Program summary

Program title: Bachelor of Social Science (Psychology) (Honours)
Award abbreviation: BSocSc(Psych)(Hons)
QTAC code: Not applicable
OP/Rank for 2011 entry: GPA requirement
Duration: 1 year full-time or 2 years part-time
Commence: Semester 1 only
Recommended prior study: English
Fee type 2011: Commonwealth supported places, visiting non-award domestic places, international fee-paying places
Total units: 96
USC program code: AR403
CRICOS code: 063009C. Only a full-time option is available to international students on a Student Visa.

Highlights

• A pathway to registration as a psychologist
• Opportunity to specialise in an area of vocational interest
• Career opportunities in academia, government or private practice

Continue your social science undergraduate studies at a higher level, specialising in psychology.

In this program you undertake advanced study of core psychological theories and methods, and training in the application and interpretation of commonly used cognitive and personality assessments. Evidence-based approaches to psychological intervention are a focus, and you gain a comprehensive introduction to ethical standards in professional practice and legislation that govern the practice of psychology in Australia. Your studies are supervised by a Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences academic who has relevant research interests and expertise in your field of study. There is a thesis component.

Career opportunities

Registration as a psychologist with probationary conditions, or further postgraduate studies in the area of psychology.

Professional recognition

Graduates may seek registration as a psychologist with probationary conditions with the Psychologists Board of Queensland. Graduates are also eligible to apply for entry to specialist postgraduate training programs in psychology, such as the Master of Psychology (Clinical), or research higher degrees in psychology, such as a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD).

Entry requirements

The entry requirements for admission to the Bachelor of Social Science (Psychology) (Honours) are:

• completion of an Australian Psychology Accreditation Council (APAC)-accredited three-year undergraduate degree in psychology within the last 10 years, and 
• a minimum Grade Point Average (GPA) of 5.0 in all psychology courses taken as part of, or credited toward, the degree

There is a limit on the number of honours places available, and selection will be based on applicants’ undergraduate psychology GPA.

Program structure

Students must successfully complete the following courses, totalling 96 units, in order to be eligible to receive the Bachelor of Social Sciences (Psychology) (Honours):

Coursework component

Dissertation component

Program requirements and notes

Enrolment and fees

• In any semester, standard full-time enrolment comprises 0.500 EFTSL
• In any semester, standard part-time enrolment comprises 0.250 EFTSL. Students enrolling part-time in the award must complete the coursework components before enrolling in the dissertation
• The census date for withdrawal without financial penalty or academic penalty is the Semester 1 or 2 census date
• Commonwealth supported students pay student contributions
• Students who are not Commonwealth supported pay full tuition fees

EFTSL - Equivalent Full-Time Student Load. One year of full-time study equates to 1.000 EFTSL.

Assessment and examination

All coursework is normally graded internally. Assessment work involves a combination of short reports, essays, class presentations, class tests and examinations. A copy of your dissertation will be sent to two independent examiners, one of whom is normally internal and the other of whom is external to the University of the Sunshine Coast.

To be eligible to graduate with a Bachelor of Social Science (Psychology) (Honours), students are required to pass both the coursework and dissertation components of the program.

Other notes

1. Refer related policies, rules, plans and procedures.
2. Refer to explanation of terms.
3. International students need to refer to the English language requirements.
4. Only a full-time study option is available to international students on a Student Visa.

Classes of honours

The degree is awarded in one of the three classes:

• Class 1
• Class 2 (awarded as Division 1 or Division 2)
• Class 3

The class of honours awarded may not be more than one grade higher than the grade for the thesis. For example, if you receive a ‘Credit’ grade for your thesis, you may not be awarded the honours degree at a higher level than Class 2 Division 1, regardless of the average mark.

Enquiries

How to apply

Program Leader
Dr Geoff Lovell
Tel: +61 7 5456 5100
Email: GLovell@usc.edu.au

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