Psychology

Psychology is a broad and intellectually fascinating scientific discipline with a focus on understanding behaviour and experience, particularly in humans. The science of psychology involves a wide range of perspectives and approaches, with psychological research findings having important applications in areas such as health, education, business and commerce, as well as informing us about how human behaviours and motivations relate to a wide range of societal issues.

A fourth year in Psychology accredited by the Australian Psychology Accreditation Council (APAC) is a prerequisite for the further studies in Psychology that are necessary to register as a practicing psychologist. An APAC accredited fourth year in Psychology is also a recommended pathway for students wishing to undertake a higher research degree in Psychology to pursue a career in psychological research.

The Melbourne School of Psychological Sciences offers an innovative fourth year program that has been designed to build on the knowledge and skills attained in the APAC accredited undergraduate Psychology major. The course provides students with flexibility and choice in advanced coursework in the core discipline areas of Psychology, as well as an opportunity to undertake advanced training in the conduct of a significant research project, and to develop foundational knowledge of the ethical principles and assessment and interviewing skills that underpin further professional training as a psychologist.

Entry Requirements:

The minimum requirement to be eligible for selection to the Psychology Honours programme is completion of all the requirements for the Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science and an Australian Psychology Accreditation Council (APAC) accredited major in Psychology with a weighted average of at least 70% (H2B) in second and third-year subjects, or equivalent. In computing the weighted average, the average of the third year Psychology subjects is assigned twice the weight of the average of the second year Psychology subjects.

Meeting these requirements does not guarantee selection.

In ranking applications, the Selection Committee will consider:

• prior academic performance, and
• the availability of supervision and resources in suitable project areas

The Selection Committee may seek further information to clarify any aspect of an application in accordance with the Student Application and Selection Procedure.

Applicants are required to satisfy the university’s English language requirements for postgraduate courses. For those applicants seeking to meet these requirements by one of the standard tests approved by the Academic Board, performance band 6.5 is required.

Please Note: There is no mid-year entry into this course.

The objective of the fourth year program is to help students acquire advanced knowledge, skills in psychology as a pathway to further professional training and/ or research. Graduates of the Psychology Honours program will demonstrate the following learning outcomes:

1. Advanced knowledge of psychological concepts, theories, and research findings: Graduates will demonstrate a depth and breadth of knowledge of the major concepts, theoretical perspectives, empirical findings and historical trends in the core topic areas of Psychology as outlined by the Australian Psychology Accreditation Council.
2. Advanced scientific reasoning, problem-solving and research skills: Graduates will demonstrate advanced skills in critically analysing existing knowledge of a research topic, designing and executing a clearly articulated and theoretically motivated research plan to address a research question, analysing data utilising appropriate research methods and interpreting results coherently to determine their implications. Graduates will also develop advanced knowledge of the range of research methods employed in psychological science and an ability to evaluate and interpret the results of such methods.
3. Advanced knowledge of ethical principles and their application to psychological practice in a diverse world: Graduates will demonstrate a deep understanding of an adherence to the regulations of that govern ethical practice both in psychological research and in professional and clinical settings. They will display professional values that will help them work effectively with people from diverse cultures and backgrounds.
4. Psychological literacy and communication skills: Graduates should be able to articulate cogent scientific explanations of psychological concepts, theories and research findings, and should be able to communicate these ideas effectively to professional and lay audiences in both written and oral formats.
5. Application of Psychological knowledge and skills within a scientist-practitioner framework: Graduates should be able to apply psychological principles to develop effective independent work habits, and the ability to collaborate effectively with people from diverse backgrounds. Graduates will develop foundational knowledge of the skills involved in psychological assessment, including the theoretical bases of the construction, implementation, and interpretation of cognitive and personality assessments. Graduates will also develop foundational skills in interviewing techniques and will understand the basis of these skills as informed by psychological research.

Students undertaking honours in Psychology must complete:

• three compulsory subjects (which include the research project) (75 points); and
• two elective subjects (25 points)

Total 100 points

Compulsory subjects:

Total of 75 points.

Elective subjects:

Students must choose 2 electives.