Key details
Duration
Intake
Locations
Entry requirements
View full entry requirementsCredit points required
80Course code
Overview
Are you a high achieving psychology student, want to distinguish yourself from other graduates and pursue a rewarding career as a clinical psychologist or in other professions? If you answered yes, then the Bachelor of Psychological Science (Honours) could be the next step for you. The Honours program is the most common critical steppingstone towards becoming a registered Clinical Psychologist. However, this course also opens the doors to an exciting range of valuable specialised graduate and postgraduate studies, as well as to higher research degrees, such as a PhD.
The Bachelor of Psychological Science Honours is a one-year course that is accredited by the Australian Psychology Accreditation Council (APAC) and recognised by the Australian Psychological Society (APS). This Honours program gives you an opportunity to acquire expertise and skills that are highly valued by employers in human-centred professions. The Honours program will give you access to developing an in-depth understanding of psychological theories and practice, and the opportunity to design, conduct, interpret and communicate research.
The expertise and skills that you can gain in the Honours program will give you access to better understanding yourself, growing and enhancing your well-being, creating healthier and more empowering relationships, adapting to changes in your personal and professional environments, and empowering other people. The knowledge and skills you can acquire in the Honours program are designed to prepare you for careers in a wide range of areas in private and government organisations.
We actively encourage applications from First Nations Australians who have completed an APAC accredited three-year undergraduate sequence in Psychology. We understand that undertaking further study can involve a significant financial challenge, and as such we encourage First Nations applicants who have a passion for and commitment to the study of Psychology to contact the Faculty of Health in relation to accessing financial support.
Professional recognition
This course is accredited by the Australian Psychology Accreditation Council (APAC). During your studies, you can also join the Australian Psychological Society.
Fees
Commonwealth supported places
Commonwealth Supported places are available in this course to students who meet one of the following residency requirements:
(a) be an Australian citizen, who will complete some of your course of study while resident in Australia; or
(b) a New Zealand citizen; or an Australian permanent visa holder; or an eligible former permanent humanitarian visa holder; who studies the entire course while living in Australia.
Further information about fees and charges can be found at Fees and Payments.
International tuition fees
The annual tuition fee for full time study is AUD $30,192.00. This equates to $ $3,774.00 per 10 credit point unit (0.125 EFTSL).
These fees are subject to increases annually, effective at the start of each calendar year.
You can find a list of International fees and payments you can expect to pay as part of your studies in Australia.
CDU offers a number of scholarships to international students to assist with the cost of study.
Why study psychology at CDU?
Gain a deeper understanding of human behaviour and make a positive impact on the lives of other people when you study psychology with us. Becoming a psychologist is only one of many potential careers, with graduates finding a wide variety of roles in government organisations, community services, advertising and marketing, preventative health, and more.
- #1 in Australia for psychology employment outcomes (GUG 2024)
- Choose to study online, on campus, part-time or full-time as it suits you
Why study Psychology at CDU?
Gain a deeper understanding of human behaviour and make a positive impact on the lives of other people when you study psychology with us. Becoming a psychologist is only one of many potential careers, with graduates finding a wide variety of roles in government organisations, community services, advertising and marketing, preventative health, and more.
- #1 in Australia for psychology employment outcomes (GUG 2024)
Why study psychology at CDU?
Gain a deeper understanding of human behaviour and make a positive impact on the lives of other people when you study psychology with us. Becoming a psychologist is only one of many potential careers, with graduates finding a wide variety of roles in government organisations, community services, advertising and marketing, preventative health, and more.
- #1 in Australia for psychology employment outcomes (GUG 2024)
- Choose to study online, on campus, part-time or full-time as it suits you
Why study Psychology at CDU?
Gain a deeper understanding of human behaviour and make a positive impact on the lives of other people when you study psychology with us. Becoming a psychologist is only one of many potential careers, with graduates finding a wide variety of roles in government organisations, community services, advertising and marketing, preventative health, and more.
- #1 in Australia for psychology employment outcomes (GUG 2024)
What will I study?
One half of the honours year (50%) comprises advanced course work. The course work component entails four core units: two units in the first semester and two units in the second semester. Our team of lecturers will share their extensive knowledge in advanced applied research methodology, psychological assessment and interventions, and ethical issues and solutions in research and practice.
Course structure
The other half of your honours course (50%) consists of a research project so you gain expertise and experience in designing, conducting and communication research. You may be able to design and conduct an exciting independent scientific research project or join a project that a staff member is conducting. Staff will guide you through the research process as your supervisors. In the first semester, you will write up a research proposal and present your proposal to staff. In the second semester, you will conduct your project and then write up your project as a research article and present your project at the Honours Research Conference. Some of our students have published their articles in scientific journals.
The honours Program must be completed within a single academic year.
A candidate must successfully complete units totalling 80 credit points as detailed below. All units are valued at 10 credit points unless indicated.
| Unit type | Credit Points | Specific requirements |
| Core Units (6 unit) | 80cp | Compulsory Core unit totalling 80 credit points as detailed below: PSY414 Psychological Assessment |
| 80cp | Total Credit Points |
Course Rules (unless otherwise indicated in the above course structure)
- See the Higher Education Course Rules (Award Requirements) in the Units and Courses Policy.
Study plan
The Recommended Study Plan provided below is suitable for a student commencing in semester 1 and enrolling in a standard load.
Full-time Study Plan
| Legend: | CO = Core Unit |
Entry requirements
Quota
The Bachelor of Psychology Honours is a highly competitive course which has a quota of 20 places each year. This means that although you may meet the minimum entry requirements for the course, you may not be ranked high enough to receive an offer. A separate sub-quota of 4 places is also available for First Nations Australians who have completed an APAC accredited three-year undergraduate sequence in Psychology.
Admission criteria
Successful completion of the following:
- an APAC accredited three-year undergraduate psychology sequence or the CDU Bachelor of Psychological Science degree; and
- a GPA of at least 5.0; and
- credit in units equivalent to PSY247/PSY248 Research Design and Analysis and PSY347/PSY337 Advanced Research Design and Analysis. If you undertook equivalent units at an institution other than CDU, you will be required to attach your unit outlines to your application
Applicants who have completed CDU's WPSYG1 Bachelor of Psychological Science (Graduate Entry) plus a three-year bachelor degree are also eligible for entry.
Alternative assessment provisions are available for First Nations Australians who have completed an APAC accredited three-year undergraduate sequence in Psychology.
Essential requirements
English language requirements
To gain entry into Charles Darwin University, all Higher Education applicants must satisfy the University's English Language Proficiency Requirements for their chosen course of study. International applicants will be required to supply evidence of this at the time of application.
The minimum English language requirement for this course is met by either undertaking previous education in an English-speaking country or undertaking one of the following English language tests and obtaining the minimum requirements listed below.
| CDU English for Academic Purposes 3 (ZEAP30) | Successful completion of EAP003 English for Academic Purposes 3 |
| IELTS Academic Module | A minimum overall score of 6.0 with no band less than 6.0. |
| Cambridge Advanced English (CAE) | A minimum overall score of 169, with no skill below 169. |
| Common European Framework Certificate of English Proficiency | A minimum overall grade of B2. |
| Pearson Test of English (PTE) Academic module | A minimum overall score of 50 with no score lower than 50. |
| TOEFL Internet-based Test (iBT) | A minimum overall score of 60 and a minimum writing score of 21. |
* All tests are valid for two years from the date of the test to the date of commencement at CDU, unless otherwise specified.
* Where applicable, international applicants must also satisfy the Department of Home Affairs (DHA) English language requirements for student visa applications.
Do you have a question regarding English requirements at CDU? Please email: international@cdu.edu.au.
ATAR profile
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CDU has been doing online study for so long they're really good at it. At CDU, everyone, online and on campus, is just a student.
Michelle
CDU student
CDU graduates have the best career and employment prospects. International students have ranked CDU 1st in Australia for learning and living experience
Hema
CDU student
CDU has been doing online study for so long they're really good at it. At CDU, everyone, online and on campus, is just a student.
Michelle
CDU student
CDU graduates have the best career and employment prospects. International students have ranked CDU 1st in Australia for learning and living experience
Hema
CDU student
Course details
Accreditation
This course is accredited by the University in accordance with the Higher Education Standards.
Inherent Requirements
There are inherent requirements for this course. Students must read and understand the requirements for this course.
Australian qualification framework
This course is recognised in the Australian Qualifications Framework at Level 8.
Student profile
There are no statistics available for this course. It may be that the course is new or the profile data is unavailable.
Additional information
Contact details
For further information about the course, enrolment procedures, closing dates and other administrative issues please contact Student Central on:
You make CDU
Together we are a positive force for change in our communities and the world.
You make CDU
Our students choose to study with us because we share the same vision – to make a positive change. Whatever your motivation is, we can guide you in the right direction.
You make CDU
Together we are a positive force for change in our communities and the world.
You make CDU
Our students choose to study with us because we share the same vision – to make a positive change. Whatever your motivation is, we can guide you in the right direction.
How to apply
There are many ways to apply to CDU. The method you use depends on your course type, where you live and whether you are a new or returning student to CDU.
Remember to apply early for your best chance at securing an offer to study with us.
SATAC
SATAC is the application channel for residents of NT, ACT, SA, WA, QLD, VIC, NSW or TAS.
International applications
Applications must be submitted online through our application portal, Studylink. You'll need a valid email address to create your online account. Once you have started your application, you will be able to save it and resume it later. There is no application fee when you apply online.
You may be able to lodge a direct application; however, there may be restrictions on your geographic location. If you cannot submit a direct application via the application portal, please apply through one of our registered agents.
If you do not meet any of the criteria above please visit Pathways to study to view the options available to you.
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