Bachelor of Psychological Science with Honours (M4Y)

Overview  2024

Entry Requirements

See entry requirements

Duration

Minimum 1 Year, up to a maximum of 3 Years

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

Entry Requirements

See entry requirements

Duration

Minimum 1 Year, up to a maximum of 3 Years

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.

Entry requirements

Location

Hobart
Semester 1
Launceston
Semester 1

"The training that I received at UTAS has an impact on almost everything I do in the work place and allows me to be a true professional in my field."

Hear more of Rosalind's story

Dr Rosalind Woodworth, Dr Rosalind Woodworth, psychology graduate
The Bachelor of Psychological Science with Honours, BPsychSc(Hons) is an Australian Psychology Accreditation Council (APAC) accredited fourth year program in Psychology. Students must have first graduated with an APAC accredited undergraduate degree in Psychology.

The BPsychSc(Hons) program provides training in research, advanced theoretical topics and an introduction to professional training. It is the pathway to postgraduate training and research for BPsychSc (or equivalent) graduates.

The BPsychSc(Hons) is normally undertaken by full-time study. Part-time enrolments require prospective approval from the School of Psychological Sciences.

The main objectives of the fourth year psychology program are to provide for the completion of an integrated and comprehensive education in the discipline of psychology, to permit advanced level study in a range of areas, and to develop competence in conducting research. It seeks to provide academic preparation of students in the scientist/practitioner model and equip graduates with the knowledge and skills required for roles as provisionally registered psychologists and as a basis for further postgraduate study in professional training programs or in research.

  • 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.
  • The University of Tasmania is integrated into all areas of industry locally, nationally and internationally be it through research or work placement programs. Talk to your course coordinator about finding an opportunity to take part in a work experience, placement, or extracurricular activities during your degree.

    Career outcomes

    There are many career pathways available for students who have completed an Honours degree in psychology, including:

    • Research (e.g. PhD, research assistant)
    • Human Resource Management
    • Marketing and market research
    • Employment and training services
    • Teaching
    • Community health and welfare
    • Health services support (e.g. drug and alcohol, cancer, disability, rehabilitation)
    • Probation and parole services
    • Aged, family and child services
    • Policy and panning
    • Counselling

    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.

    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. 
     

    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.

    N.B. Students will also be enrolled in XSB400 Honours (0 points) in their final semester.

    This unit revises and expands on the research design and statistical analyses covered in the undergraduate Psychology program and covers the ethics requirements for conducting and reporting research. It reviews the statistical methods introduced in undergraduate units, then introduces more…

    Credit Points: 12.5

    LocationStudy periodAttendance optionsAvailable to
    HobartSemester 1
    LauncestonSemester 1

    Key: On-campus    Off-Campus    International students    Domestic students

    This unit explores the complexity of psychological concepts and role of theory in a range of core and contemporary fields of psychology, as well as controversial theoretical and ‘real world’ issues. Particular focus is placed on exploring concepts which can…

    Credit Points: 12.5

    LocationStudy periodAttendance optionsAvailable to
    HobartSemester 1
    LauncestonSemester 1

    Key: On-campus    Off-Campus    International students    Domestic students

    A major aim of this unit is to extend students’ theoretical understanding of assessment issues, assessment practice and reporting. The unit will provide supervised practical experience in the administration and interpretation of IQ and other tests commonly used by practising…

    Credit Points: 12.5

    LocationStudy periodAttendance optionsAvailable to
    HobartSemester 2
    LauncestonSemester 2

    Key: On-campus    Off-Campus    International students    Domestic students

    This unit (concurrently with KHA458) involves developing, conducting, and reporting a substantial independent study of a psychological nature. There are three major components to the research project. First, under the guidance of your supervisor, you will review the relevant research…

    Credit Points: 25

    LocationStudy periodAttendance optionsAvailable to
    HobartSemester 1
    HobartSemester 2
    LauncestonSemester 1
    LauncestonSemester 2

    Key: On-campus    Off-Campus    International students    Domestic students

    This unit (concurrently with KHA457) involves developing, conducting, and reporting a substantial independent study of a psychological nature. There are three major components to the research project. First, under the guidance of your supervisor, you will review the relevant research…

    Credit Points: 25

    LocationStudy periodAttendance optionsAvailable to
    HobartSemester 1
    HobartSemester 2
    LauncestonSemester 1
    LauncestonSemester 2

    Key: On-campus    Off-Campus    International students    Domestic students

    In this unit, students will develop pre-professional competencies in psychology as well as gain further understanding of the professional practice roles psychologists and psychological scientists undertake across a broad range of employment settings. Students will learn about the theory and…

    Credit Points: 12.5

    LocationStudy periodAttendance optionsAvailable to
    HobartSemester 2
    LauncestonSemester 2

    Key: On-campus    Off-Campus    International students    Domestic students

    Administrative unit to be used for recording Honours grades and marks…

    Credit Points: 0

    LocationStudy periodAttendance optionsAvailable to
    HobartSemester 1
    HobartSemester 2
    HobartSummer school
    LauncestonSemester 1
    LauncestonSemester 2
    LauncestonSummer school (early)

    Key: On-campus    Off-Campus    International students    Domestic students

    Entry requirements

    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 three-year 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 would normally be expected to obtain at least a Distinction average in the 200 and 300 level units in the Psychology major.

    For further information regarding applying for the Psychology Honours Program please refer to the Psychology Honours FAQs 2023 (PDF 199KB) 

     

    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
    For students who do not meet the English Language Requirement through citizenship, 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 three-year 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 a 3-year APAC-accredited program:

    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 the Psychology major.

    For further information regarding applying for the Psychology Honours Program please refer to the Psychology Honours FAQs 2023 (PDF 199KB).

    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

    Options for this course

    Cost shouldn’t get in the way of you studying.

    If you’re a domestic student, you may be eligible for a Commonwealth Supported Place in this course. 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.

    You may also 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 is available at Scholarships, fees and costs.

    Student contribution

    Student contribution amounts are charged for each unit of study. This means that how much you’ll pay will depend on which units you choose. Find out more about student contribution amounts.

    Further information

    Detailed fee information for domestic students is available at Scholarships, fees and costs, including additional information in relation to the compulsory Student Services and Amenities Fee (SSAF).

    International students

    2024 Total Course Fee (international students): $37,950 AUD*.

    Course cost based on a rate of $37,950 AUD per standard, full-time year of study (100 credit points).

    * Please note that this is an indicative fee only.

    International students

    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.

    Scholarships

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

    How can we help?

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

    Domestic
    13 8827 (13 UTAS)
    International
    +61 3 6226 6200
    Email
    Course.Info@utas.edu.au
    Online
    Online enquiries

    Next steps