• Program summary
• Program overview
• Accreditation
• Career opportunities
• Special features
• Entry requirements
• Program structure
• Program requirements and notes
• Enquiries

Program summary

Award abbreviation: BSocSc(Psych)(Hons)
Duration: 1 year full-time or 2 years part-time
Mode of study: on campus
Fee type 2009: Commonwealth supported places, visiting non-award domestic places, international fee-paying places
Program code: AR403
Commence: Semester 1
CRICOS code: 063009C

Program overview

The Bachelor of Social Science (Psychology) (Honours) offers:

• advanced study of core psychological theories and methods 
• training in the application and interpretation of commonly used cognitive and personality assessments, and in evidence-based approaches to psychological intervention 
• a comprehensive introduction to ethical standards in professional practice, and to legislation that governs the practice of psychology in Australia 
• completion of a research dissertation in a specific area of interest

By undertaking a substantial research project under supervision, you will demonstrate your competence and independence in psychological research. You will submit your report in the form of an honours dissertation that meets the standards normally expected of research at the honours level.

Accreditation

On successful completion of this program, graduates can 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).

Career opportunities

On completion of this program, you can seek registration as a psychologist with probationary conditions, or undertake further postgraduate studies in the area of psychology.

If you are seeking other employment in the social science field, some government departments and large corporations may give preference in their undergraduate recruitment to honours graduates. In many cases, honours graduates may be appointed at a higher salary level.

Special features

• pathway to registration as a psychologist
• opportunity to specialise in an area of vocational interest, and to consolidate research skills 
• provides a springboard to further postgraduate study

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

PSY400 Advanced Statistics in Psychology
PSY401 Advanced Theoretical Issues in Psychology
PSY402 Professional Practice of Psychology
PSY403 Ethical and Professional Issues in Psychology

Dissertation component

PSY404 Research Dissertation A (24 units)
PSY405 Research Dissertation B (24 units)

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 to the Academic Rules.
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.

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

Professor Graham Davidson
School of Social Sciences
Tel: +61 7 5459 4481
Email: GDavidso@usc.edu.au

Back to top