees & scholarships

Domestic students

Commonwealth supported places (CSP) are available for this course. For eligible domestic students, this means your fees will be subsidised by the Australian Government. You’ll only need to pay the student contribution amount for each unit you study within the course.

Commonwealth Supported Place indicative annual fee: $9,402

How is this calculated?

This is an estimate. The calculation is based on the average full-time enrolment for this course in 2026. All figures are indicative only for 2027. Actual tuition fees will depend on specific unit enrolment, and are subject to annual increases each year. You can find the complete fee details for each unit of study on the individual unit pages. The units for this course are found in the course structure section of this page.

These figures do not include other costs such as the Student Services and Amenities Fee (SSAF). For further information, please visit Scholarships, fees and costs.

HECS-HELP loans

You may be able to defer payment of the student contribution amount by accessing a HECS-HELP loan from the Government. If eligible, you’ll only have to pay your tuition fees once you start earning above a specific amount.

Further information on student loans and a CSP eligibility checker can be found at Australian Government Study Assist.

International students

2027 annual international student tuition fee: $43,950 AUD

The standard year of study for this course is 100 credit points.

Indicative total tuition fee for international students: $ 43,950 AUD.

This total tuition fee is indicative only. Please visit fees and costs for further information on how this is calculated.

International students are charged the Student Services and Amenities Fee but this fee is incorporated in the annual rate. International students do not have to make any additional SSAF payments.

Domestic scholarships

For information on general scholarships available at the University of Tasmania, please visit the scholarships website.

International scholarships

The University of Tasmania offers a range of scholarships for international students, designed to recognise academic merit and support access to university study.

For many of our international scholarships, you will be automatically assessed when you submit your International Student Application, so no separate scholarship application is required. Some scholarships may require additional application steps. Explore our International Scholarships to learn more about available opportunities and application requirements.

How can we help?

Do you have any questions about choosing a course or applying? Get in touch.