Bachelor of Psychological Science (Honours)
Overview
Study the Bachelor of Psychological Science (Honours) to become eligible for provisional registration as a psychologist in Australia.
The Bachelor of Psychological Science (Honours) is designed for graduates who wish to complete an accredited fourth year in psychology to become eligible for provisional registration as a psychologist within Australia. Eligibility for entry to this course requires successful completion of an accredited three-year course in psychology within the past 10 years, which includes foundational competencies (as specified by the Australian Psychology Accreditation Council (APAC)) and successful completion of year 3 advanced research methods and statistics.
In the Bachelor of Psychological Science (Honours), you will successfully complete 48 units of credit to satisfy the requirements of the award. You will be introduced to applied and professional uses of psychology as well as professional ethics and an appreciation of the social and cultural contexts of psychological research and professional practice. You will also undertake advanced research training and have the opportunity to conduct your own original piece of research that may lead to publication in a professional journal. Successful completion of this course will fulfil the pre-professional competencies and standards of a Psychology Honours degree as specified by the Australian Psychology Accreditation Council (APAC).
Residential schools
You will be required to attend a compulsory residential school during your course. If studying these units during Term 1, the residential school will generally be held at CQU Rockhampton. If completing these units during Term 2, the residential school will generally be held at CQU Adelaide. Final details of residential school scheduling will be released to students closer to the residential school.
Study Experience
- Authentic Learning Experiences
- Experienced Teaching Team
- Industry Accredited
- Residential Schools
- Seamless Pathways
Career Opportunities
Successful completion of the Bachelor of Psychological Science (Honours) qualifies you to apply for provisional registration with the Psychology Board of Australia and allows you to work across a wide and diverse range of areas including:
- child safety officer
- clinical work
- counselling
- neuropsychology
- child development
- education
- forensic
- health
- organisational and sports psychology
- school guidance officer
- teaching and research.
Structure & Availability
The course structure and available locations can change depending on when you want to study. You can choose the intake that best suits you in the drop-down menu below.
Available Locations
Your Course
You must complete six units (48 credits):
- 1The core structure (6 units)
Unit Details
The units you'll study are listed below. Click on a unit to learn more.
Course Planner
To help you plan your studies and see which unit comes first, if one unit should be completed before another and when you will study each unit, check out our course planners.
Additional Information
Professional Practice - Australian Psychology Accreditation Council (APAC)
Core
The CQUniversity Bachelor of Psychological Science (Honours) is accredited by the Australian Psychology Accreditation Council (APAC) and as such, successful completion of this course will mean that you are eligible to apply for provisional registration as a psychologist. Provisionally registered psychologists are required to undertake a relevant postgraduate course, such as the CQUniversity Master of Professional Psychology or Master of Clinical Psychology to be eligible for professional accreditation as a registered psychologist. As a registered psychologist the opportunity exists to gain employment in a wide range of fields such as clinical psychology, counselling, clinical neuropsychology, educational, forensic, health, organisational and sports psychology, as well as teaching and research (which do not require professional registration).
As part of this course, you'll be required to attend a four-day compulsory residential school. This residential school ensures you complete the face-to-face components required as part of the course's accreditation and provides opportunities for you to network with your teaching team and peers.
The residential school is required for two units: PSYC14053 Pre-Professional Practice in Psychology and PSYC14051 Research Project A.
Term 1, 2025 Residential School*
If you commence this course in Term 1, 2025, your residential school will be held at CQUniversity Rockhampton in Week 3 of Term 1 from Tuesday to Friday*. A schedule of sessions will be provided closer to the residential school, but generally, classes are 9 am – 5 pm, with some evening networking events also offered. On Friday, there may be an earlier conclusion to allow for travel, which will be confirmed closer to the start of term.
If you are enrolled full-time in PSYC14053 Pre-Professional Practice in Psychology and PSYC14051 Research Project A, you must attend the entire four-day residential school.
Studying part-time? If you're enrolled in PSYC14053 Pre-Professional Practice in Psychology but not enrolled in the PSYC14051 Research Project A in Term 1, 2025, you can attend the full four-day residential school or just attend the residential school component for the unit you are enrolled in (PSYC14053). Staying for the full-duration means you'll gain all the information about the Research project as early as possible.
*This information is provided as a guide only – before booking any travel (if required) make sure you check the confirmed residential school details when you enrol in the relevant units, as times, dates, and details can change.
Term 2 Residential School
If you commence this course in Term 2, you'll typically complete the residential school requirement outlined above in Adelaide. A schedule of sessions will be provided closer to the start of the term.
If you have completed prior study relevant to units within this course, you may be eligible for credit for your past studies. Learn more about credit and recognition of prior learning.
Requirements
To Be Eligible
For your application to be considered, you must meet the following entry requirements.
Student and Course Profiles
View the student and course profiles for this course and learn about CQU's Undergraduate Profile for Term 1, 2024 via our Institute Profile.
During Your Study
While not needed to apply, you'll need to meet the following requirements throughout your studies.
Fees & Scholarships
Indicative First-Year Fee
The Indicative First-Year Fee is the approximate cost of enrolling for one full-time academic year for a Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP) and should be used as a guide only. For this course, this means six units studied over two terms. Your actual fees may vary depending on the units you select to study and your study load. Check the cost-per-unit spreadsheet available on our fees webpage for the approved unit fees. Fees are reviewed each year and are subject to change. Understanding your fees.
Commonwealth Supported Places
This course has Commonwealth Supported Places (CSPs) available, and as a domestic student, you'll be offered a CSP, provided you meet CSP eligibility requirements. CSPs are subsidised by the Australian Government, meaning you are only required to pay the student contribution rather than full tuition fees.
HECS-HELP Loan
You may be eligible for a HECS-HELP government loan if you are offered a CSP. HECS-HELP is an Australian Government loan scheme that assists you in paying your student contributions. Provided you meet the HECS-HELP eligibility criteria, you may use HECS-HELP to defer part or all of your student contribution fees.
Part of your course costs will include Student Services and Amenities Fees (SSAF). SSAF is charged in addition to your student contribution or tuition fees and is used to help enhance your study experience. There may also be other costs as part of your studies, such as textbooks, technology expenses, travel expenses, professional certifications, uniforms, or vaccinations. Explore other study costs.
We believe a quality education can be for everyone – regardless of background, location, or life circumstances. That's why we offer a variety of scholarships and bursaries that can give you a helping hand with a range of expenses and enhance your employability.
How to Apply
How to Apply
Check what you need to do to apply to study this course.
Your Application Options
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Extra Admission Information
Learn about the assessment of applications and everything you need to know about receiving and accepting an offer to study with CQU.
