Psychology student speaking to someone with back of head to camera

Course snapshot

Domestic snapshot

  • Start Date

    March

  • Duration

    1 year full-time; 2 years part-time

  • Location

    Coffs Harbour, Gold Coast, Online

  • Placement

    No  

  • Course abbreviation

    BPsycSc(Hons)

  • Course code

    3507245

  • Credit points

    96

  • Equivalent units

    8

  • Scholarships

  • Indicative fee

Please note, some locations may not have all intake periods available. See the full availability details for further information.

International snapshot

  • Start Date

    March

  • Duration

    1 year full-time

  • Location

    Coffs Harbour, Gold Coast

  • Placement

    No  

Please note, some locations may not have all intake periods available. See the full availability details for further information.

Overview

Notice: Applications for this course will close on the 8 November 2024. Please note: Offers will be made according to academic merit and supervisory resources.

The one-year Bachelor of Psychological Science with Honours adds to the skills and knowledge acquired during the Bachelor degree, and moves students closer to a career as a registered psychologist.

You will explore pre-professional skills in psychology, such as interview and counselling skills, culturally responsive and ethical practice in psychology, basic assessment strategies in psychology and psychometric theory, and how to appraise evidence-based psychology interventions across different settings.

With the guidance and support of our academics, you will conduct a research project in psychology and grow your understanding of research methodologies and data analysis.

Psychology honours completed after a three-year accredited sequence of study in psychology is the minimum qualification required to apply for the fifth year of accredited study. This is part of the 5+1 pathway for provisional registration as a psychologist in Australia. It is also required training to apply for Clinical Masters programs and can qualify graduates for entry into postgraduate research programs such as a PhD.

Please see further information about Honours, including the Honours Handbook, supervisors and scholarship information.

Student sitting at computer

"My Honours research found that there was no difference in the acceptance of doctors or nurses (male or female) with or without tattoos, which is very exciting. It feels good to be able to publish such a positive outcome."

The Southern Cross Model is a game-changer in higher education study.

Our students now engage in shorter, six-week unit structures designed around immersive and interactive learning experiences. The shorter unit structure gives students a greater sense of momentum as they achieve milestones quickly, resulting in increased student success rates, and course and teacher satisfaction. Lectures are a thing of the past - students will be engaged in active, interactive and discussion-based learning.

On-campus students experience a variety of teaching approaches including lectures, tutorials, online activities and video-linked or podcast virtual classes.

Our online study option is highly interactive and may include a combination of podcast or video-linked lectures, electronic study materials, workshops, online discussion forums and virtual classes.

The method of teaching and assessment may vary from unit to unit.

Learn more

Course Learning Outcomes express learning achievement in terms of what a student should know, understand and be able to do on completion of a course. These outcomes are aligned with the graduate attributes (GA).

Course Learning Outcome

GA1: Intellectual rigour

Critically analyse and integrate theoretical principles and practices in psychology using scientific approaches and independent scholarly inquiry to generate and defend creative solutions to complex problems.

GA2: Creativity

Evaluate and interpret complex information in psychology in a reflexive manner appropriate to a range of socially and culturally diverse people including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

GA3: Ethical practice

Evaluate and apply values and ethics in psychology necessary for professional conduct across a range of contexts.

GA4: Knowledge of a discipline

Explain and demonstrate basic psychological assessment strategies and examine some of the more widely used standardised psychological test instruments and intervention strategies appropriate for applied psychology practice.

GA5: Lifelong learning

Design, investigate and report on a substantive research question relevant to the discipline of psychology with intellectual independence while implementing principles of respect, propriety and integrity.

GA6: Communication and social skills

Explore and apply professional communication and interview skills in situations appropriate to psychological practice and research.

GA7: Cultural competence

Evaluate and interpret complex information in psychology in a reflexive manner appropriate to a range of socially and culturally diverse people including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

The one-year Bachelor of Psychological Science with Honours allows students to focus on a research project in psychology with the support of specialist academics.

Location Teaching period
Coffs HarbourTerm  1
Gold CoastTerm  1
OnlineTerm  1
Location Teaching period Annual Fees CRICOS
Coffs HarbourTerm  1$25,000 ($3,125 per unit)071465A
Gold CoastTerm  1$25,000 ($3,125 per unit)071465A

Tuition fees are in Australian dollars, and are subject to change, including annual increases over the duration of a course. Annual tuition fee is based on completing 8 units per year. In addition students are required to pay OSHC for the duration of their visa in advance. Non-tuition fee covers textbooks, stationery and excursions.

Career Outcomes

Graduates are highly suitable for employment within various government departments, particularly those connected with health, social and disability services, youth service, corrective services, the armed services, research agencies and education. Graduates might also find employment in the private sector in management, human resources and specialised consultancy services.

The course has Australian Psychology Accreditation Council (APAC) accreditation for entrance into postgraduate training.

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, our team will work with you to find the best pathway option.

Before applying, make sure you double check all entry requirements, gather required documentation and review the University’s Rules Relating to Awards, noting any specifics listed below.

Entry requirements

Rules concerning admission to Bachelors Degrees with Honours (where Honours is taken as a separate year) can be found under Rule 2, Section 3, Part B in the University’s Rules Relating to Awards.

  1. must have completed an APAC accredited AQF Level 7 degree, including the 3-year sequence in Psychology stipulated in the APAC Rules and Standards (2019), with a GPA not less than 5.0 (a credit average) across the degree, or
  2. must have completed an APAC accredited postgraduate qualification (e.g. Graduate Diploma in Psychology) providing the APAC 3-year psychology sequence for holders of an AQF Level 7 degree, with a GPA of not less than 5.0 (a credit average).

These qualifications must have been completed within the last 10 years unless approved by the Course Coordinator.

Offers will be made according to academic merit and supervisory resources.

Applicants with international qualifications need to have their qualifications assessed by the Australian Psychological Society (APS).

In order to register with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA), standards for English language must be met. See https://www.ahpra.gov.au/Registration/Registration-Standards/English-language-skills.aspx for further information.

Language requirements

English language requirements apply to International applicants and other applicants whose previous study was undertaken in a language other than English. The minimum English language requirements for such applicants for entry to this course are as follows

CategoryScore
Overall6.0
Listeningminimum 5.5
Readingminimum 5.5
Speakingminimum 5.5
Writingminimum 5.5

Course requirements

To be eligible to receive the Bachelor of Psychology (Honours) students must complete the equivalent of 8 units (96 credit points), comprising all core units.

Class of Honours

This degree may be awarded in the following classes:
1. First Class;
2. Second Class (Division 1);
3. Second Class (Division 2); or
4. Third Class.

Inherent Requirements

Inherent Requirements apply to this course as defined on the Student Equity and Inclusion website. Students who have a disability or health condition which may impact on their ability to meet these requirements are encouraged to visit the Student Equity and Inclusion website for further information and contact details.

Other things to consider

Credit for Prior Learning, also referred to as ‘Advanced Standing’ or Recognition for Prior Learning (RPL), is the process of looking at your prior study and/or experience to assess if you can be awarded academic credit or gain entry to a course on the basis of your existing knowledge and skills.

Learn more


Course structure

Your course progression is in the recommended order you should complete your course in. It is important that you follow this to ensure you meet the course requirements. For further assistance see How to Enrol in Units using My Enrolment.

Students should use course progression information to select units specific to their course and enrol in these units using My Enrolment.

Current Students should select their units by checking the Handbook for the year of their enrolment as these may be different.

View Student Handbook

Unit CodeUnit TitleAvailableCredit pointsNotes

Complete units in the following order to satisfy the Requirements of the Award

PSYC4001Psychology Seminars
Term1
12
LocationDomesticInternational
Coffs Harbour
Term1
Term1
Gold Coast
Term1
Term1
Online
Term1
N/A
PSYC4003Psychology Honours Thesis I
Dual Term2
24 Note 1
LocationDomesticInternational
Coffs Harbour
Dual Term2
Dual Term2
Gold Coast
Dual Term2
Dual Term2
Online
Dual Term2
N/A
STAT4002Advanced Psychological Data Analysis
Term2
12
LocationDomesticInternational
Coffs Harbour
Term2
Term2
Gold Coast
Term2
Term2
Online
Term2
N/A
PSYC4002Advanced Topics in Professional Psychology
Term3
12
LocationDomesticInternational
Coffs Harbour
Term3
Term3
Gold Coast
Term3
Term3
Online
Term3
N/A
PSYC4004Psychology Honours Thesis II
Dual Term3
24 Note 1
LocationDomesticInternational
Coffs Harbour
Dual Term3
Dual Term3
Gold Coast
Dual Term3
Dual Term3
Online
Dual Term3
N/A
Pre-requisitesPSYC4003 - Psychology Honours Thesis I
PSYC4005Psychological Assessment and Intervention Across Settings: Practice, Research and Evaluation
Term4
12
LocationDomesticInternational
Online
Term4
Term4


Note 1:

Double-weighted unit

Unit CodeUnit TitleNotes
PSYC4001Psychology Seminars
STAT4002Advanced Psychological Data Analysis
PSYC4003Psychology Honours Thesis I Note 1
PSYC4002Advanced Topics in Professional Psychology
PSYC4005Psychological Assessment and Intervention Across Settings: Practice, Research and Evaluation
PSYC4004Psychology Honours Thesis II Note 1

Why Health at SCU

One of the best clinical lab facilities in Australia

Health Clinics on-campus provide safe and supervised environments for practicums

5-star health ratings

We are 5-star rated in psychology, nursing and health services and support

(GUG 2023)

Graduates in very high demand

Health graduates in very high demand as Health Care and Social Assistance is Australia's largest and fastest growing industry

Fees and Scholarships

Domestic students

You are a domestic student if you are an Australian citizen or permanent resident, New Zealand citizen, or Australian humanitarian visa holder. Your course will either be a Commonwealth Supported Place or a full fee-paying place. This is noted in the course snapshot.

Commonwealth Supported Places:

In a Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP), the Government pays some of your fees and you pay the rest as the Student Contribution Amount (SCA).

SCA is calculated per unit, not per course. Eligible students can defer the SCA through a HECS-HELP loan.

Full Fee-Paying Places:

A full fee-paying place is where you pay the full (unsubsidised) tuition fee for your course. Eligible students can defer the payment of their tuition fees through the FEE-HELP scheme (including employer-reserved places for The Hotel School courses).

Also known as SSAF, the Student Services and Amenities Fee is a compulsory fee for most students used to provide important services and amenities to students both on and off campus. It’s charged per unit, based on the unit’s credit point value. Eligible domestic students have the option of deferring this fee through the SA-HELP loan scheme. More about SSAF

Depending on your course, your costs could also include computer equipment and software, books, stationery, field trips, uniforms or other course-specific expenses such as art materials, musical equipment or travel for practicums, internships, vaccinations or industry experience.

Scholarships vary in amount, from a few hundred to several thousand dollars each year. Eligibility isn't limited to top-performing students or those facing financial challenges; there are opportunities for individuals from diverse backgrounds and with different accomplishments. This ensures that education remains accessible to all, changing lives and helping individuals achieve their goals for a brighter future.

More about scholarships

Further fee information

Fees and Scholarships

International Students

If you're an international student, you can find the annual course cost in Australian dollars (AUD$) on our International Courses and Fees page or on the web page for your course under fees.

Also known as SSAF, the Student Services and Amenities Fee is a compulsory fee for most students used to provide important services and amenities to students both on and off campus. It’s charged per unit, based on the unit’s credit point value. Eligible domestic students have the option of deferring this fee through the SA-HELP loan scheme. More about SSAF

Depending on your course, your costs could also include computer equipment and software, books, stationery, field trips, uniforms or other course-specific expenses such as art materials, musical equipment or travel for practicums, internships, vaccinations or industry experience.

Southern Cross University offers a range of scholarships designed to support you while you study, available for a variety of backgrounds and achievements. Scholarships range from a few hundred dollars a year to several thousand dollars a year. Southern Cross has also introduced Access25, a new initiative for 2025 to deliver a quality education combined with a straightforward tuition model, ensuring every international student has equal access.

More about scholarships

Further fee information

Apply now

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  1. Check requirements
  2. Get supporting documents ready
  3. Choose where and when from the available options

Click the Apply button to start your application in our Application Portal.

Choose where you want to study

Coffs Harbour

Gold Coast

Online

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International students studying in Australia

Coffs Harbour

Gold Coast

Notice: Applications for 2025 for this course have now closed.

Notice: Applications for 2025 for this course have now closed.

Dates for the diary

Our shorter, more focused six-week unit structure gives students a greater sense of momentum and motivation as they achieve milestones quickly. Application dates per Term are shown on each course page however refer to our key dates and teaching calendar for detail on when enrolment opens, studies commence and when grades are published. There are also Dual Term and Tri Term calendars for those who have specific subjects.

See key dates

Credit Transfer

Get a head start on your degree. Find out if you’re eligible for credit from previous studies.

Go to credit assessor

Entry Pathway

We believe in equal access to further education, so we offer a range of pathways to university.

Find a pathway